Talk:Thomas Traherne

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I've read that Traherne's work so closely links God and his creation that he might as well be a Pantheist. He is quoted by cleargy who have a new age philosophy because of this. Recently a friend of mine brought a book over that seemed to be addressed to Evangelical Christians that had a Traherne quote in it. I'd love to hear from others who have definite thoughts about Traherne and what philosophies his work is used to support.

[edit] Traherne a Pantheist?

Pantheist? Remember that he is grouped in with the Metaphysical poets, as the entry makes clear, and their work is often known for its complicated (forced?) metaphors which makes a close reading of the whole work a requirement before making a judgement such as the above. Taking sentences out of context can be misleading especially with such an original poet as Traherne. As far as his personal beliefs--from his more polemical writings it seems clear he was firmly in the camp of the Church of England. He has had a great influence in the 20th century due to his rediscovery, ie. C.S. Lewis often refers to him. I think if one reads Samuel Johnson's defense of Traherne's contemporary Thomas Browne with regards to his Orthodoxy it could as easily apply to Traherne himself.

[edit] Traherne and pantheism

I can see why Traherne might be used by some to suppport pantheism. He says bold and imaginative things about God's revelation in and through the created world. Taken out of context these quotes might sound 'pantheistic'. The real question when judging whether or not it is 'safe' to read someone though is surely not what teachings their writings are used to support (anything can be made to support anything if it is twisted enough) but what teachings and writings have informed their work in the first place. Traherne's sources are many and varied. His most frequently quoted source is the Bible, after which he relies on the Church Fathers, and the traditional teaching of the Christian Church. The interface between Scripture and reason is a huge part of his dialogue. The newest manuscript discoveries of his work show him to be very interested in doctrinal debates such as the Calvinist/Arminian debate and the Pelagian heresy. He is deeply imbedded in the Christian tradition and goes to some length to defend orthodox Chrisitan doctrine.