Thomas Brightman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas Brightman
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| Born | 1562 |
| Died | (aged 44/45) |
| Nationality | English |
| Alma mater | Queens' College, Cambridge |
| Occupation | Clergyman and biblical commentator |
Thomas Brightman (1562–1607) was an English clergyman. He was also a writer who explained parts of the Bible. His most important work was about the Book of Revelation. This book was published after he died and had a big impact. Brightman's ideas helped change how people understood the Bible. He believed the Church of England was "lukewarm" or not strong enough in its faith. He supported the churches in Geneva and Scotland. His ideas helped a group called the Puritans push for changes in the church.
Early Life and Education
Thomas Brightman was born in Nottingham, England, in 1562. When he was about 14 years old, in 1576, he started studying at Queens' College, Cambridge. He became a Fellow (a senior member of the college) in 1584. He earned several degrees, including a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in 1581 and a Master of Arts (M.A.) in 1584.
Career and Beliefs
In 1592, Brightman became a rector, which is a type of priest, in a place called Hawnes in Bedfordshire. He was known as a very good preacher. Even though he was a clergyman, he openly disagreed with some of the official rules and practices of the Church of England. It is said that he signed the Book of Discipline, which was a set of rules for the church in Scotland.
Brightman was a very religious man. A writer named Thomas Fuller said his life was "most angelical," meaning very pure. Brightman always carried a Greek New Testament, which is the original language of parts of the Bible. He read the entire New Testament every two weeks.
Death
Thomas Brightman died suddenly on August 24, 1607. He was riding in a coach with a friend and reading a book, as he liked to use every moment wisely. He fainted and passed away. He was buried in Hawnes on the same day he died. There is a special message about him in the church there. He never married. A friend named Edward Bulkley gave the speech at his funeral.
His Writings and Ideas
Brightman believed that one of his books, which was about the Apocalypse (another name for the Book of Revelation), was inspired by God. In this book, he called the Church of England the "Laodicean church," which meant it was not strong enough in its faith. He thought the churches in Geneva and Scotland were the ones God truly loved.
A main idea in his writings was that the Pope was the "anti-Christ." He believed the Pope's rule would last for 1290 years and then be completely destroyed by God.
In 1615, after his death, another one of his works was published. It was called Shall They Return to Jerusalem Again? In this book, Brightman was one of the first Christians to suggest that Jewish people would return to their homeland in Israel. He wrote, "There is nothing more certain: the prophets do everywhere confirm it and beat upon it."
