Victorian Christianity at the Fin de Siècle

Book Description

During one of history's most transformative periods, Christianity faced unprecedented challenges that would reshape its very foundation. Frances Knight explores how Victorian believers navigated the turbulent waters of the fin de siècle, an era spanning 1870 to 1914 that witnessed profound cultural upheaval and spiritual questioning.

This scholarly examination reveals how one of the world's most devoutly Christian societies grappled with revolutionary ideas about social responsibility, women's roles, and biblical interpretation. Knight demonstrates how Church leaders of this pivotal time first wrestled with issues that continue to challenge modern believers, from addressing poverty and social inequality to reconciling faith with emerging liberal thought.

The book illuminates how Victorian Christians responded to accusations of societal decadence while pioneering new approaches to biblical scholarship and archaeological discovery. Through the work of influential figures like J.B. Lightfoot, Francis Crawford Burkitt, and Flinders Petrie, readers witness the birth of modern Christian intellectual engagement with contemporary challenges.

Knight fills a significant gap in religious historical scholarship by examining this crucial period when traditional faith encountered modernity's bold questions. For those interested in understanding how Christianity has evolved to meet changing times, this work offers valuable insights into the roots of contemporary spiritual debates and the ongoing tension between tradition and progress in religious life.