| William G. T. Shedd (1820–1894) is the subject of this study. The study attempts to prove four major points. First of all, it will be shown that Shedd was influenced by Romantic idealism. This will be demonstrated by appealing to his contemporaries who have reflected on his writings, Shedd's own testimony, and most importantly, an appeal will be made to his educational, professional and literary career. He published the definitive nineteenth-century edition of Samuel Coleridge's works and studied under the leading Coleridgean advocate in America in his day, James Marsh.; Secondly, it will also be recognized that his philosophy, especially his epistemology, was distinctly Coleridgean. Shedd was one of the most orthodox speculative theologians in the nineteenth century. He published views in the area of language, aesthetics, rhetoric and historiography in addition to his theological publications. All these publications bear the mark of Coleridge and Marsh's influence.; Thirdly, the author attempts to show that Shedd's theology possessed the distinct imprint of Romantic idealism. The study will address his view of the innate idea of God, the ontological argument, doctrinal development, atonement, and endless punishment. His views of Traducianism, Realism and self-determination will receive special attention because these theological formulations clearly differentiated Shedd from other Reformed divines. All these doctrinal formulations have been influenced in some measure by Romantic idealism.; Lastly, the study endeavors to demonstrate that Shedd remained orthodox throughout his lifetime. His speculative tendencies did not debilitate his orthodoxy. This is the main concern of this dissertation. Shedd embraced a philosophy that led many to liberalism and yet he remained firmly entrenched in the Old School Presbyterian tradition. |
