The Puritan Imagination - by Todd D Baucum (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

This book seeks to add a needed introduction to a way of meditation used among early modern English Protestants, influenced by Bishop Joseph Hall. Furthermore, the major role that Hall had in his Arte of Divine Mediation on late-seventeenth-century Protestant spirituality went beyond the practice of meditation and established a positive claim on the role of the imagination in shaping souls, well into the modern period. Within this context, the questions related to ancient understandings of faith and the interrelationship of divine revelation are discussed with fresh insights for our own times. If a revival of interest emerges again in Hall's work, it would be a compelling and fresh impetus to reclaim the broken imagination evident in many parts of the Western Church.

Review Quotes

"Bishop Joseph Hall was a solid Reformed theologian whose passion was to develop deeper spiritual practices within the Church of England. . . . Yet the bishop is not widely known. Baucum helps redress this lack with his full treatment of Hall's convictions about meditation and ways Hall sought to enlarge its practice in the church. Baucum's study helps us understand Hall, the importance of meditation, and ways it can be vital and important for Christians today."
--Donald K. McKim, author of Ramism in William Perkins' Theology

"I am grateful for Todd Baucum's well-researched study that ably recovers the often-neglected contribution of Bishop Joseph Hall. Hall's teaching on meditation that respects both the rational and imagination is needed today more than ever. This valuable work carefully traces the patristic and medieval roots of Hall's meditative practices and reminds us that Protestants often were nourished by the deep spiritual wells of both Orthodox and Catholic sources. Highly recommended!"
--Tom Schwanda, author of Soul Recreation: The Contemplative-Mystical Piety of Puritanism

About the Author

Todd Baucum is a chaplain at UnityPoint Health Methodist in Peoria, Illinois. He has been a pastor, seminary teacher, and State House chaplain.