G.M Trevelyan - SHE - Chapter XI
[alert-success] DR. JOHNSON'S ENGLAND - I
[/alert-success]
[alert-primary] Religious Movements in the Age of Johnson [/alert-primary]
[alert-primary] Religious Movements in the Age of Johnson [/alert-primary]
[btn href="http://www.speedynotes.in/2022/09/social-history-of-england.html" class="bt" btn]Back[/btn]
The eighteenth century saw a rise in humanitarianism as a result of a
religious revival started by a small group of Oxford students. Two brothers,
John and Charles Weslers, who were the offspring of a Lincolnshire clergyman,
were present. George Whitfield, the son of a Gloucester innkeeper, was another
well-known group member.
Religion and
Deism
The Eighteenth Century saw a marked improvement in the conflict between
Catholics and Protestants as well as between the various Christian sects. Their
differences drifted to a revivalism during the Hanoverian period, which was
comparatively peaceful and prosperous. Other Protestant churches arose to take
on the difficulties. They were referred to as "Dissenters" or
"Non-conformists" because they rejected some of the official Church's
doctrines.
Religion as a
moral code
The Agrarian and Industrial Revolutions had a significant impact on
public opinion and beliefs. The reasonableness of Christianity had to be
demonstrated and emphasised in order to satisfy the age's growing scientific
spirit. The "Reasonability of Christianity" by Locke had a
significant impact on how people thought about religion. Prior to the
eighteenth century, religion was a dogma, but it became fashionable to teach it
as morality.
Latitudinarianism
and Methodism
George Whitefield and the Wesley
brothers, John and Charles, were linked to the new revivalist spirit. His
sermons were intended for the clergy class. The 'Dissenting' bodies, which were
also known as Latitudinarism and Methodism. in popular culture, as well as the
establishment practised the religion. Latitudinarianism promoted religious
tolerance and on the other hand, methodism placed a strong emphasis on
self-control and a fervent religious zeal. The Methodists
John Wesley was a skilled organiser in addition to being a gifted
preacher. He made a significant amount of cross-country travel to reach the
previously unrecognised working men and women with his ideas on religion as
demonstrated in self-discipline. George Whitfield provided support for his
evangelistic work.
The Wesley brothers held that it is unlikely that we will experience
God's blessings unless we repent of our sin and fault before Christ. Poor
people's lives were made more civilised and their manners were refined by the
Methodist influence. Both cockfighting and bear-baiting were abandoned.
Smugglers and shipwreckers were given a second chance at living as productive
citizens. The Church of England was calmed by this humanising effect.
Charity
Schools
The Evangelical Movement had a significant impact on philanthropy,
literature, and the Church. Through the Sunday Schools, the Bible was read in
greater detail. The poor were visited in their homes by charitable individuals
like Hannah More of Bristol, who worked for their spiritual and moral uplift.
Through the societies that these men founded, the poor were educated in
religion.
The Quakers
The Quakers made a quiet religious contribution to the development of
the society of friends. The Quakers thrived as top industrialists and
scientists despite being prohibited by law from holding any official or
professional positions. They became established in "bourgeoisie respectability,"
which was restored by the spirit of love.
Conclusion
Methodism and Evangelicalism produced moral
reformation and the development of a more humane spirit. These movements should
be directly credited with the ending of the slave trade, prison reform, and the
barbaric forms of entertainment. These movements are thought to be one of the
most powerful religious forces in the nation today.
[btn href="http://www.speedynotes.in/2022/09/social-history-of-england.html" class="bt" btn]Back[/btn]
0 Comments