Jansenism

Jansenism, and the theology of Cornelius Jansen, powerfully infused French political life from the mid-17th century to the revolution 150 years later. It influenced the Enlightenment, the development of French constitutional thinking, the destruction of the Jesuits, and the modernization of the Catholic Church. This book explains why Jansenism was so important, recreates the religious and intellectual world which fostered it, and examines the critical issues which led to the French Revolution.

This book explains why Jansenism was so important, recreates the religious and intellectual world which fostered it, and examines the critical issues which led to the French Revolution.

Booknews

Doyle (history, U. of Bristol) explains that the theology of Cornelius Jansen (1585-1638) powerfully infused French political life for 150 years starting in the middle 16th century. He says it influenced the Englightenment, the development of French constitutional thinking, the destruction of the Jesuits, and the modernization of the Catholic Church. Above all, it sowed the seeds of resistance to absolute monarchy that led to the French Revolution. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

William Doyle is Professor of History at the University of Bristol.