Dr. Taylor of Norwich

Description: Dr. John Taylor rose to prominence in the mid-eighteenth century with his devastating attack on the doctrine of Original Sin. This drew fierce counterattacks from prominent Methodists such as John Wesley and Jonathan Edwards. While Wesley referred publicly to Taylor as a "great man," he believed him to be a heretic who did great damage to the Christian faith. The tendency among Methodist writers has been to follow Wesley's lead in their assessment of Taylor. However, this controversial and definitive volume, the first of its kind for over a century, reexamines this fascinating man and the controversy he began, offering a fuller and fairer account of the man behind the myth. Endorsements: "Geoffrey Eddy's engrossing account of John Taylor demonstrates that not all eighteenth-century debate was arid. He shows how views evolve and mentalities change, and he does justice to an admirable man." --Clyde Binfield, Professor Associate in History, University of Sheffield "A full-length study of John Taylor is long overdue, and the analysis Geoffrey Eddy provides is both sympathetic and discerning. This book will be of particular interest to those in the Wesleyan traditions, as Eddy's study provides essential context for understanding one of Wesley's major writings. Highly recommended." --Randy L. Maddox, Paul T. Wallis Professor of Wesleyan Theology, Seattle Pacific University "This fine biography does ample justice to a notable and hitherto neglected eighteenth-century theologian. It is recommendably fair to Taylor in his controversy with John Wesley." --Rev. Dr. John Newton, CBE "It is a great pleasure to welcome the first book-length study of John Taylor. This is a significant contribution to the burgeoning field of English Enlightenment studies." --Professor Allan P. F. Sell, Milton Keynes "In this carefully researched and well-written book, Geoffrey Eddy has completed a remarkable task in presenting the life and work of the great John Taylor of Norwich. This is an excellent book which is well worth reading." --Rev. Dr. Ralph Waller, Principal of Harris Manchester College, Oxford About the Contributor(s): Geoffrey Thackray Eddy has served as a Methodist Minister in Gana, Lincoln, and East Anglia, and is now based in Warwickshire.