Overview

God and Greater Britain is an examination of the crucial aspects of the relationship between religion and national consciousness in Britain and Ireland at a pivotal period in the history of both countries. Innovative in the way it transcends the narrow limits of traditional church history', it nevertheless demonstrates the centrality of religion Ireland, Scotland and Wales as well as England in the period. An exploration of the various modes of approaching the history of religion and nationality is John Wolffe's starting place. He continues by describing and analysing the place of religion in nineteenth and early twentieth century society. The focus is particularly on the impact of evangelicism and Catholic revival, and on the differeing manifestations of official and unofficial religion. The second part of the book builds on this foundation to relate religion more explicitly to issues of politics, culture and nationality. It opens with some verbal snapshots' portraying the various dimensions of the situation around 1850, and continues with chapters concentrating on politics, and on theology and national cultures. The final major chapter analyses the relationship of religion to national experiences of empire and war, and the book concludes with a summary of its implications, relating especially to theories of secularization.

Full Product Details

9780415035705

Table of Contents

Reviews

Dr. Wolfe in this excellent textbook does much to illuminate the shadows which pervade this area of historical discussion which has taken place at an unhelpful distance from the more conventional institutional histories of religion. - H-Net Review Project A stimulating and creative book.. -David Bebbington, University of Stirling A wide-ranging book which brings together a great deal of fascinating material and perceptive comment. I can't think of any other book quite like it in its judicious blend of synthesis and original research ... Its range, and above all its confrotation of the British as opposed to the English dimensions of the problem are impressive.. -James McMillan, University of Strathclyde ... shows that religious factors shaped nationalism in the British Isles in many different ways-and differently for all possible parts: England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Britain without Ireland, England and Wales together, and so on. - Books and Culture: A Christian Review Particularly instructive is Wolffe's skill at showing how times of national crisis . . . promoted more intense religion and more intense religious nationalism. Additional treasures lie in store for those with patience to read Wolffe's footnotes and his careful methodological introduction. Americans who want to assess their own history of religious nationalism could hardly find a more helpful comparative study with which to begin. - Books & Culture: A Christian Review

Dr. Wolfe in this excellent textbook does much to illuminate the shadows which pervade this area of historical discussion which has taken place at an unhelpful distance from the more conventional institutional histories of religion. <br>- H-Net Review Project <br> A stimulating and creative book.. <br>-David Bebbington, University of Stirling <br> A wide-ranging book which brings together a great deal of fascinating material and perceptive comment. I can't think of any other book quite like it in its judicious blend of synthesis and original research ... Its range, and above all its confrotation of the British as opposed to the English dimensions of the problem are impressive.. <br>-James McMillan, University of Strathclyde <br>... shows that religious factors shaped nationalism in the British Isles in many different ways-and differently for all possible parts: England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Britain without Ireland, England and Wales together, and so on. <br>- Books and Culture: A Christian Review <br> Particularly instructive is Wolffe's skill at showing how times of national crisis . . . promoted more intense religion and more intense religious nationalism. Additional treasures lie in store for those with patience to read Wolffe's footnotes and his careful methodological introduction. Americans who want to assess their own history of religious nationalism could hardly find a more helpful comparative study with which to begin. <br>- Books & Culture: A Christian Review <br>

Author Information

John Wolffe

Tab Content 6

Countries Available