The Elder Son Explained, and the Romish Church Exposed

"The Elder Son Explained, and the Romish Church Exposed" by J. Church is a theological treatise likely written in the early 19th century. This book delves into the interpretation of the biblical parable of the elder son from the Gospel of Luke, presenting an analysis that critiques self-righteousness and moral pride, often linking it to Pharisaical attitudes. Additionally, it scrutinizes the Roman Catholic Church's doctrines, emphasizing a Protestant perspective. In the first part of the book, Church argues that the elder son represents self-righteous individuals who boast about their moral conduct while lacking genuine faith and humility, contrasting with the repentant prodigal son. He critiques the prideful denial of sin and the inability to recognize one's need for grace. The second half of the book presents a Catholic creed that Church vehemently opposes, articulating his view that Catholicism is inherently flawed and promotes doctrines contrary to biblical teaching. Throughout, the author employs a fervent tone to convey his disdain for both self-righteousness and the perceived errors of Roman Catholicism, advocating for a return to the principles of grace and genuine faith. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

John Church was an Independent minister who was most famous for his involvement in the homosexual scandal of the Vere Street Coterie. He is claimed by some as the first openly ‘gay’ ordained Christian minister in England. Contemporary rumours about this are unproveable one way or the other, though circumstantial evidence may suggest that his "inordinate affections which led me into error" could be referring to homosexuality.