John Knowles (antitrinitarian) facts for kids

John Knowles lived a long time ago, from about 1646 to 1668. He was an English preacher who had different ideas about religion. Because of his beliefs, he was put in prison in 1665.

The Early Life of John Knowles

John Knowles was probably born in Gloucester, England. He started as a preacher for a group called the Independents. In 1648, he said he was a gospel preacher in and around Gloucester.

He studied the Greek New Testament and other old books. His ideas about the Trinity came from his own studies. The Trinity is a Christian belief about God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit. Knowles had different views on this.

He met John Biddle in 1646. Biddle also had different religious ideas. But Knowles did not agree with all of Biddle's specific thoughts. Knowles's beliefs were more like Arianism, which is another way of thinking about Jesus's nature.

Preaching and Challenges

Around 1646, a group in Gloucester questioned Knowles's beliefs. They suspected his ideas about the Trinity were not standard. He wrote a statement saying he had "some questionings" but was now sure about "the Godhead of the Holy Ghost."

Knowles then moved to London. He lived with Edward Atkinson, who also had different religious views. Knowles joined the parliamentary army. In 1648, he was part of the bodyguard for Sir Thomas Fairfax.

He continued to preach and wrote a paper defending "a private man's preaching." In early 1650, he became a public preacher. He worked for the army at Chester. People said he was a "formidable and blazing comet" there. He taught that Jesus Christ was not the "Most High God."

Debates and Imprisonment

In 1650, Knowles published a paper. It included arguments for Jesus's deity from Samuel Eaton. It also had Knowles's own reply to these arguments. This paper caused some trouble.

Knowles was no longer preaching at Chester by late 1650. He seemed to return to Gloucester. The city leaders were told to investigate his preaching against the divinity of Christ. Later, he moved to Pershore, Worcestershire. He lived there for about 15 years as a minister.

On April 9, 1665, Knowles was arrested. Thomas Windsor Hickman arrested him. He was first jailed in Worcester. Then, on May 23, he was moved to the Gatehouse Prison in Westminster.

Papers found in his home led to charges of heresy. Heresy means having beliefs that go against official religious teachings. Letters from his friends were seen as suspicious. People thought he might be supporting rebels.

Knowles asked to be let out on bail. The plague was spreading in London at the time. He asked again in February 1666. He was set free soon after. After his release, he talked with London clergy. They respected his learning and honesty. He published one more book in 1668. After that, he is not mentioned much in history.

Works

John Knowles published a few books and papers:

• A Modest Plea for Private Men's Preaching (1648). This book defended the idea of ordinary people preaching.
• A Friendly Debate … by Writing betwixt Mr. Samuel Eaton and Mr. John Knowles (1650). This was a discussion between him and Samuel Eaton about religious ideas.
• An Answer to Mr. Ferguson's Book (around 1668). He wrote this to reply to a book by Robert Ferguson.

He mentioned planning other books, but we don't know if he published anything else.