The Enchanted Christianity of Anne Conway

Conway’s life offers contemporary Friends a fascinating microcosm of the theological and existential problems that captivated religious radicals and elites alike in 17th century Britain. What is the nature of goodness? Why does God allow suffering? What is the proper relationship between human beings and nature? In tackling these questions, Conway affirms the reality of absolute divine goodness, the central role of Christ in the restoration of nature, and the belief that suffering is a doorway to transcendence.

Throughout this course, learners will encounter the circle of friends, acquaintances and philosophical interlocutors that fed and sustained Conway’s intellectual and spiritual life. Alongside familiar figures like George Fox, William Penn, and Robert Barclay, learners will discover Anne’s formative friendships with the Cambridge Platonist Henry More and the Flemish alchemist Franciscus Mercurius van Helmont.

There will be some material to look at before the first session. We will email you around one week prior to the course with information about accessing the course, including this material, on our online learning platform (Moodle).