Of the Laws of Ecclesiastical Polity, Book 1 cover art

Of the Laws of Ecclesiastical Polity, Book 1

Of the Laws of Ecclesiastical Polity, Book 1

Written by: Richard Hooker
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 In his profound exploration of the English Church, Richard Hooker embarks on a quest to uncover the foundations of Church laws and governance. His seminal work, The Laws of Ecclesiastical Polity, emerges as a formidable response to the Puritan belief that all matters of religious worship, discipline, and governance are dictated solely by Holy Scripture. Hooker challenges this notion, asserting that understanding the Divine order requires not just the written word of God, but also an examination of moral relationships, historical contexts, and societal institutions. He emphasizes the essential role of human reason in interpreting the Bible, distinguishing between what is immutable and what is subject to change, and separating the timeless from the transient. Hookers aim is to resolve the pressing controversies surrounding religion and governance, guiding hearts to follow the light of reasoned judgment, free from prejudice and passion. - Summary by Vernon StaleyCopyright Religious Texts and Commentary
Episodes
  • 016 - A Conclusion shewing how all this belongeth to the cause in question

    016 - A Conclusion shewing how all this belongeth to the cause in question
    Feb 11 2026
    In his profound exploration of the English Church, Richard Hooker embarks on a quest to uncover the foundations of Church laws and governance. His seminal work, The Laws of Ecclesiastical Polity, emerges as a formidable response to the Puritan belief that all matters of religious worship, discipline, and governance are dictated solely by Holy Scripture. Hooker challenges this notion, asserting that understanding the Divine order requires not just the written word of God, but also an examination of moral relationships, historical contexts, and societal institutions. He emphasizes the essential role of human reason in interpreting the Bible, distinguishing between what is immutable and what is subject to change, and separating the timeless from the transient. Hookers aim is to resolve the pressing controversies surrounding religion and governance, guiding hearts to follow the light of reasoned judgment, free from prejudice and passion. - Summary by Vernon Staley
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    16 mins
  • 015 - Of Laws positive contained in Scripture the mutability of certain of them and the general use of Scr

    015 - Of Laws positive contained in Scripture the mutability of certain of them and the general use of Scr
    Feb 11 2026
    In his profound exploration of the English Church, Richard Hooker embarks on a quest to uncover the foundations of Church laws and governance. His seminal work, The Laws of Ecclesiastical Polity, emerges as a formidable response to the Puritan belief that all matters of religious worship, discipline, and governance are dictated solely by Holy Scripture. Hooker challenges this notion, asserting that understanding the Divine order requires not just the written word of God, but also an examination of moral relationships, historical contexts, and societal institutions. He emphasizes the essential role of human reason in interpreting the Bible, distinguishing between what is immutable and what is subject to change, and separating the timeless from the transient. Hookers aim is to resolve the pressing controversies surrounding religion and governance, guiding hearts to follow the light of reasoned judgment, free from prejudice and passion. - Summary by Vernon Staley
    Show More Show Less
    9 mins
  • 014 - The sufficiency of Scripture unto the end for which it was instituted

    014 - The sufficiency of Scripture unto the end for which it was instituted
    Feb 11 2026
    In his profound exploration of the English Church, Richard Hooker embarks on a quest to uncover the foundations of Church laws and governance. His seminal work, The Laws of Ecclesiastical Polity, emerges as a formidable response to the Puritan belief that all matters of religious worship, discipline, and governance are dictated solely by Holy Scripture. Hooker challenges this notion, asserting that understanding the Divine order requires not just the written word of God, but also an examination of moral relationships, historical contexts, and societal institutions. He emphasizes the essential role of human reason in interpreting the Bible, distinguishing between what is immutable and what is subject to change, and separating the timeless from the transient. Hookers aim is to resolve the pressing controversies surrounding religion and governance, guiding hearts to follow the light of reasoned judgment, free from prejudice and passion. - Summary by Vernon Staley
    Show More Show Less
    11 mins
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