Doctrinal and Stylistic Elements in the Sermons of John Donne, Richard Hooker and Lancelot Andrewes

Abstract

<p>This thesis focuses upon doctrinal and trinitarian elements. and their influence on style, in selected sermons of Richard Hooker, John Donne and Lancelot Andrewes. The thesis concentrates upon the rational aspects of each man's doctrine and the rhetorical aspects of their style, as these emerge from the sermons.</p> <p>Hooker's notion of reason tends to locate itself within the Thomistic traditions of Scholastic thought.. Consequently, Hooker, a radically conservative thinker, fastens upon the image of God the Father, the God of generative reason and Logos, in his approaches to the Trinity. It is argued that Hooker does this in order to confound the increasingly fideistic and pyrrhonistic notions of many of his contemporaries. Thus, he seeks to counteract a rising tide of Augustinian thought in English letters.</p> <p>Andrewes identifies his rhetoric, and his trinitarian emphases, with Patristic thought. Thus the concerns and practices of the first Christians determine his rhetorical style and doctrinal emphases. He focuses upon the Holy Spirit, as made manifest by Pentecostlal fire, in his best sermons. His major metaphor is the coming of God's Grace in full measure at a specific time to specific people. It is argued that Andrewes' concerns are purely pastoral, so that his homiletic style and doctrinal emphases are designed mostly to guide the congregation to salvation, and to a far lesser extent, to clarify and propound doctrine. Andrewes' notion of reason, then, is a practical, rational approach to rhetorical method.</p> <p>John Donne, the most complex preacher under consideration, presents a synthesis of style and doctrine that stems from a relatively traditional homiletic school. The major influence on both Donne's doctrinal peculiarities and his trinitarian emphases is Augustine. Thus, he focuses upon, at times seems fascinated by, the Incarnation, Atonement and Resurrection of Christ. The importance of experience, both for Christ and for the Christian seeking salvation, is constantly stressed by Donne. Consequently, his rhetoric is intuitive, rhapsodic, and rooted in worldly concerns. As well, his notion of reason is pragmatic and rather non-intellectual, de-emphasizing doctrine in favour of passion and emotional commitment.</p>