A General View of the Rise, Progress, and Corruptions of Christianity

A General View Of The Rise, Progress, And Corruptions Of Christianity by Richard Whately. This historical-theological work surveys how Christianity emerged and how it was later corrupted by Judaism, Paganism, philosophy, immorality, and worldly policy. Whately opens with an examination of mankind's origin and civilizational beginnings, arguing for divine revelation as the source of civilisation, then explains the Mosaic Dispensation, the introduction of the Gospel, and the establishment of Christ's kingdom. He argues that the Gospel is spiritual, universal, and one in essence, contrasting it with the local, ceremonial, and exclusive Mosaic system. The central sections analyze the pagan religions, the distortions of Church authority, and the false sacraments that arose through corruptions such as priesthood, altars, and the veneration of saints. He urges reform, warns against coercion and schism, and defends the church against the claims of infallibility, insisting on Scripture as the ultimate rule. The book aims to defend gospel truth by exposing human distortions and the necessity of reform.