The Sovereignty of Reason

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The book explores the rise of reason as the dominant standard of truth in seventeenth-century England, detailing its conflict with Scripture, inspiration, and apostolic tradition. Frederick Beiser highlights that the primary opposition to reason came from the Protestant theology of the Church of England, rather than dissident groups. He argues that this shift was driven by a new theology that challenged traditional Protestant views on salvation and faith. The early rationalists, despite their limitations, crafted a moral and pragmatic defense of reason that remains relevant today.