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Michael Lynch argues that the hypothetical universalism of the English theologian and bishop John Davenant (1572-1641) has consistently been misinterpreted and misrepresented as a
via media between Arminian and Reformed theology. This book examines Davenant's hypothetical universalism in the context of early modern Reformed orthodoxy. It traces how Davenant and his fellow British delegates at the Synod of Dordt shaped the Canons of Dordt in such a way as to allow for their English hypothetical universalism. A careful exposition of the theses found in Davenant's
De Morte Christi makes up the central core of this study.
List of contents
- Acknowledgments
- Abbreviations
- Chapter 1: Prolegomena
- Chapter 2: The Extent of Christ's Work from the Early Church to Gottschalk
- Chapter 3: Lombardian Formula in the Sixteenth and Early Seventeenth Century
- Chapter 4: John Davenant and the Synod of Dordt
- Chapter 5: John Davenant's Hypothetical Universalism
- Chapter 6: John Davenant's Covenant Theology
- Chapter 7: Davenant on the Will of God and the Divine Decrees
- Chapter 8: Conclusion
- Bibliography
- Index
About the author
Michael J. Lynch is Classical Languages, Theology, and Humanities teacher at Delaware Valley Classical School and a lecturer in Church History at the Davenant Institute.
Summary
Recently there has been a revival of interest in the views held by Reformed theologians within the parameters of confessional orthodoxy. For example, the doctrine known as 'hypothetical universalism'--the idea that although Christ died in some sense for every person, his death was intended to bring about the salvation only for those who were predestined for salvation. Michael Lynch focuses on the hypothetical universalism of the English theologian and bishop John Davenant (1572-1641), arguing that it has consistently been misinterpreted and misrepresented as a via media between Arminian and Reformed theology.
A close examination of Davenent's De Morte Christi, is the central core of the study. Lynch offers a detailed exposition of Davenant's doctrine of universal redemption in dialogue with his understanding of closely related doctrines such as God's will, predestination, providence, and covenant theology. He defends the thesis that Davenant's version of hypothetical universalism represents a significant strand of the Augustinian tradition, including the early modern Reformed tradition. The book examines the patristic and medieval periods as they provided the background for the Lutheran, Remonstrant, and Reformed reactions to the so-called Lombardian formula ('Christ died sufficiently for all, effectually for the elect'). It traces how Davenant and his fellow British delegates at the Synod of Dordt shaped the Canons of Dordt in such a way as to allow for their English hypothetical universalism.
Additional text
Lynch's work is a monumental contribution to scholarship on the Atonement and the Reformed tradition.
