You are here Postgraduate > Taught M.Phil Programmes > M.Phil in Early Modern History > Student Profiles > James Popiel

James Popiel

Biography

In 2011 I completed a BA in International Politics and History at Aberystwyth University. In 2012 I moved to Dublin to begin the MPhil in Early Modern History.

Research

‘Anti-Trinitarian identity in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, 1565-1680’
The Polish Brethren and other Anti-Trinitarians attempted to purify Christianity of its abuses and worship the one true God. In doing so they faced the spirited opposition of other Christians who sought to discredit and destroy the movement. The resultant theological and political disputes shed light on broader questions of religious freedom and social justice.

I intend to use catechisms to show how the Polish Brethren and other Anti-Trinitarians within the Commonwealth sought to define and defend themselves as Christians and citizens in contrast to other denominations. Using Calvinist, Catholic and Lutheran literature I am also looking at changing portrayals of Anti-Trinitarians and attempts to discredit their doctrines and practices as unchristian and corrosive to the social order.