Thomas Rutherforth facts for kids

Thomas Rutherforth (sometimes spelled Rutherford) (1712–1771) was an important English church leader and university professor. He taught at Cambridge University and held a special role called Regius Professor of Divinity. He was also a church official known as the Archdeacon of Essex.

A Smart Start

Thomas Rutherforth was born on October 3, 1712, in a small village called Papworth St. Agnes in England. His father, also named Thomas, was a church leader and loved history.

Young Thomas went to Huntingdon school. After that, he went to St John's College at Cambridge University when he was just 13. He worked hard and earned his first degree in 1729. He continued his studies, getting more degrees in the years that followed.

In 1736, he took on a role called "junior taxor" at the university. This meant he helped guide students and manage academic rules.

Becoming a Professor

Thomas Rutherforth was very respected for his knowledge. In 1743, he was elected to the Royal Society, a famous group for scientists. He also taught science privately at Cambridge.

In 1745, he became the Regius Professor of Divinity at Cambridge. This was a very important job where he taught about religion and theology. He also earned his Doctor of Divinity degree.

Later, he became a chaplain to important royal family members, including Frederick, Prince of Wales and Princess Augusta of Saxe-Gotha. He also served as a church leader in different areas, becoming the rector of Shenfield and Barley churches. In 1752, he was made the Archdeacon of Essex.

Thomas Rutherforth passed away on October 5, 1771. He was buried in the church at Barley.

His Writings and Ideas

Thomas Rutherforth was known for his ideas about religion and philosophy. He wrote many books and essays. Here are some of his important works:

• On Virtue: In 1744, he wrote "An Essay on the Nature and Obligations of Virtue." This book explored what virtue is and why it's important. Other thinkers, like Thomas Chubb and Catherine Cockburn, wrote replies to his ideas.
• Science Lectures: He published "A System of Natural Philosophy" in 1748. This book was a collection of his lectures on science topics like mechanics, optics, and astronomy.
• Defending Beliefs: He wrote several works defending religious ideas. For example, in 1751, he wrote "The Credibility of Miracles defended" against the philosopher David Hume. This book argued that miracles could be believed.
• Laws and Rights: From 1754 to 1756, he published "Institutes of Natural Law." This work was based on his lectures about natural law and rights, inspired by the famous thinker Grotius.
• Debates about the Bible: He also got involved in discussions about the Hebrew Bible. In 1761, he wrote a letter to Mr. Kennicott, examining his work on the Old Testament.
• Church Rules: Rutherforth strongly believed that Protestant churches had the right to ask their clergy (church leaders) to agree to certain beliefs. He wrote several pieces defending this idea, which led to more debates with other church members.

His Family

Thomas Rutherforth married Charlotte Elizabeth. She was the daughter of Sir William Abdy. They had one son, Thomas Abdy Rutherforth. Their son also became a church leader and passed away in 1798.