Ramism in William Perkins' Theology

This is a comprehensive study of the philosophy of Peter Ramus (1515-1572) as it was used in the theology of the English Puritan, William Perkins (1558-1602). The work shows that Perkins' use of Ramist method was substantial and that nearly all his theological works were constructed along the lines of the Ramist method. The significance of this use of Ramus by Perkins is explored and the importance of Ramism for English Puritanism in general is then shown.


Donald K. McKim is Professor of Theology at the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa, where he joined the Faculty in 1981. He received his Bachelor of Arts from Westminster College (Pennsylvania), his Master of Divinity magna cum laude from Pittsburg Theological Seminary and his PhD from the University of Pittsburgh in 1980. Dr. McKim is the author or editor of six other books and numerous articles and book reviews in the fields of Christian Theology and the History of Christian Thought. He is married to Dr. LindaJo McKim and they are the parents of Stephen and Karl McKim.