The Irish Puritans: James Ussher and the Reformation of the Church by Crawford Gribben

by Crawford Gribben

Irish and their religion

Genres: History, Ireland, Nonfiction, Christianity, Church History

Paperback

First published July 1, 2003

About the author

A cultural and literary historian whose work concentrates on the development and dissemination of religious ideas, Crawford Gribben is Professor of History at Queen's University, Belfast.

Reviews

[Douglas Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable read. When it comes to the history of the Protestant tradition in Ireland, this book filled in some lacunae in my brain. If my knowledge of the Reformation were a decrepit road, Gribben filled in numerous potholes.

[Joshua Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent little book that quickly moves and maintains the reader’s intrigue. Gribben leaves us with a moving conclusion, excellent application to learn from history, and great hopefulness for the end that Ireland would be filled with the glory of God as the waters cover the sea. May God save the Irish Ireland people.

[Grant Van Brimmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed learning more Ussher and the Irish Puritans. it was especially interesting to learn about how must the WCF drew from the Irish Articles. The break up of their movement also carries with it practical and cautionary wisdom for us today.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

A hard slog. I do now know more about the battles that have happened on Irish soil in the name of Christianity and discovered the rift between Catholicism and Protestantism has been around for centuries. It is an academic book which meant I had to work hard in staying motivated to finish it.
It was probably worth reading once but I won't be in any hurry to reread it.

[Sean McGowan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. Recommended.

[Ethan McCarter · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable read that shouldn't take too much time to work your way through the six chapters of the work. Granted, I would probably have rated it 3 stars if I didn't have a vested interest in Irish church history of this era in particular. Primarily Gribben writes on the legacy and history of Archbishop Ussher with his influences on the Puritan movement as a whole. Ussher is beloved by many in the Reformed tradition though he never left his office of bishop. His "modified Episcopalianism" argument was an effort to preserve the peace before the English Civil War broke out and to mend some gaps between differing Protestant factions at the time. Gribben is an excellent historian and writer. His knowledge about the period is amazing. One quibble I had was that there were times where he'd bring up a point, regarding theological knowledge primarily, that were inaccurate I'd say. For instance, when he wrote on Presbyterian versus Independent views on the role of covenant children in the local church he makes some far too stretching generalizations. To simply say "the Presbyterians believed," or, "the Episcopalians believed," isn't exactly a helpful claim since there is always a wide range of opinion withing those traditions. All that being said, it's a great read. Solid historical knowledge, solid understanding of the biography of Ussher, and solid understanding of the Puritan era in Ireland.

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short history of the Reformation in Ireland. Gribben has a way of making history engaging. James Ussher is my kind of enigma. This is worth your time.

[Eva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read.

[Joseph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short history of Ireland during the life of James Ussher, and the failings of the Puritans to preach first, and consider nationalism last.