Christianity and Western Literature: A Story of Sin and Salvation

Western literature has been greatly influenced by Christian themes, with authors such as Augustine, Dante, Milton, Shakespeare, Coleridge, Dostoevsky, and Greene exploring these themes. Mong's analysis shows that these works are universal, challenging Christian assumptions and reflecting the increasing insecurity of Christianity in society.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 180 pages
Publication date: 28 September 2023
Publisher: James Clarke & Co Ltd

Some of the most renowned works of Western literature have been deeply inspired or influenced by powerful Christian themes. In this comprehensive examination of this relationship and its evolution over the past two millennia, Ambrose Mong delves into a series of authors representative of various historical periods. Augustine, Dante, and Milton, among others, wrote with the explicit purpose of serving the needs of the Christian community, seamlessly blending their religious themes with scholarly excellence. Meanwhile, Shakespeare's plays and Coleridge's The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, although not specifically devoted to Christian faith, nonetheless exhibit the prevailing Christian values and imagery of their respective eras. Furthermore, in Dostoevsky's The Brothers Karamazov and Greene's The Power and the Glory, Christianity is subjected to critical scrutiny, reflecting the growing uncertainty surrounding its place in society. Throughout his analysis, Mong demonstrates that the themes explored in these works transcend the boundaries of Christianity, resonating with perennial human concerns such as creation, sin, suffering, and forgiveness. These texts serve as a means to challenge Christian assumptions while also being influenced by them. Mong's meticulous and sensitive approach ensures that each writer's unique context is fully considered, providing a valuable foundation for understanding how Western literature has been shaped and influenced by the religion of its time.

Weight: 290g
Dimension: 155 x 233 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780227179413