This is Your Hour: Christian Intellectuals in Britain and the Crisis of Europe, 1937-49

During the 1930s and 1940s, a group of Christian intellectuals called the 'Oldham group' met to explore 'middle ways through the 'age of extremes,' seeing faith as a powerful resource for social and cultural renewal in the face of totalitarianism.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 320 pages
\n Publication date: 01 December 2020
\n Publisher: Manchester University Press
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Amid the crises of totalitarianism, war, and a perceived cultural collapse in the democratic West, a group of prominent Christian intellectuals gathered in the 1930s and 1940s to chart a course through the "age of extremes." Led by the missionary and ecumenist Joseph H. Oldham, this diverse group included renowned writers, thinkers, and activists such as T. S. Eliot, John Middleton Murry, Karl Mannheim, John Baillie, Alec Vidler, H. A. Hodges, Christopher Dawson, Kathleen Bliss, and Michael Polanyi. The "Oldham group" viewed faith as a uniquely powerful resource for social and cultural renewal, representing a captivating case study of efforts to renew freedom in the face of totalitarianism. Their story holds immense appeal to those interested in the cultural history of World War II and the application of faith to the modern social order.

Background and Context:
The 1930s and 1940s were a period of profound challenges and transformations worldwide. The rise of totalitarianism in Europe, the outbreak of World War II, and the perceived decline of democratic values in the West led to a sense of urgency among intellectuals and thinkers. They sought to find new ways to navigate the turbulent waters of the time and address the pressing social, cultural, and political issues of the day.

The 'Oldham Group': A High-Profile Intellectual Circle:
At the forefront of this intellectual movement was the "Oldham group," a high-profile group of mostly Christian intellectuals who met regularly to discuss and explore alternative paths forward. Joseph H. Oldham, a missionary and ecumenist, played a pivotal role in bringing these individuals together. Oldham's vision was to find a middle way through the "age of extremes," a term he coined to describe the challenges and uncertainties of the time.

The Significance of Faith:
The "Oldham group" saw faith as a uniquely powerful resource for social and cultural renewal. They believed that faith could provide a moral compass and a sense of purpose in the face of adversity. They saw faith as a means of bridging the gap between different cultures and ideologies, promoting understanding and empathy.

The 'Oldham Group' and the 'Age of Extremes':
The "Oldham group" recognized the urgent need for a response to the challenges posed by totalitarianism and war. They believed that faith could offer a way forward, providing a moral framework for navigating the complex and often conflicting worldviews of the time. They saw faith as a means of promoting freedom, justice, and human dignity, even in the face of oppressive regimes.

The Contributions of the 'Oldham Group':
The "Oldham group" made significant contributions to the intellectual and cultural landscape of the 1930s and 1940s. Their ideas and writings influenced a generation of thinkers and activists, shaping the course of the Second World War and the post-war era.

Conclusion:
The "Oldham group" represents a fascinating case study of efforts to renew freedom in the face of totalitarianism. Their vision of faith as a powerful resource for social and cultural renewal continues to inspire and challenge us today. Their legacy reminds us of the importance of dialogue, understanding, and empathy in navigating the complexities of the modern world.

\n Weight: 502g\n
Dimension: 155 x 234 x 21 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781526152565\n \n