Evangelical Movement
The evangelical movement of the mid to late 19th century was only one of the many changes that impacted the Church of England and society's religious beliefs. Many of the religious transformations were related to the social and intellectual changes occurring mostly in the middle classes.
Middle class professions were in the process of being defined.
With the creation of new professions the redefinition of existing positions occurred, especially were the clergy were concerned. Clergymen were previously thought to be gentlemen of leisure who performed the occasional sermon. Then with the Victorian era and the creation of the evangelical movement, who called themselves the “serious” Christians, the role of clergymen were redefined to
present a more professional appearance. Thus, clergymen duties were redefined to take more of the person’s time, adding duties such as additional sermons, visiting the poor, etc. It became more of a profession than a gentleman of leisure position.
These changes to the clergyman’s responsibilities came at a cost. No longer having the time for intellectual and literary pursuits, society lost a great deal of intellectual insights of the past. The clergy were now
confined to the study of the Holy Scripture and Paley’s Natural Theology. Because of this narrowness of duties, many dropped out of the profession to continue pursuing literary endeavors of higher learning.
With the advent of the sciences, religious beliefs were called into question and widely debated in the light of this intellectually enlightened time. Some of the most important issues of faith included Darwinism,
creationism, and the existence of God. The first few chapters of Genesis were debated for their literary accuracy. The book Essays and Reviews, which included articles written primarily by clergymen, were considered subversive within the Church of England.
At the same time, scientists were writing their own conclusions and thoughts about religion in light of new scientific discoveries. In 1871, Darwin wrote The Decent of Man and Huxley’s book in 1863 wrote
Man’s Place in Nature. These among other writings went a long way in disputing the established ideas of man’s uniquemess and God-given purpose on earth.
Evangelicals infused morality intensely into every aspect of Victorian life. Evangelicals were sticklers for the pursuit of truth. However, they were more concerned with the truthfulness of the author than the
truthfulness of the author’s statements. Because of this, several things happened: one, the clergymen who contributed to Essays and Reviews were considered dishonest because their articles brought into question the truthfulness of God, therefore breaking their vows; two, since the clergy and church would not openly debate the issues, instead using convenient arguments to skirt around the issues caused the decline of trust in the clergy and a failing of faith on the part of intellectuals.
Many authors and poets were influenced in their writings by this struggle between religious faith and scientific intelligence. One such author, Tennyson, was influenced in his poem, In Memoriam. In this poem he paints society’s struggle between belief in God and Nature. This struggle is also voiced in the writings of George Eliot.
In the end, the Evangelical movement proved the death of many people’s faith and redefined truth and morality. Online articles The Warefare of Conciouce with Theology and The Evangelical Movement in the Church of England go in depth on these issues and more.
Since the Victorian Age was the melting pot for religious reform, studying the literary works of this era reflects the intellectual thinking of the times.
Middle class professions were in the process of being defined.
With the creation of new professions the redefinition of existing positions occurred, especially were the clergy were concerned. Clergymen were previously thought to be gentlemen of leisure who performed the occasional sermon. Then with the Victorian era and the creation of the evangelical movement, who called themselves the “serious” Christians, the role of clergymen were redefined to
present a more professional appearance. Thus, clergymen duties were redefined to take more of the person’s time, adding duties such as additional sermons, visiting the poor, etc. It became more of a profession than a gentleman of leisure position.
These changes to the clergyman’s responsibilities came at a cost. No longer having the time for intellectual and literary pursuits, society lost a great deal of intellectual insights of the past. The clergy were now
confined to the study of the Holy Scripture and Paley’s Natural Theology. Because of this narrowness of duties, many dropped out of the profession to continue pursuing literary endeavors of higher learning.
With the advent of the sciences, religious beliefs were called into question and widely debated in the light of this intellectually enlightened time. Some of the most important issues of faith included Darwinism,
creationism, and the existence of God. The first few chapters of Genesis were debated for their literary accuracy. The book Essays and Reviews, which included articles written primarily by clergymen, were considered subversive within the Church of England.
At the same time, scientists were writing their own conclusions and thoughts about religion in light of new scientific discoveries. In 1871, Darwin wrote The Decent of Man and Huxley’s book in 1863 wrote
Man’s Place in Nature. These among other writings went a long way in disputing the established ideas of man’s uniquemess and God-given purpose on earth.
Evangelicals infused morality intensely into every aspect of Victorian life. Evangelicals were sticklers for the pursuit of truth. However, they were more concerned with the truthfulness of the author than the
truthfulness of the author’s statements. Because of this, several things happened: one, the clergymen who contributed to Essays and Reviews were considered dishonest because their articles brought into question the truthfulness of God, therefore breaking their vows; two, since the clergy and church would not openly debate the issues, instead using convenient arguments to skirt around the issues caused the decline of trust in the clergy and a failing of faith on the part of intellectuals.
Many authors and poets were influenced in their writings by this struggle between religious faith and scientific intelligence. One such author, Tennyson, was influenced in his poem, In Memoriam. In this poem he paints society’s struggle between belief in God and Nature. This struggle is also voiced in the writings of George Eliot.
In the end, the Evangelical movement proved the death of many people’s faith and redefined truth and morality. Online articles The Warefare of Conciouce with Theology and The Evangelical Movement in the Church of England go in depth on these issues and more.
Since the Victorian Age was the melting pot for religious reform, studying the literary works of this era reflects the intellectual thinking of the times.