"The spawn of Romish frogs": to what extent were allegations of Roman Catholicism against early Quakers valid?

Rundall, Francis R.S. (2025). "The spawn of Romish frogs": to what extent were allegations of Roman Catholicism against early Quakers valid? University of Birmingham. M.A.

Rundall2025MAbyRes.pdf
Text - Accepted Version
Available under License All rights reserved.
Download (1MB)

Abstract

During the Interregnum, the early Quakers’ critics repeatedly made allegations that Quaker doctrines and practices resembled those of Roman Catholics, and that Quakers were Jesuits in disguise. The objective of this dissertation is to investigate whether there was any merit in these allegations. This is achieved by, first, comparing Quaker and Roman Catholic doctrines relating to the topics which were the subject of the allegations, namely salvation, the priority to be accorded to the Spirit and Scripture, sin, and the sacraments. Thereafter an examination is made of the specific allegations, in each case asking whether Quaker beliefs aligned more closely to those of Roman Catholicism than to those of the Reformed faith. Finally, a comparison is made between the principal characteristics of Quaker and Jesuit spirituality. It is concluded that on the doctrines of salvation, the primacy of the Spirit over Scripture, the possibility of achieving perfection in this life, and the fact of direct communication by God with human beings, Quaker beliefs resembled those of Roman Catholicism and were opposed to those of the Reformed faith. It is additionally concluded that Quaker practices resembled Roman Catholic practices only in minor respects and that there was no merit in allegations that Quakers derived their beliefs from Roman Catholicism, had been taught by Roman Catholics, had been infiltrated by Jesuits or were Jesuits in disguise. Further it is found that there were significant similarities between Quaker and Jesuit spirituality. It is suggested that these conclusions enhance the credibility of Quakers’ claim that they derived their ideas and beliefs from their own spiritual experience. It is further suggested that Quakers should not properly by placed on the extreme radical wing of the spectrum of groups in mid-seventeenth century England within the Reformed faith.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Masters by Research > M.A.)

Award Type:

Masters by Research > M.A.

Supervisor(s):