Edward Fowler (bishop) facts for kids

Bishop Fowler.

Edward Fowler (born in 1632, died August 26, 1714) was an English church leader. He served as the Bishop of Gloucester from 1691 until he passed away.

Early Life and Learning

Edward Fowler was born in a place called Westerleigh in Gloucestershire, England. He went to college at Corpus Christi College, Oxford, and later studied at Trinity College, Cambridge.

His Writings and Ideas

Edward Fowler wrote several books and papers. His ideas were sometimes seen as different from what was commonly believed at the time.

Discussing Different Views

In 1670, he wrote a book called A Free Discourse. This book defended a group of thinkers known as "Latitudinarians." These were moderate religious leaders who believed in reason and tolerance. Fowler's book also disagreed with some ideas from a philosopher named Thomas Hobbes.

The Design of Christianity

The next year, in 1671, Fowler published The Design of Christianity. In this book, he focused on how Christian teachings were meant to guide people to live good, moral lives.

However, other religious leaders did not always agree with his views. Richard Baxter and John Bunyan criticized his book. Bunyan even called Fowler's ideas "a mixture of Popery, Socinianism and Quakerism." Fowler replied to this criticism with a strong pamphlet called Dirt Wip'd Off.

Later, in 1693, Fowler wrote Twenty-Eight Propositions. In this work, he tried to explain the idea of the Trinity (God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). He successfully challenged some ideas from a group called the Socinians, who had different beliefs about the Trinity.

His Church Roles

Edward Fowler held several important positions in the church throughout his life.

Early Church Positions

In 1656, he became the rector (a type of priest) at St. Mary the Virgin's Church in Northill, Bedfordshire. Later, in 1673, he became rector of All Hallows, Bread Street, in London.

Becoming a Canon

In 1676, he was chosen to be a canon (a member of the clergy who lives by a cathedral's rules) in Gloucester. His friend, Henry More, who was a famous thinker, even stepped down from his own position so Fowler could have it.

Vicar of St Giles

In 1681, Fowler became the vicar of St Giles, Cripplegate. However, after four years, he was suspended from this role. This happened because he was a Whig, a political group that often disagreed with the king at the time.

In 1687, when the king issued the Declaration of Indulgence, Fowler played a key role. He convinced many church leaders in London not to read this declaration in their churches.

Becoming a Bishop

In 1691, Edward Fowler was made the Bishop of Gloucester. He continued to serve in this important role until he died in 1714.