Florence Nightingale's theology
Book Description
Florence Nightingale emerges from these pages not merely as the celebrated founder of modern nursing, but as a profound theological thinker whose spiritual inquiries challenged the religious conventions of her era. This substantial collection unveils a previously hidden dimension of Nightingale's intellectual life through her controversial theological essays, most appearing in print for the first time.
The volume reveals the breadth of Nightingale's spiritual correspondence, documenting her exchanges with influential religious figures across denominational boundaries. Her letters with Cardinal Manning and the Reverend Mother of the Sisters of Mercy of Bermondsey illuminate her engagement with Catholic thought, while her correspondence with liberal Protestant Benjamin Jowett and various evangelicals and missionaries demonstrates her commitment to interfaith dialogue and theological exploration.
Particularly intriguing are Nightingale's bold recommendations for revising biblical texts for educational purposes, reflecting her progressive approach to religious instruction. The collection also includes selections from her personal devotional readings, offering intimate glimpses into the spiritual practices that sustained her remarkable life of service.
For readers seeking to understand how faith intersects with social reform, this comprehensive work presents a unique perspective on Victorian spirituality. Nightingale's theological writings reveal a mind unafraid to question established doctrine while maintaining deep reverence for the divine, making this essential reading for anyone interested in the evolution of progressive religious thought.
Who Is This For?
đ Reading Level: Long (> 400 pages) (~19 hours)
đ Length: 678 pages
What You'll Discover
- â Explore Church
- â Explore Theology
- â Explore Religious literature
- â Explore Ăglise
- â Explore Theologie
- â Explore Protestantisme
- â Explore Correspondence
- â Explore Nurses