Fausto Paolo Sozzini

Fausto Paolo Sozzini (December 5, 1539 - March 4, 1604), theologian, was a founder of the school of Christian thought known as "Socinianism," based on the Latinized spelling of his name.

Authorities

For the biography of Sozzini the best materials are his letters; a collection is in his works; others are given by Cantfl; more are preserved at Siena and Florence; his correspondence is open and frank, never sparing his weak points. The earliest life (prefixed to his works) is by S Przypkowski (1636); in English, by John Bidle (1653). This is the foundation of the article by Bayle, the Memoirs by J Toulmin (1777), and the article by R Wallace (Antitrin. Biog., 1850). Cantù's sketch in Gli Eretici d'Italia (1866) gives a genealogy of the Sozzini (needing revision). The best defence of Sozzini in his relations with David is by James Yates (Christ. Pioneer, Feb. 1834); a less favorable view is taken by Davids Hungarian biographer Elek Jakab (David F Emleke, 1879).

Related Topics:
Bayle - Cantù

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Of his system, best known through the Racovian Catechism (1605, planned by Sozzini and carried out by others, principally Valentine Schmalz); in English, by T Rees (1818) there is a special study by O Fock, Der Socinianismus (1847). See also The Sozzini and their School, by A Gordon (Theol. Rev., 1879; cf. Christian Life, Aug. 25, 1883). Use has been made above of unpublished papers in the archives of Florence, with others in the archives, communal library and collection of Padre Toti at Siena.

Related Topics:
Racovian Catechism - T Rees

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