Thomas Erskine: Advocate for the Character of God

This book examines Thomas Erskine, a Scottish Episcopal layman, who had a profound influence on 19th-century British theology. His avowed universalism placed him in direct opposition to the Westminster orthodoxy of the Scottish Kirk, and his writing gave rise to a storm of controversy. The first half of the book traces Erskine's life (1788-1870), drawing upon his published works and voluminous correspondence. The second half of the book analyzes Erskine's thought, paying special attention to this understanding of the doctrine of atonement. A final chapter examines the relation of his theology to that of Frederick Denison Maurice. Contents: Abbreviations; Preface; Death and Life; The Beginnings of Controversy; The Row Heresy; The West Country Miracles; Biblical Authority; The Character of God; The Atonement; Erskine and F.D. Maurice; Appendix; Bibliography.