Theology in Milton\u27s Paradise Lost

A number of attempts have been made to fit the Miltonic ideals into the pattern of a particular religious or philosophical group. HE has been called Calvinist, Arminian, Unitarian and Spiritualist. The treatment of vital religious beliefs in Paradise Lost, however, leaves little doubt as to Milton\u27s contempt for any and all orthodox theology. That he was a liberal in morals, in politics, and in religion has never been doubted. We are sometimes tempted in spite of this forgive him his heresies in deference to the beauty of his art, and to excuse his theories in the presence of his sublime imagery. These things of genius will be of little consequence in this study, since my comparisons and interpretations will be based on the cold logic of learned Christians and the authority of Scriptural Text