Richard Field (theologian) facts for kids

Richard Field (born 1561, died 1616) was an English church scholar. He worked closely with another famous scholar, Richard Hooker. While Hooker wrote to defend the Church of England against those who disagreed with it, Field wrote his main book, Of the Church, to defend the Church of England against claims that it wasn't a proper church at all.

Field believed that the Church of England followed old Christian traditions. He argued that many important Protestant ideas had always been part of the Roman Church, even if a powerful group of "papists" (people who strongly supported the Pope) tried to hide them. He thought that, deep down, the Church of Rome had always had Protestant roots. However, he felt these roots were hidden by increasing errors from the papists.

Even though Richard Field was known for being friendly, his writings against the papists were very strong. He especially argued against scholars like Robert Bellarmine.

Richard Field's Life Story

Richard Field was born on October 15, 1561, in Hemel Hempstead, England. His family had land there. He went to Berkhamsted School and then to Oxford University when he was sixteen in 1577. He likely studied at Magdalen Hall, Oxford.

His Time at Oxford

Field earned his first degree (B.A.) in 1581. He then got his Master's degree (M.A.) in 1584. He became a teacher of Christian lessons (catechism lecturer). He was so good that many people, including John Rainolds, came to hear him speak. He was known as one of the best debaters at the university.

His father wanted him to get married and not become a priest. But Field returned to Oxford. After seven years, he earned his Bachelor of Divinity (B.D.) degree in 1592. He then became a divinity reader at Winchester Cathedral.

Becoming a Church Leader

In 1594, Field became a divinity lecturer for Lincoln's Inn, a place where lawyers trained. Soon after, he became the rector (head priest) of the parish of Burghclere, Hampshire. He chose this job over a richer one in London. He stayed as rector of Burghclere for the rest of his life. In 1596, he earned his Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) degree.

In 1598, he was asked to preach for Queen Elizabeth I. She was impressed and made him one of her royal chaplains. This meant he was a special priest who served the Queen. He also received a position at Windsor Castle in 1604.

Serving Kings and Scholars

Field also served King James I as a chaplain. The King even invited him to an important meeting called the Hampton Court conference in 1604. When King James visited Oxford in 1605, Field took part in a debate before the King.

In 1610, Field became the Dean of Gloucester. This was an important church role, but he mostly stayed at Burghclere and Windsor. He was good friends with famous scholars like Sir Henry Savile. King James I often talked about theology with him. The King even thought about sending Field to Germany to help settle disagreements between different Christian groups. King James said he wished he could have done more for Field after he died.

Later Life and Death

Richard Field's first wife died in 1614. She left him with six sons and one daughter. Two years later, he married again. However, just over a month later, on November 15, 1616, he suddenly became ill and died. He was buried in St. George's Chapel, Windsor, a famous church.

Richard Field's Writings

Field's writings defended the Church of England. He argued against ideas that he felt were new or wrong in the Roman Catholic Church. He believed that the Church of England should follow the decisions of the first seven important church meetings, called ecumenical councils.

His Main Book: Of the Church

His most important book was Of the Church. The first part was published in 1606. The final part came out in 1610. His son, Nathaniel Field, later helped publish a second edition of the book.

Other Works

In 1604, Field also published a sermon he had given. At the time of his death, he was working on another book. It was called A View of the Controversies in Religion. He only finished the introduction and some notes for it. These notes were later published by his son.

Field's Family

On April 9, 1594, Richard Field married Elizabeth Harris. After she died, he married Dorothy, who was the widow of John Spencer. Dorothy was also the niece of the famous Archbishop Thomas Cranmer.

Field had several sons. Nathaniel became a church official. Richard became a doctor. Giles died young at age 21. His eldest son, John, also studied at Oxford. His other sons were Josias and Anthonie. His daughter, Judith, married his second wife's son.