Searching for God in Britain and Beyond: Reading Letters to Malcolm Muggeridge, 1966-1982

Malcolm Muggeridge's conversion to Christianity in the 1960s inspired a special affinity in those who were disillusioned with mainstream religious authority. David Reagles' book Searching for God in Britain and Beyond draws on nearly two thousand fan letters to explore the thoughts and feelings of ordinary Christians in a time of cultural and religious upheaval. The letters reveal how the secularization of postwar society felt to average people and how reading and writing were a vital means of working out their religious identities and convictions.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 16 February 2022
Publisher: McGill-Queen's University Press

In the 1960s, writer and media personality Malcolm Muggeridge's unexpected conversion to Christianity sparked a global fascination with his devotional writings and television programs that documented his spiritual journey. Muggeridge's critical stance towards institutional Christianity and initial reluctance to join a church resonated with individuals who were disillusioned with mainstream religious authority. As a result, he received countless personal letters from readers worldwide, sharing their profound spiritual and religious experiences.

In his book, Searching for God in Britain and Beyond, David Reagles delves into nearly two thousand of these captivating fan letters, offering a profound exploration of the thoughts and feelings of ordinary Christians during a period of cultural and religious transformation. Through these candid correspondences, Muggeridge's correspondents grappled with profound questions about faith, doubt, the significance of institutional religion, societal uncertainties regarding permissiveness, the appropriate role of Christian social activism, and the encroachment of secularism.

For both fans and skeptics alike, the act of reading and writing became crucial in shaping their religious identities and convictions amidst the perceived decline of Christendom. Searching for God in Britain and Beyond provides a rare and captivating glimpse into the inner worlds of ordinary Christians during the 1960s and 1970s, shedding light on how the secularization of postwar society impacted their spiritual lives.

Muggeridge's conversion to Christianity not only transformed his personal life but also left a lasting impact on his readers and viewers. His unwavering commitment to his newfound faith and his ability to communicate its essence through his writings and programs inspired countless individuals to explore their own spiritual journeys. The letters he received from his fans continue to serve as a testament to the power of personal expression and the enduring significance of faith in the lives of people across the globe.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780228008811