: Hoadly's radical Erastian views—denying the spiritual authority of the church—faced immediate backlash from figures like William Law , Thomas Sherlock , and Andrew Snape . Core Theological Arguments

The (1716–1721) was one of the most significant ideological and theological conflicts within the Church of England during the 18th century . It pitted "High Church" proponents of ecclesiastical authority against "Low Church" Latitudinarians who favored a religion of private conscience. Origin and Key Figures

: He supported repealing laws that forced non-conformists to participate in Anglican ceremonies, believing that sincerity and liberty of conscience were paramount. Historical Significance and Impact

: In 1716, Hoadly published Preservative against the Principles and Practices of Non-Jurors , attacking the "Non-juring" clergy who had refused to swear allegiance to the Hanoverian King George I.

The controversy had lasting consequences for both English religion and politics:

: Hoadly rejected the doctrine of apostolic succession , claiming it encouraged a "spiritual power" that wrongly sought to control human conscience.