Oxford University Press, Usa High Calvinists in Action: Calvinism and the City, Manchester and London, 1810-1860

Author	Ian J. Shaw
Format	Hardcover
ISBN	9780199250776
Publisher	USA Oxford University Press
Manufacturer	Oxford University Press, Usa

This book is about high Calvinists in action in the city during the early 1800s. It discusses how strict doctrine led to a more restricted response to urban problems, but extensive local and personal variations mean that simple generalizations should be avoided. The book includes six case studies of ministers and their churches in Manchester and London. Four high Calvinist ministers are considered, with two studies of ministers holding to an evangelical Calvinist doctrine also included to provide instructive contrasts. Social analysis of the congregations is based upon extensive use of manuscript and printed sources, sermons, and local and denominational press.

This valuable contribution to the debate about the relation of religion to the modern city fills an important gap in the historiography of early nineteenth-century religious life. Although there is some evidence that strict doctrine led to a more restricted response to urban problems, extensive local and personal variations mean that simple generalizations should be avoided. Ian J.Shaw argues against earlier prejudiced views and shows that high Calvinists played a vigorous and successful part in the response of early nineteenth-century churches to the process of urbanization. The study includes six substantial case studies of ministers and their churches in Manchester and London. Four high Calvinist ministers are considered, with two studies of ministers holding to an evangelical Calvinist doctrine also included to provide instructive contrasts. Detailed social analysis of the congregations is based upon extensive use of manuscript and printed sources, sermons, and local and denominational press.