Religious Vitality in Victorian London

This book challenges assumptions about the role of religion in Victorian society and London, exploring the religiosity of Londoners through traditional faith communities and new expressions such as the Salvation Army, spiritualism, and the occult. It demonstrates how laypeople, especially the rich and women, were mobilized in the service of their faith and how religious motivations influenced concerns such as women's rights, social justice, and education.

Format: Hardback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 17 September 2021
Publisher: Oxford University Press

This groundbreaking book challenges numerous prevailing beliefs regarding the role of religion in Victorian society and London, the world's first great industrial and commercial metropolis. Set against the backdrop of Victorian London, it delves into the religiosity of Londoners, exploring the revival of traditional faith communities such as Judaism and historic churches, as well as emerging expressions of religion like the Salvation Army, Mormons, spiritualism, and the occult. It sheds light on how laypeople, particularly the wealthy and women, were actively mobilized in the service of their faith and their fellow citizens. Drawing from extensive research in social, economic, oral, cultural, and women's history, Jacob makes a compelling argument that religious motivations played a significant role in shaping concerns that continued to occupy people in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. These concerns encompass the evolving position of women in society, a strong commitment to social justice, the issue of sexual exploitation of women and children, and the provision of education for all classes and ages. By examining religion in its broader social and cultural context and venturing beyond conventional approaches to religious history, Religious Vitality in Victorian London vividly illustrates the profound and dynamic significance of religion in society, even influencing the expression of secularism.

Weight: 692g
Dimension: 164 x 241 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192897404