Jansenism: Catholic Resistance to Authority from the Reformation to the French Revolution

Studies in European History

by William Doyle

Jansenism, and the theology of Cornelius Jansen, powerfully infused French political life from the mid-17th century to the revolution 150 years later. It influenced the Enlightenment, the development of French constitutional thinking, the destruction of the Jesuits, and the modernization of the Catholic Church. This book explains why Jansenism was so important, recreates the religious and intellectual world which fostered it, and examines the critical issues which led to the French Revolution.

Genres: History

120 pages, Paperback

First published November 15, 1999

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.

William Doyle is Emeritus Professor of History at the University of Bristol.

Reviews

[Bernard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Concise and clear account of the history of Jansenism with useful indications of the modern scholarly assessment of Jansenism’s impact. Not as good at giving a clear picture of the contested theological and philosophical points. Students of theology will want to look elsewhere for a better treatment of those issues. A useful reference.

[George · Rating 5 out of 5]

A succinct and well-written account about one of the heterodox movements inside the Catholic Church in France (also known as the Gallican Church) that arguably led to the French Revolution in 1789, and thus should deserve more attention than it otherwise does.

[Ed · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very short and lucid summary of the history of Jansenism.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice short intro.

[Jon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great overview of (arguably) the last great heresey. Draws a clear line from Augustine -> Jansenism -> Anti-Papacy -> French Revolution. Only 90 pages with a glossary...