Neo-Latin Writings and Religion

This chapter explores the many genres of neo-Latin writing in which theology found its place. Not only theological writings from both Roman Catholic and Protestant authors were written in Latin, but also in other genres theological issues were brought to the fore in Latin, such as political narratives like Thomas More’s Utopia, religiously inspired school and academic drama, Buchanan’s Psalm Paraphrases and other religious poetry, and in letters. Foremost through correspondence, but also by means of other genres, contacts existed between the United Kingdom and the continent. In addition, the relationship between Latin and vernacular writings on theological issues is assessed during the course of this chapter. The discussion as a whole examines the distinctions made in the period between theological beliefs and religious practices and considers how Latin constituted an apt medium in which to analyse ideas and practices with clarity.