Biblical Theology: Past, Present, and Future (I)
Southwestern Journal of Theology
Volume 55, No. 2 – Spring 2013
Managing Editor: Terry L. Wilder
Edited by Kenneth Stevenson. London: Canterbury Press, 2011. 220 pages. Paperback, 22.99.
Kenneth Stevenson believes that one best understands Jeremy Taylor by reading his works rather than reading about them (28). To that end, Stevenson has introduced and edited some of Taylor’s writings to allow readers to understand the 17thCentury Anglican priest in his words and context. In the brief introduction, the author tells the story of a life marked by scholarship, courage, and intrigue. He recounts how Taylor quickly rose to prominence and became chaplain to King Charles I. However, the victory of Oliver Cromwell over Charles I eventually cost Taylor his official position in the church. Taylor was later imprisoned on three occasions for supposed allegiances to the former King.
The book is primarily a collection of Taylor’s writings with headings as the only interruption by Stevenson after the Introduction. The title comes from a discourse in Taylor’s work, A Great Exemplar of Sanctity and Holy Life, which is not included in the excerpts of the book. The language of the title makes more sense in its original context, referencing a subsequent holy lifestyle one maintains upon genuine repentance and obedience to Christ. While Stevenson briefly acknowledges the source of the title of his book (31), a more clear explanation would have added clarity to the book and a stronger connection to the primary focus of Taylor’s writing.
Stevenson’s assessment of Taylor seems balanced. He details both strengths and weaknesses of Taylor’s character and competence. The author seems impressed by the convictions and clarity with which Taylor wrote, though less impressed by how he spoke (3). He describes Taylor’s interactions with others as sometimes disparaging (3) and, at other times, conciliatory (9, 37). Stevenson further notes that some of Taylor’s works were written for an academic audience (14), yet was most known for giving theology to the laity (31).
The extracts recorded in the book suggest the primary heart of Taylor to be focused on a life changed by Christ. The book organizes the writings of Taylor into four sections, which are not always easily differentiated. Arranging the excerpts more clearly by topic and including a subject index in the back of the book would have greatly enhanced the work. In addition, a conclusion by the editor would have aided the work.
Two aspects of Taylor’s style dominate the book: his theology and his focus on discipleship. At times in his theology, Taylor seems to read into Scripture (cf. 42), while at other times, suggests views that seem uninformed by the text altogether (cf. 52). However, his theology is nonetheless clear. Stevenson, citing Avis, appears to have described him accurately as something of a “liberal catholic” (16). His views on original sin, the work of the Holy Spirit in baptism, assurance of salvation, and Lord’s Supper put him at odds with many theologians in his day.
Taylor’s writing on the area of discipleship is the strength of this book. Stevenson includes selections from Taylor on humility, contentment, truth, faith, hope, love, fasting, prayer, worship, confession, simplicity, kindness, justice, holiness, the brevity of life, anger, self-examination, complaining, impatience, fear, care for the poor, guarding the tongue, and repentance. Taylor’s writing style, though sometimes tedious, reflects a flowing and articulate style that earned him the nickname, “Shakespeare of English Prose.”
One issue Taylor addressed more than once was on the issue of death bed repentance. Though his apparent complete denunciation of it seems beside the mark (176), his precaution that “God hath made no covenant with us on our death-bed distinct from that he made with us in our life and health” (59) is a point well-taken.
For anyone interested in learning about Jeremy Taylor’s writing and theology, Kenneth Stevenson’s work should be considered. It is likely the reader will finish wanting to know more about Taylor’s life and read more of his writings. That appears to have been Stevenson’s goal in the work.
