Henry Dodwell (religious controversialist) facts for kids

Henry Dodwell (born November 25, 1706 – died 1784) was a British lawyer and someone who liked to debate religious ideas. He was known for writing a book that caused a lot of discussion.

Who Was Henry Dodwell?

Henry Dodwell was the son of another famous person named Henry Dodwell, who studied religion. Young Henry was born in a place called Shottesbrooke, in Berkshire, England.

He went to Magdalen Hall, Oxford for his education. In 1726, he earned his first degree. After that, he decided to study law. By 1738, he became a barrister, which is a type of lawyer who argues cases in court.

His Famous Book: Christianity Not Founded on Argument

Henry Dodwell is most famous for a book he wrote in 1741 called Christianity Not Founded on Argument. At first glance, the book seemed to suggest that Christian faith should be based on belief alone, not on logic or reason. This idea is called fideism.

What Was the Book Really About?

However, Dodwell's book was actually a satire. A satire is a type of writing that uses humor, irony, or exaggeration to make fun of something or someone. His book was making fun of another book written by William Law in 1731, called The Case of Reason.

Many religious people read Dodwell's book and thought he was serious. They even recommended it to John Wesley, a very important religious leader of the time. But John Wesley quickly realized the truth. He saw that Dodwell's book was actually trying to show that Christianity was not reasonable. Wesley said the book's main goal was to make Christianity seem "hateful and worthless."

Even though the book was published without the author's name, everyone soon knew that Henry Dodwell had written it.

How People Reacted to the Book

Dodwell's book caused a big stir! Many people disagreed with its ideas and wrote their own books to respond. Some of these critics included:

• George Benson wrote The Reasonableness of the Christian Religion as Delivered in the Scriptures in 1743.
• John Leland wrote Remarks on a Late Pamphlet, Entitled, ‘Christianity not Founded on Argument’ in 1744.
• Thomas Randolph wrote The Christian Faith a Rational Assent in 1744.
• Even Dodwell's own brother, William Dodwell, wrote a response!

Later Life and Death

Henry Dodwell lived for many more years after his famous book. He passed away in 1784.