John Davenant's Hypothetical Universalism: A Defense of Catholic and Reformed Orthodoxy

by Michael J. Lynch

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.

Genres: Theology

268 pages, Hardcover

Published June 10, 2021

Reviews

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael Lynch's monograph on John Davenant and hypothetical universalism is a book of enduring significance. As with John Owen, I believe that hypothetical universalism runs into serious problems in terms of exegesis and logic. Still, Dr Lynch proves beyond all reasonable doubt that all attempts to either write it out of the Reformed tradition or to treat it as a wild aberration are historically untenable. Davenant's influence upon the Synod of Dort and the formulation of its Canons against Arminianism, which accommodated his views on the atonement, is enough to correct that mistaken notion.

I would take issue with the author's assertions concerning strict particularlism and the Lombardian Formula concerning the sufficiency-efficiency distinction, but he does a lot to correct misunderstandings concerning hypothetical universalism in general and the views of John Davenant in particular. For instance, it is often assumed that hypothetical universalism is the same thing as French Amyraldianism, yet Davenant wrote a critique of John Cameron's theology. Given that Cameron is seen as the founding father of Amyraldianism (named after his more radical disciple, Moïse Amyraut), Davenant obviously had serious differences with that school of theology.

Many of us, furthermore, have imbibed a simplistic concept of what was meant by limited atonement or particular redemption. Dr Lynch points out that it is possible to believe that Christ died to effectually redeem the elect alone, while also believing that the atonement, in some sense, had a universal reference to all men. Whether this view is correct or not is not the point; the point is that we need to carefully distinguish between such disagreements among Reformed theologians and Arminian universalism.

Regretfully, a lot of what Davenant wrote is buried in the original Latin. (His excellent commentary on Colossians was translated into English and republished in recent years.) This book will hopefully make his thought accessible to a wider range of readers.

[Christian Brewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A phenomenal piece of historical theology. Even if you do not agree with Davenant’s (and I assume Lynch’s) view of hypothetical universalism, this book is well argued and thorough. He does a great job both clarifying and highlighting a difficult and lesser known Anglican divine.

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lynch has provided us with an excellent treatment of the views of the sixteenth century theologian, English hypothetical universalist John Davenant. He demonstrates that John Davenant's views on the extend of Christ's work are consistent with Reformed theology, which is seen especially in the fact the formulation of the Canons of Dordt was influenced by Davenant himself and thus consonant with his position. Davenant, Lynch argues, employs the Lombardian (from the medieval theologian, Peter Lombard) distinction that Christ's work is sufficient for all, but efficient for some. Thus, Davenant argues for an "ordained sufficiency," which means that God intended for Christ's work to be sufficient for the salvation of every person though only effective for the elect. Along the way, Lynch clears up caricatures of Davenant's position by previous scholarship, noting in particular that his view of the extent of Christ's work must be distinguished from the French form of hypothetical universalism (Amyraldianism). This is truly a compelling book as it shows that the Reformed tradition allows for some nuance regarding this much contested question. Highly recommended.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

A marvelous and meticulous account of the hypothetical universalism of John Davenant, an English theologian, a bishop, and a delegate to the Synod of Dordt. Through translating Davenant's De Morte Christi, written in Latin and intended only for scholars, Lynch shows how Davenant's treatment of the classical Lombardian formula--that "Christ died sufficiently for all, effectually for the elect"--was wholly within the bounds of classical Reformed orthodoxy, not a via media between Reformed and Arminian theologies. I found this work to be particularly important because it saves Reformed theology from becoming an ideology, a particular temptation in Reformed circles today.

[wyclif · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent piece of historical theology. This is Lynch's doctrinal dissertation, but even though it is written for a niche academic audience, there's a lot to digest here for the non-academic reader as well.

Lynch succeeds in vindicating John Davenant's theology as consistent with the Reformed Orthodox consensus, even though so-called "hypothetical universalism" is decidedly a minority position. Davenant argued that Christ's work was sufficient for all in the same manner as other English divines such as John Preston, and Lynch shows that previous caricatures of the position from modern Reformed theologians have frequently been off-base and defective.

An important theological book, especially for those drawn to the "moderate Reformed" mainline.

[Inwoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

In terms of historical theology and methodology this is an outstanding work dealing with the primary sources and also handling most all of the objections thoroughly. Lynch also covers the misconceptions of Davenant’s thought, one being that he did believe that Christ died for the elect, Davenant held this. Lynch seeks to describe Davenant on his own terms. Theologically, on these points, I do not agree with Davenant’s formulations in regard to hypothetical universalism (I take what the author calls the Owenian position). There are still many questions to be answered, yet Lynch has demonstrated that on this topic there maybe more diversity than one thinks or maybe not. Also the direct connection that Lynch describes on Davenant with HU and the free offer of the Gospel gives readers something to chew on. The chapter on Davenant and covenant would be more helpful if there was more clarification and an expansion of this chapter.

Update:
Recently, Dr. McGraw wrote a review on this work where he parses out one of the main points of Lynch’s work which was posted on the Heidelblog:

https://heidelblog.net/2024/06/how-re...

[Jonathan Josey · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the more engaging reads I’ve had in recent memory.

Lynch does a masterful job (anywhere from 75-200 citations per chapter!) of giving evidence for Davenant’s view being both historical and Reformed.

Whether you agree with the conclusions or not, it’s great to see and understand some of the debate surrounding the Synod of Dordt and the Lombardian formula in regards to the sufficiency and efficacy of the atonement of Christ.