The Seventeenth-Century Dissenting Experience

Church Life: Pastors, Congregations, and the Experience of Dissent in Seventeenth-Century England explores various facets of religious dissent during a transformative period in English history. The chapters investigate the lived experiences of both ministers and their congregations, examining topics such as church governance among different dissenting groups like Congregationalists and Baptists, the challenges faced by Presbyterian pastors navigating the Restoration, and the dynamics within dissenting communities, including issues of membership and discipline. The text also considers the evolving understanding of religious freedom, the role of print culture in shaping religious identities, and the contrasting approaches to pastoral care within different religious traditions. Ultimately, these sources offer a rich and nuanced picture of the complexities of nonconformist religious life in seventeenth-century England, moving beyond simplistic narratives of persecution.

Welcome to a podcast journey into the heart of seventeenth-century English Dissent, inspired by the groundbreaking work 'Church Life: Pastors, Congregations, and the Experience of Dissent.' Join us as we delve into the rich tapestry of religious life beyond the Church of England, examining the distinct practices and beliefs of early Baptists, Congregationalists, and Presbyterians. We'll explore how their understanding of 'church' as a 'gathering of the faithful', a 'congregation' (ekklesia), and a voluntary association shaped their experiences. Through discussions rooted in the book's sources, including manuscript church books, ministerial diaries, and printed works, we'll bring to life the stories of both prominent figures and the 'anonymous women and men' who comprised these vibrant dissenting communities. Discover the challenges they faced, from negotiating 'church/life' balance to navigating issues of religious toleration and pastoral leadership.

'Church Life and Dissent' offers an insightful exploration of religious Nonconformity in seventeenth-century England, drawing on the scholarship of 'Church Life: Pastors, Congregations, and the Experience of Dissent.' Each episode examines key themes such as the differing interpretations of 'church' among Dissenting groups and their impact on worship and community, the dynamics between pastors and their congregations, and the everyday 'experience of Dissent' as revealed in historical records like church books. We'll uncover how Baptists, Congregationalists, and Presbyterians forged distinct identities and practices outside the established Church, navigating issues from church governance and discipline to the broader social and political landscape of the English Revolution and Restoration. Join us to understand the complexities of 'lived religion' in a pivotal era of English history.