The English Sabbath

This book delves into the historical roots of sabbatarianism and its significance during the Civil War, challenging established narratives.

In The English Sabbath, Dr. Parker meticulously explores the historical roots of sabbatarianism, tracing its origins back to medieval scholastic theology. The author highlights a significant consensus on this theological issue within the Elizabethan and Jacobean Church, illustrating how it was perceived during that era. However, the landscape shifted dramatically in the 1630s when Laudian propaganda began to polarize public opinion, framing sabbatarianism as a critical issue among Puritans during the tumultuous times of the Civil War.

The book challenges the prevailing notion that sabbatarianism is merely a product of Puritan innovation from the late 16th century. Dr. Parker argues that this doctrine was rooted in a long-standing tradition, supported by a wealth of local, ecclesiastical, and parliamentary evidence. By re-evaluating the Book of Sports controversies and the sabbatarian disputes of the 1630s, the author reveals how Laudian critics sought to undermine the established beliefs, branding their opponents as innovators and thereby intensifying the conflict.

The English Sabbath stands as a significant contribution to the ongoing reassessment of Tudor and Stuart religious history. It provides valuable insights into the complex origins of the Civil War, illustrating how theological debates shaped the political landscape of the time. This thorough examination of sabbatarianism offers readers a deeper understanding of its place in the broader context of English religious thought.