Robert Spearman facts for kids
Robert Spearman (born 1703, died 1761) was an English theologian. A theologian is someone who studies religion and religious ideas. He was known for following the ideas of a thinker named John Hutchinson.
Early Life and Education
Robert Spearman was born in 1703. He was the oldest son of Robert Spearman, who was a lawyer in Durham. His mother was Hannah, the only daughter of William Webster, a merchant from Stockton-on-Tees.
Robert went to Durham School and then to Corpus Christi College, Oxford, which is a famous university. However, he left the university without finishing his studies or getting a degree. After his studies, he lived in a place called Old Acres, near Sedgefield.
His Work and Ideas
Robert Spearman was a student and follower of John Hutchinson. Hutchinson was a writer who had different ideas about science and religion than many people at the time. After Hutchinson died, Spearman helped to organize and publish his writings. He also wrote a book about Hutchinson's life.
Spearman was good friends with Thomas Sharp, another important religious scholar. Sharp even dedicated one of his books to Spearman in 1751.
Books by Robert Spearman
Robert Spearman wrote several books himself, sharing his own ideas:
- An Enquiry after Philosophy and Theology (published in 1755): In this book, Spearman explored how people came to understand philosophy (the study of knowledge and existence) and theology. He disagreed with some of the scientific ideas of Isaac Newton, especially about physics.
- Letters to a Friend concerning the Septuagint Translation and the Heathen Mythology (published in 1759): This book discussed the Septuagint, which is an ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible. Spearman also tried to show how ancient myths from different cultures might have come from a very old, shared religious understanding.
Later Life
Robert Spearman passed away on October 20, 1761. He was married to Anne, who was the daughter of Robert Sharpe from Hawthorn, County Durham. They had daughters, but no sons.
