Nineteenth-Century Religion and Literature

Nineteenth-Century Religion and Literature explores the significant yet often overlooked role of religion, particularly Christianity, in shaping the literature and culture of the long-nineteenth century. Despite the marginalization of this topic in recent scholarship, the authors argue that a deeper understanding of religious influences is essential for comprehending the literary landscape of the period. They provide close readings of popular texts, linking them to complex religious ideas, which helps illuminate the intricate relationship between faith and literature.

The book offers a comprehensive overview of the main religious movements from 1750 to 1914, including High Anglicanism, Tractarianism, Evangelicalism, and Roman Catholicism. It also addresses dissenting cultures such as Presbyterianism, Methodism, Unitarianism, and Quakerism. By contextualizing these traditions, the authors examine the question of secularization while highlighting the diversity and capacity for renewal within Christianity. This approach allows readers to appreciate the dynamic interplay between religious thought and literary expression during this era.

Moreover, the authors provide readers with the tools to engage with and articulate their own interpretations of religious themes in literature. They challenge narrow definitions of Christian traditions and question the boundaries between sacred and secular texts. By doing so, the book connects the vibrancy of religious discourse to the broader literary culture of the time, encouraging a more nuanced understanding of how religion influenced the works of this period.