Joseph Bingham facts for kids

Joseph Bingham (born September 1668 – died August 17, 1723) was an English scholar and church leader. He wrote important books about the history of the Christian Church.

Early Life and Education

Joseph Bingham was born in Wakefield, a town in Yorkshire, England. He went to Wakefield Grammar School and later studied at University College, Oxford. In 1689, he became a fellow (a senior member of the college) and in 1691, a tutor (a teacher) at the university.

Leaving Oxford University

While at Oxford, Bingham gave a sermon (a religious speech) in St Mary's church. His sermon was about the meaning of "Person and Substance" in the writings of early Christian leaders. Some people accused him of teaching ideas that went against accepted church beliefs, which was called heresy. Because of this, he had to leave his position at the university.

However, he soon found a new role. In 1695, a kind doctor named Dr. John Radcliffe offered him the job of rector (a priest in charge of a church parish) in Headbourne Worthy, a village near Winchester.

His Great Work: Origines Ecclesiasticae

While living a quieter life in Headbourne Worthy, Joseph Bingham began writing his most famous work. It was a very long book called Origines Ecclesiasticae, or Antiquities of the Christian Church. The first part came out in 1708, and the tenth and final part was published in 1722.

What the Book Was About

Bingham's goal with this book was to explain the ancient customs, traditions, and practices of the Christian Church. He wanted to organize this information clearly, just like other scholars had written about the history of ancient Greece, Rome, or Jewish traditions. His book allowed readers to easily learn about any specific custom or practice used by Christians during the first four or five centuries of the Church. He wrote it in a very detailed, complete, and fair way.

Later Life and Challenges

Even though Joseph Bingham was very learned and talented, he did not receive many promotions in the church for a long time. He remained the rector of Headbourne Worthy until 1712. In that year, Sir Jonathan Trelawney, who was the bishop of Winchester, appointed him as the rector of Havant, a town near Portsmouth.

Sadly, Bingham lost almost all his money in 1720. This happened because of a financial crisis known as the South Sea Bubble, where many people invested in a company that failed, causing them to lose their savings.

Joseph Bingham passed away on August 17, 1723. He is buried in the churchyard of St Swithun's church in Headbourne Worthy. His grandson, Richard Mant, later became a bishop.

See also

In Spanish: Joseph Bingham para niños