An Order of Philosophers? Samuel Clarke's Moral Theory and the Problem of Sacerdos in Enlightenment England.

The article presents an exploration between the intersection of religion and philosophy in the intellectual class of 18th-century England. Details are given contrasting the opposing personas of teachers as a form of priest, centered upon advocating moral activity through mediating the God-man relationship, or as a philosopher who taught metaphysics and virtue. The conceptual conflict between these social roles are examined, particularly through the writings of Samuel Clarke on concepts of authority and reason in Christian teaching, addressing the value of priestly authority by injecting reason in the clerical office's way of teaching which did not impersonate God's authority.