The Rise and Decline of Anglican Idealism in the Nineteenth Century - by T Gouldstone (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Scientific and historical studies in the Nineteenth-century challenged Christian believers to restate their faith in ways which took account of new knowledge. An example of this is the influence of philosophical idealism on a generation of writers and theologians, principally centred around the University of Oxford. However, these optimistic and socially-privileged men and women failed to come to terms with the mass movements and rapid changes in fin-de-siècle England. The Church moved out of touch with national life and is reaping the consequences today.

Review Quotes

'Relating a wealth of new fact and detail from the works and careers of some neglected figures to this broader view of Victorian culture, the book fills in some spaces in our understanding of the phenomenon of anglican idealism and of its period, and points to some hitherto overlooked aspects.' - Jan Olof Bengtsson, Ecclesiastical History

'...this book will be quarried by many who want to flesh out their knowledge of Anglican theological history with insight into the ways and means by which particular Anglican theologians and writers sought to respond to the challenges of their age.' - Jeremy Morris, Theology

About the Author

TIM GOULDSTONE was ordained in 1978 after having taken a degree in Geology and after a period working in industry. Having previously served in a number of rural parishes, he is currently Anglican Chaplain to the University of East Anglia. He is a member of the Society of Ordained Scientists and has received a Templeton Foundation Award for a course on 'Science and the Christian Faith'.