The Principled Refusal of Nonjuring: Understanding the History and Significance

Nonjuring is a term used to describe individuals who refuse to take an oath or swear allegiance to a particular authority, usually a religious or political leader. The term is derived from the Latin word "non-jurare," which means "not to swear."

In religious contexts, nonjuring refers to individuals who refuse to take oaths or make promises to God or other religious authorities. For example, in the 17th century, some Puritans in England refused to take the oath of allegiance to the king, arguing that it was a form of idolatry to swear loyalty to a human ruler rather than to God.

In political contexts, nonjuring refers to individuals who refuse to take oaths or swear allegiance to a particular government or leader. For example, during the American Revolution, some colonists refused to take an oath of allegiance to the British crown, arguing that it was unjust and oppressive.

Overall, nonjuring is a principled refusal to swear oaths or make promises that go against one's beliefs or values. It is often associated with religious dissenters and political radicals who reject established authority and seek to maintain their independence and autonomy.