The British Jesus, 1850-1970

The British Jesus explores the Jesus of the religious culture dominant in Britain from the 1850s through the 1950s, illuminating the interplay between British New Testament scholarship, institutional Christianity, and the wider Protestant culture. It highlights the continuity and conservatism of Britains popular Christianity through a century of religious and cultural transformation.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 396 pages
Publication date: 25 March 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The British Jesus delves into the Jesus of the religious culture that prevailed in Britain from the 1850s to the 1950s, encompassing the popular Christian culture embraced by individuals from various religious backgrounds, including churchgoers, kirk members, and chapel attendees, as well as the growing number of Britons who engaged in Christianity sporadically or only occasionally. This essay serves as a comprehensive exploration of intellectual and cultural history, shedding light on the intricate interplay between British New Testament scholarship, institutional Christianity, and the broader Protestant culture. The scholars who spearheaded the distinctive British quest for the historical Jesus during the first half of the twentieth century actively participated in endeavors to replace the prevalent image of "Jesus in a white nightie" with a more robust and enduring figure, driven by the desire to safeguard and preserve Britain's Christian identity. Regrettably, their efforts proved unsuccessful. By examining this failure and broader contexts, this book highlights the enduring continuity and conservatism of Britain's popular Christianity throughout a century of profound religious and cultural transformations.

This book serves as a valuable resource for scholars interested in studying British Christianity during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. By examining depictions of Jesus from a span of over one hundred years, it provides a comprehensive examination of the shifting perspectives and interpretations of this influential figure within British religious and cultural contexts.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032147963