Vicar of Madeley John William Fletcher

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Vicar of Madeley John William Fletcher

John William Fletcher (Jean de la Flechere) Swiss-born churchman in England, Arminian, vicar of Madeley. Date: circa 1780s

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Media ID 14259236

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1729 1785 Born Churchman Fletcher Skull Swiss Vicar Arminian Madeley

EDITORS COMMENTS
This portrait captures the enigmatic figure of John William Fletcher, also known as Jean de la Flechere, a Swiss-born churchman who made a significant impact on English religious and intellectual circles during the late 18th century. Born in Switzerland in 1729, Fletcher arrived in England in the 1750s and became an influential Arminian theologian and vicar of Madeley in Shropshire. Fletcher's unconventional beliefs, which emphasized the importance of free will and the role of reason in interpreting scripture, challenged the prevailing Calvinist orthodoxy of the Church of England. His ideas resonated with a growing number of intellectuals and religious reformers, including the poet William Cowper and the philosopher Joseph Priestley. Despite his controversial views, Fletcher was a respected and beloved figure in his community. This portrait, likely taken in the 1780s, shows him in the prime of his life, with a thoughtful expression and a stern yet gentle demeanor. The skull in the background serves as a poignant reminder of the transience of life and the importance of living in accordance with one's beliefs. Fletcher's legacy extends beyond the realm of theology, as he was also a prolific writer and translator. His works, which included translations of French and German theological texts, helped to broaden the intellectual horizons of his English contemporaries. Today, Fletcher is remembered as a pioneering figure in the history of religious thought and a champion of intellectual freedom and open-mindedness.

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