The Prelatical Doctrine Of Apostolical Succession Examined (1908)

The book ""The Prelatical Doctrine of Apostolical Succession Examined"" by Thomas Smyth was published in 1908. The book is a critical examination of the doctrine of apostolic succession as it is understood and practiced by the prelatical (or high church) tradition of Christianity. The author argues that the prelatical view of apostolic succession, which holds that the authority of the apostles has been passed down through the bishops of the church in an unbroken line, is not supported by historical evidence or by the teachings of the Bible. Smyth contends that this doctrine has been used to justify the authority and power of the clergy over the laity, and has led to a hierarchical and authoritarian structure within the church.The book is divided into several chapters, each of which focuses on a different aspect of the doctrine of apostolic succession. Smyth examines the historical origins of the doctrine, its development over time, and its theological implications. He also critiques the arguments made by proponents of apostolic succession and offers alternative interpretations of the biblical texts that are often used to support the doctrine.Overall, ""The Prelatical Doctrine of Apostolical Succession Examined"" is a scholarly and thorough critique of a central tenet of the prelatical tradition of Christianity. The book will be of interest to scholars of church history, theology, and religious studies, as well as to anyone interested in the ongoing debates about the nature and structure of the Christian church.And The Protestant Ministry Defended Against The Assumptions Of Popery And Highchurchism, In A Series Of Lectures.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.