Eighteenth Century Britain: Religion and Politics 1714-1815 (Religion, Politics and Society in Britain)

The church of the eighteenth century was still reeling in the wake of the huge religious upheavals of the two previous centuries. Though this was a comparatively quiet period, this book shows that for the whole period, religion was a major factor in the lives of virtually everybody living in Britain and Ireland. Yates argues that the established churches, Anglican in England, Irelandand Wales, and Presbyterian in Scotland, were an integral part of the British constitution, an arrangement staunchly defended by churchmen and politicians alike. The book also argues that, although there was a close relationship between church and state in this period, there was also limited recognition of other religions. This led to Britain becoming a diverse religious society much earlier than most other parts of Europe. During the same period competition between different religious groups encouraged ecclesiastical reforms throughout all the different churches in Britain. By 1714 Britain Was Still Reeling From The Major Religious Upheavals Of The Previous Two Centuries. In This New Study, Nigel Yates Introduces Us To This Uncertain Time Where Religion At The Very Heart Of British Life While New And Radical Ideas Were Beginning To Appear Below The Surface. Yates Explores The Dynamic Of The Established Churches' Roles In The Social And Political Life Of Eighteenth-century Britain. He Finds That During This Time The Anglican Church In England, Ireland And Wales And The Presbyterians Of Scotland Were An Integral Part Of The System Of Government - An Arrangement Which Was Staunchly Defended By Churchmen And Politicians Alike.--book Jacket. 1. Three Kingdoms, Two Establishments -- 2. Dissent From The Religious Establishments -- 3. The Maintenance Of Doctrinal Orthodoxy -- 4. A Theology Of Good Works -- 5. The Condition Of The Established Churches -- 6. The Beginnings Of Ecclesiastical Reform -- 7. The Threat Of Revolution. Nigel Yates. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [232]-240) And Index. Explores the uncertain time in British history, 1714-1815, when religion remained at the very heart of British life while new and radical ideas were beginning to appear below the surface.