Early English Non-Conformity

Nonconformity has played an important part in English religious life since the Reformation. The purpose of this course is to trace this development before it experienced the impact of the Great Awakening. This period has sometimes been described as the period of Old Dissent, characterized by a high view of the Church, its ministry and corporate life. Nonconformity came into existence as a movement committed to the purity of the church with freedom from political control. Its freedom is lived out under the headship of Jesus Christ. Loyalty to Jesus Christ entailed a loyalty to His cause and the maintenance of Biblical orthodoxy in the face of challenges.