Alexander Geddes (September 14, 1737 - February 26, 1802) was a Scottish theologian and scholar.
He was born at Ruthven, Banffshire, of Roman Catholic parentage, and educated for the priesthood at the local seminary of Scalan, and at Paris; he became a priest in his
native county. His translation of the Satires of Horace made him known as a scholar, but his liberalism led to his suspension. He then went to London, where he became known to Baron Petre, who enabled him to proceed with a new translation of the Bible for English Roman Catholics, which he carried on as far as the Book of Ruth, with some of the Psalms, and which was published in 3 volumes. (1792-6). This was followed by Critical Remarks on the Hebrew Scriptures , in which he largely anticipated the German school of criticism. The result of this publication was his suspension from all ecclesiastical functions. Geddes was also a poet, and wrote , Carmen Seculare pro Gallica Gente (1790), in praise of the French Revolution. He died without recanting, but received absolution at the hands of a French priest, though public mass for his soul was forbidden by the ecclesiastical powers.
Last updated: 08-12-2005 08:04:28