5 Minutes in Church History with Stephen Nichols Charles Jennens' Libretto
9 snips
Nov 12, 2025 Discover the fascinating life of Charles Jennens, the man behind the libretto of Handel's Messiah. Dive into his strong Christian faith and his battle against the rise of deism in 18th-century England. Learn how Jennens collaborated with Handel on significant oratorios and contributed to Shakespeare scholarship. Explore his strategic use of Old Testament prophecies in Messiah, particularly emphasizing Isaiah, and find out how he crafted the iconic Hallelujah Chorus to highlight Christ's sovereignty.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Jennens’ Early Life And Education
- Charles Jennens grew up on a wealthy Leicestershire estate and studied at Balliol College, Oxford in 1716.
- He managed his family estate for two decades while maintaining active Christian commitments and opposing deism.
Opposing Deism Shaped His Life
- Jennens devoted significant effort to refuting deism, which denied central Christian doctrines like the virgin birth and the gospel.
- His theological convictions shaped his later collaborations and public works against deistic influence.
Patron And Collaborator Of Handel
- Jennens began collaborating with Handel in 1735, producing oratorios like Saul and Israel in Egypt.
- He also commissioned Handel's famous portrait that hangs in London's National Portrait Gallery.