Protestants and patriots : Presbyterians in the age of revolution / D.G. Hart.

Author/creator Hart, D. G. author.
Format Book
PublicationNotre Dame, Indiana : University of Notre Dame Press, [2026]
Copyright Date©2026
Descriptionxiv, 357 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm
Subjects

Contents List of illustrations -- Preface -- Introduction -- Part One: Presbyterians Aggressive, 1560-1700 -- The French Connection -- The Problem with Scottish Kings -- Presbyterianism (Finally) Established -- No King, No Creed -- Part Two: Presbyterian Modern, 1700-1875 Liberal Presbyterian Rebellions -- Presbyterianism After Establishment -- Divine-Right Stipends -- Presbyterian Politics After Establishment -- Presbyterian Nationalisms -- Conclusion: Presbyterian Modern -- Bibliographic Essay -- Notes -- Index.
Abstract "Historians have often described Presbyterianism as a political orientation that leads to rebellion and revolution. Hart interrogates this assumption, instead presenting a complex, larger narrative of Presbyterian understanding of political authority and the role of the church in society. Synthesizing Presbyterian developments in England, Scotland, Ireland, the United States, and Canada from 1560 to 1870, Hart compellingly explains first why Presbyterianism was politically disruptive in Britain for 150 years and then how these Protestants adjusted to liberal democracy. The truly revolutionary side of Presbyterianism took place during the religious and parliamentary wars of Scotland and England during the 1630s and 1640s-almost 150 years before the American Revolution. This age of revolution extended up to the American Founding and the formation of the Dominion of Canada. After 1640, Presbyterians remained politically assertive, but switched from state churches and covenanted monarchs to civil and religious liberties and republican government. Ultimately, as a rigorous faith that refused political compromise, Presbyterianism unintentionally laid the groundwork for religious disestablishment and religious freedom. In so doing, Presbyterians became unlikely defenders of liberal democracy."-- Back cover.
Bibliography noteIncludes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN9780268210823
ISBN0268210829 hardcover

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