Dickens and the Bible: 'What Providence Meant'

This book explores Dickens and religion, arguing that biblical allusions reveal the Judeo-Christian grand narrative as key to his development as a writer and ontological ground for appealing to 'the conscience of a Christian people.' It engages the biblical narrative with other contemporary narratives and explores Dickens's narrative theology through the lenses of Bakhtin and Ricoeur.

Format: Hardback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 11 December 2020
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

When biblical authority faced scrutiny from Higher Criticism and evolutionary science, the interpretation of providence became a highly contentious issue. This book delves into the contentious realm of Dickens and religion, making a substantial contribution to the interdisciplinary field of religion and literature. Through a detailed examination of his major novels, the book argues that networks of biblical allusion unveil the Judeo-Christian grand narrative as a fundamental aspect of his writing development and the ontological foundation upon which he constructs his appeal to the conscience of a Christian audience. By engaging the biblical narrative in conversation with other contemporary narratives that explore origins, destinations, and hermeneutic interpretations, Dickens reaffirms the Bible's enduring influence in popular culture. The providential thinking of two twentieth-century theorists, Bakhtin and Ricoeur, illuminates an exploration of Dickens's narrative theology.

Introduction:
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a significant shift occurred in the intellectual landscape, as biblical authority faced mounting challenges from the emerging fields of Higher Criticism and evolutionary science. This period marked a time of profound questioning and debate, as individuals sought to reevaluate the role of religion in society and the validity of the Bible as a source of truth. During this time, the question of what providence meant became particularly contentious, as it touched upon the core beliefs and values of many individuals and communities.

The Controversial Subject of Dickens and Religion:
The relationship between Charles Dickens and religion has been a subject of much scholarly inquiry and debate. While some scholars have argued that Dickens was a religious person who incorporated his faith into his writing, others have suggested that his works were primarily secular and did not reflect a deep religious understanding. This book takes up the controversial subject of Dickens and religion, seeking to offer a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of his relationship with faith and spirituality.

The Judeo-Christian Grand Narrative as Key to Dickens's Development as a Writer:
One of the central arguments of the book is that Dickens's writing is deeply influenced by the Judeo-Christian grand narrative. Through a close study of his major novels, the book demonstrates how Dickens weaves biblical allusions and themes throughout his work, creating a coherent and meaningful narrative that resonates with his readers on a spiritual and ethical level. The Judeo-Christian grand narrative, which encompasses the creation, fall, and redemption of humanity, serves as a framework for Dickens's exploration of themes such as morality, justice, and the human condition.

The Ontological Ground on Which Dickens Appeals to 'The Conscience of a Christian People:
In addition to his use of the Judeo-Christian grand narrative, Dickens also appeals to the conscience of a Christian people through his portrayal of characters and their moral dilemmas. The book argues that Dickens's characters are often portrayed as flawed individuals who struggle with their own demons and imperfections, but who are nevertheless capable of redemption and transformation. Through their struggles, Dickens encourages his readers to reflect on their own lives and consider the choices they make, urging the importance of morality and ethical behavior in shaping the world around them.

Engaging the Biblical Narrative in Dialogue with Other Contemporary Narratives:
Dickens's writing is not limited to the Judeo-Christian grand narrative, however. He also engages with other contemporary narratives that concern themselves with origins, destinations, and hermeneutic decipherments. The book explores how Dickens's work intersects with other narratives such as Darwin's theory of evolution, Freud's psychoanalytic theory, and the feminist movement, highlighting the ways in which these narratives shape his understanding of the human condition and the role of religion in society.

The Providential Thinking of Bakhtin and Ricoeur:
To further explore Dickens's narrative theology, the book draws upon the providential thinking of two twentieth-century theorists, Bakhtin and Ricoeur. Bakhtin, a Russian philosopher, and Ricoeur, a French philosopher, were both interested in the ways in which language and narrative shape our understanding of the world. Through their work, they developed a framework for analyzing the ways in which biblical narratives function as a means of shaping our understanding of God, humanity, and the relationship between the two.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book offers a significant contribution to the interdisciplinary field of religion and literature. Through a close study of Charles Dickens's major novels and an exploration of his relationship with faith and spirituality, the book demonstrates how Dickens's writing is deeply influenced by the Judeo-Christian grand narrative and how he uses this narrative to appeal to the conscience of a Christian people. The book also engages with other contemporary narratives that concern themselves with origins, destinations, and hermeneutic decipherments, highlighting the ways in which these narratives shape Dickens's understanding of the human condition and the role of religion in society. By drawing upon the providential thinking of Bakhtin and Ricoeur, the book provides a framework for analyzing the ways in which biblical narratives function as a means of shaping our understanding of God, humanity, and the relationship between the two. This book will be of interest to scholars and students of literature, religion, and cultural studies, as well as anyone who is interested in the ways in which literature and religion intersect and influence one another.

Weight: 464g
Dimension: 236 x 158 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367508654