Of the Laws of Ecclesiastical Polity, Book 1

In his profound exploration of the English Church, Richard Hooker embarks on a quest to uncover the foundations of Church laws and governance. His seminal work, The Laws of Ecclesiastical Polity, emerges as a formidable response to the Puritan belief that all matters of religious worship, discipline, and governance are dictated solely by Holy Scripture. Hooker challenges this notion, asserting that understanding the Divine order requires not just the written word of God, but also an examination of moral relationships, historical contexts, and societal institutions. He emphasizes the essential role of human reason in interpreting the Bible, distinguishing between what is immutable and what is subject to change, and separating the timeless from the transient. Hookers aim is to resolve the pressing controversies surrounding religion and governance, guiding hearts to follow the light of reasoned judgment, free from prejudice and passion. - Summary by Vernon Staley