William King (priest)

William King (1650-1729) was an Irish Anglican clergyman, scholar, and writer who served as Archbishop of Dublin from 1703 until his death.

Born in Antrim, Ireland, King was educated at Trinity College, Dublin, where he distinguished himself as a scholar. He was ordained a priest in the Church of Ireland and held various ecclesiastical positions before becoming Bishop of Derry in 1691.

King was a staunch supporter of the Glorious Revolution and a prolific writer on theological and philosophical subjects. His most notable work is De Origine Mali (On the Origin of Evil), published in 1702. This work attempts to reconcile the existence of evil with the goodness and omnipotence of God, drawing heavily on reason and natural law. It gained him international recognition and was influential in the development of theodicy.

He was promoted to Archbishop of Dublin in 1703. As Archbishop, King was active in promoting education and religious reform. He was also involved in political controversies, particularly concerning the relationship between the Church of Ireland and the English Crown. He was known for his strong views and independent spirit.

King was a significant figure in the intellectual and religious life of Ireland during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. He is remembered for his scholarship, his contributions to theological debate, and his leadership within the Church of Ireland. His writings continued to be studied and debated long after his death.