Thomas Randolph (academic) facts for kids
Thomas Randolph (born in 1701, died in 1783) was an important English scholar and religious leader. He was the President of Corpus Christi College at Oxford University. He was also a Christian theologian, which means he studied and wrote about religious ideas.
Life of Thomas Randolph
Thomas Randolph studied at Corpus Christi College, Oxford. He earned advanced degrees there, including a Master of Arts (M.A.) and a Doctor of Divinity (D.D.). In 1723, he became a Fellow at the college. A Fellow is like a senior member of the college staff.
He caught the eye of John Potter, who was then the Bishop of Oxford. A bishop is a high-ranking church leader. Later, in 1737, John Potter became the Archbishop of Canterbury. This is the most senior bishop in the Church of England. Archbishop Potter helped Randolph get several important positions in the church.
Randolph became known as a strong supporter of traditional Anglican Christian beliefs. In 1748, he was chosen to be the President of Corpus Christi College. This is a very important leadership role. From 1756 to 1759, he also served as the Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University. This means he was in charge of the whole university for a few years. Finally, from 1767 until his death in 1783, he was the Archdeacon of Oxford. An archdeacon helps the bishop manage the churches in a specific area.
Writings
Thomas Randolph wrote many books and essays about Christian beliefs. These works often defended Christian ideas and discussed religious topics. Some of his notable writings include:
- The Christian's faith a rational assent : in answer to a pamphlet, entituled, Christianity not founded on argument, &c. (1744)
- Party-zeal censur'd. In a sermon preach'd before the University of Oxford , at St. Mary's, on Sunday, January 19, 1752 (1752)
- A Summary view of the laws relating to subscriptions, &c. : With remarks, humbly offered to the consideration of the British Parliament (1771)
- An answer to a pamphlet, entituled, Considerations on the propriety of requiring a subscription to articles of faith (1774)
- A Vindication of the worship of the Son and the Holy Ghost against the exceptions of Mr. Theophilus Lindsey from Scripture and antiquity : being a supplement to a treatise formerly published and entitled a Vindication of the doctrine of the Trinity (1775)
- A View of Our Blessed Saviour's Ministry and the Proofs of His Divine Mission Arising from Thence: Together with a Charge, Dissertations, Sermons, and Theological Lectures, Volume 1 (1784)
- A View of Our Blessed Saviour's Ministry and the Proofs of His Divine Mission Arising from Thence: Together with a Charge, Dissertations, Sermons, and Theological Lectures, Volume 2 (1784)
