John Pearson (bishop) facts for kids

John Pearson (born in 1613, died in 1686) was an important English thinker and religious scholar. He was known for his deep knowledge and his writings about Christian beliefs.

His Life and Work

John Pearson was born in a place called Great Snoring in Norfolk, England. He went to a famous school called Eton College. After that, he studied at Queens' College, Cambridge and later became a scholar and fellow at King's College, Cambridge.

In 1639, he became a priest. He worked as a chaplain for important people, including Lord-Keeper Finch. During the English Civil War, he was a chaplain for George Goring's army. In 1654, he became a regular preacher at St Clement's church in Eastcheap, London.

Pearson was known for discussing religious ideas. He debated against some Roman Catholics about religious disagreements. He also argued with the Puritan group. He was very interested in a special Bible called Brian Walton's polyglot Bible, which was written in many languages.

In 1659, he published his most famous book, Exposition of the Creed. This book explained the basic beliefs of Christianity, known as the Apostles' Creed. He had preached these ideas to his church members in Eastcheap for many years. For example, he wrote about the Christian cross, explaining its shape and meaning.

After the king returned to power in England (this was called the Restoration), Pearson received many important positions. He became a royal chaplain and a professor at Cambridge University. He also became the Master of Jesus College, Cambridge and later Trinity College, Cambridge. In 1667, he became a member of the Royal Society, a group for important scientists and thinkers.

In 1672, John Pearson became the bishop of Chester. He passed away in Chester on July 16, 1686, and was buried in Chester Cathedral.

His Important Writings

John Pearson was considered one of the smartest religious thinkers of his time. His book, Exposition of the Creed, is still seen as one of the best books explaining Christian beliefs in English.

In 1659, he also published Golden Remains, which contained writings by another scholar named John Hales. In 1672, he wrote Vindiciae epistolarum S. Ignatii. This book defended the idea that certain letters written by an early Christian leader named Ignatius were real. Later scholars agreed with his findings.

His other works included Annales cyprianici (published in 1682), which was about the life and times of an early Christian bishop named Cyprian. His last works, which included Two Dissertations on the Succession and Times of the First Bishops of Rome, were published after he died.

Images for kids

• 

  Bishop Pearson

• 

  John Pearson in a Chester Cathedral stained glass window

• 

  Arms: Argent a chevron Erminois between three leaves Vert.