The Joseph Addison’s idea of religious tolerance (based on materials of magazine «The Spectator»)

Author(s):  Y.S. Kuchin, no, no, Ivanovo State University, Ivanovo, Russia, kuchinyakov@yandex.ru

Issue:  Volume 46, № 4

Rubric:  Topical issues of world history

Annotation:  The article is devoted to ideas of toleration of Joseph Addison, a famous English journalist of the early XVIIIth century. The author comes to conclusion that the concept of Addison's religious tolerance is heterogeneous, it consists of two separate programs. With regard to the population of England and the various directions of Protestantism, Addison proclaimed the freedom of conscience. He negatively wrote about the persecution of dissenters, urged the believers in England to be cleansed of fanaticism and superstition. Publicist sincerely believed that the Christian doctrine was too beautiful that apply violence to his truths, that any contradictions can be resolved by peaceful methods based on morality and a reasonable approach. Addison became different when he talked about other non-christian religions. He did not perceive them as religious doctrines; he saw in them only a basis for criticism, philosophical reflections or jokes. Atheism, completely inconsistent with his worldview, Addison openly denied, considering it a stupid and vicious practice. All descriptions of non-Christian cults are united in one thing: the exaltation of Christianity over all other creeds, the recognition of the teachings of Christ as the best source of beauty and inspiration in the World.

Keywords:  English journalism of the Modern Era, atheism, Joseph Addison, problems of the religious tolerance, Protestantism.

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DOI:  10.18413/2075-4458-2019-46-4-647-656

Reference to article:  Kuchin Ya.S. 2019. The Joseph Addison’s idea of religious tolerance (based on materials of magazine «The spectator»). Belgorod State University Scientific Bulletin. History. Political Science, 46(4): 647–656 (in Russian). DOI 10.18413/2075-4458-2019-46-4-647-656