Theaurau John Tany, Christian mystic (d. 1659)

Theaurau John Tany, originally known as Thomas Totney (baptized on January 21, 1608, and passing in 1659), stands as a captivating and enigmatic figure within the tumultuous landscape of 17th-century England. He was a radical English preacher and self-proclaimed religious visionary whose unique beliefs and actions positioned him at the fringes of mainstream society during the turbulent Interregnum period.

The Man Behind the Prophet: Thomas Totney's Transformation

Born Thomas Totney, his baptism in January 1608 marks the beginning of his life in an era ripe for religious and political upheaval. However, it was his profound personal transformation and the adoption of the name Theaurau John Tany that truly defined his public identity. This renaming was not merely a change of moniker but a symbolic act reflecting his conviction that he had undergone a divine metamorphosis, believing himself to be a new prophet, even claiming to be the reincarnation of Melchizedek, the legendary priest-king mentioned in the Old Testament.

A Visionary's Calling and Radical Beliefs

Tany’s visions led him to embrace a highly unconventional set of doctrines and a distinctive mission. He proclaimed himself the "Lord High Treasurer of the Commonwealth of the Everlasting Gospel" and asserted a divine right to leadership. His core tenets included:

• Rejection of Conventional Authority: Tany vehemently opposed the established religious institutions and the existing social order, viewing them as corrupt and contrary to divine will.
• Jewish Identity and Mission: A central and striking aspect of his beliefs was his adoption of a perceived Jewish identity. He claimed to be a patriarch of the Jewish people, issuing decrees and even reportedly undergoing circumcision to affirm this new identity. His ultimate vision included leading the Jewish people back to Palestine, believing this would herald the establishment of a new, purified Israelite kingdom in England.
• Socio-Economic Reform: Beyond spiritual matters, Tany advocated for radical social and economic changes, including the redistribution of wealth and land, reflecting the broader anxieties and aspirations for a more equitable society prevalent among some radical sects of the time.

Public Actions and Controversy

True to his visionary claims, Tany was not content with merely preaching; he actively sought to manifest his prophecies. He engaged in highly publicized and often controversial actions, such as attempting to assert his authority over Parliament, famously claiming it as his rightful inheritance as a "Hebrew." He also authored several pamphlets, including "TheaurauJohn His Aurora in Tranlagorum in Salem Gloria" (1650) and "The King of Righteousness" (1650), which articulated his divine mandate and radical interpretations of scripture. These actions, combined with his unique appearance and pronouncements, made him a notorious figure, often associated with, yet distinct from, other radical groups like the Ranters, who also challenged societal norms.

The English Civil War and Interregnum Context

The period of Tany’s active ministry, roughly from the late 1640s until his death in 1659, coincided with the profound societal upheaval of the English Civil War and the subsequent Interregnum. This era was characterized by an explosion of religious dissent and sectarianism, as the collapse of the traditional church hierarchy allowed for the flourishing of diverse and often radical theological ideas. Figures like Tany, alongside Diggers, Levellers, and Quakers, represented a spectrum of responses to the crisis, offering alternative visions for society and spirituality. His ideas, while extreme to many, resonated with a segment of the population disillusioned with traditional authority and seeking a radical transformation of the world.

A Tragic End and Lasting Legacy

The life of Theaurau John Tany concluded as dramatically as it was lived. In 1659, he is widely believed to have drowned in the River Thames, having jumped from a boat with the conviction that he would be miraculously transported to Jerusalem. This final act, whether born of unwavering faith or delusion, cemented his place in history as a truly unique and tragic figure. His story provides valuable insight into the fervent religious experimentation and prophetic movements that characterized 17th-century England, highlighting the intense search for divine truth and social justice during a period of immense change.

Frequently Asked Questions About Theaurau John Tany

Who was Theaurau John Tany?

Theaurau John Tany, originally Thomas Totney, was a highly unusual English religious preacher and self-proclaimed prophet of the mid-17th century. He gained notoriety during the English Civil War and Interregnum for his radical beliefs and public actions, including claiming to be a reincarnation of Melchizedek and advocating for Jewish resettlement in England.

What were his main beliefs?

Tany's core beliefs centered on his self-proclaimed divine mission as a Jewish patriarch. He sought to establish a new Israelite kingdom in England, advocating for the return of the Jewish people to Palestine and for radical socio-economic reforms, including the redistribution of land and wealth. He also rejected traditional religious and political authority.

How did he die?

Theaurau John Tany is believed to have drowned in the River Thames in 1659. Historical accounts suggest he intentionally jumped from a boat, convinced he would be miraculously transported to Jerusalem, thus bringing a dramatic end to his extraordinary life.