The Christian Platonism of Thomas Jackson

Although Thomas Jackson (1579-1640) is recognized by scholars as the

most important theologian of the Laudian church, hitherto there has been

no comprehensive study of his philosophical theology. The reason for

Jackson’s neglect is that scholars have been puzzled by the sources,

character and influence of his Christian Platonism. From a close and

comprehensive reading of his magnum opus - a massive twelve book

commentary on the Apostles’ Creed - this book shows how Jackson regards

the Platonic tradition as an essential and perennial resource for the

Christian theologian, anticipating and informing central aspects of

Christian theological speculation and belief, given by divine providence

to help him interpret and defend his creed. Special attention is paid to

the influence of Nicholas of Cusa (1401-1464) on Jackson, an important

moment in the history of thought since the German cardinal is generally

thought to have been without intellectual successors in the early modern

period.