Captaining Men's Souls: Richard Hakluyt's Ministerial Works

Area of Science:

• History of Science
• Religious Studies
• Early Modern English Literature

Background:

• Richard Hakluyt, renowned for "The Principal Navigations," dedicated much of his life to the English church.
• Scholarship has often overlooked Hakluyt's religious profession, viewing it as secondary to his geographical contributions.
• The perceived lack of explicit religious writings has obscured the specifics of his personal beliefs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To illuminate Richard Hakluyt's religious beliefs and their significance to his geographical endeavors.
• To analyze previously unexamined manuscript notes from the early 1580s to gain new insights.
• To reassess the impact and reach of Hakluyt's ministerial role within a broader scholarly context.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of newly discovered manuscript notes from Richard Hakluyt's time at the University of Oxford.
• Examination of a lecture on the third article and a sermon on ministerial vocations.
• Contextualization of Hakluyt within a continental network of theologians and writers.

Main Results:

• The manuscript notes provide direct evidence of Hakluyt's religious convictions and engagement.
• These findings demonstrate the intrinsic connection between Hakluyt's religious commitments and his geographical work.
• Hakluyt's involvement in a wider theological network is highlighted, underscoring his ministerial influence.

Conclusions:

• Religion was a fundamental aspect of Richard Hakluyt's life and work, not merely secondary.
• The study reframes Hakluyt's contributions by integrating his religious and geographical activities.
• This research offers a more comprehensive understanding of Hakluyt's intellectual and spiritual landscape.