Peter Lake Books

The book offers a comprehensive scholarly analysis of the debates between Presbyterians and conformists during the Elizabethan and Jacobean eras, focusing on church governance. It delves into the historical context and the complexities of these theological discussions, providing insights into the differing perspectives and their implications for the church's structure. Originally published in 1988, it serves as a foundational text for understanding this critical period in religious history.

Laudianism intertwines Christian practice with political ideology, rooted in a revival of theological principles and ecclesiastical ambitions. Peter Lake explores its emphasis on the "beauty of holiness" as a strategy to rejuvenate both church and state, reacting against puritanism and the political turmoil of the 1620s. This movement not only contributed to the outbreak of the English Civil War due to its controversial nature but also shaped enduring visions of the national church, influencing the ongoing definition of Anglicanism.

Originally published in 1988, this was the first full and scholarly account of the formal Elizabethan and Jacobean debates between Presbyterians and conformists concerning the government of the church.