The Ignatian Epistles Entirely Spurious: A Reply to the Right Rev. Dr. Lightfoot (ePub)

William Dool Killen (1806-1902), an eminent Irish Presbyterian minister and church historian, is primarily recognized for his critical scholarly works on ecclesiastical history. Killen, born in Ballymena, County Antrim, served not only as a pastor but also as an influential theological educator, having been appointed as a Professor of Ecclesiastical History and Church Government at the Assembly's College in Belfast in 1853. His reputation as a meticulous historian is reflected in his detailed analyses and critiques, particularly those concerning the early Christian church. One of Killen's noteworthy contributions to the theological literary canon is 'The Ignatian Epistles Entirely Spurious: A Reply to the Right Rev. Dr. Lightfoot', wherein he presents a compelling argument against the authenticity of certain epistles attributed to Ignatius of Antioch, responding to the positions held by Bishop J.B. Lightfoot. Known for his staunch defense of Presbyterian history and polity, Killen's literary style is characterized by its rigorous argumentation and reliance on primary sources, making his works crucial for scholars of religious history. His dedication to church history is encapsulated in his three-volume opus, 'The Ecclesiastical History of Ireland from the Earliest Period to the Present Times'.