Summary:
Religio Laici (1682) is a philosophical and theological poem by John Dryden that explores the nature of faith, reason, and the role of the Church. The title means “The Religion of a Layman” in Latin. In the poem, Dryden defends Anglicanism against Catholicism and Protestant dissenters, arguing that the Church of England provides a rational and balanced approach to Christianity. He emphasizes that human reason alone is insufficient for salvation and that divine revelation, as interpreted by the Church, is necessary for true faith. The poem reflects Dryden’s religious beliefs before his later conversion to Catholicism.

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| Question | Answer |
| Poem Name | Religio Laici |
| Poet | John Dryden |
| Year Published | 1682 |
| Poem Type | Didactic, Philosophical Poem |
| Verse Form | Heroic couplets |
| Main Themes | Faith, Reason, Divine Revelation, Anglicanism |
| Tone | Thoughtful, Argumentative, Reflective |
| Famous Quote | “By education most have been misled; So they believe, because they were so bred.” |
| Main Message | True faith requires a balance of reason and divine guidance |
| Historical Context | Written during a time of religious conflict in England, before Dryden’s later conversion to Catholicism |