Evangelicalism, cultural influences and theological change : considered with special reference to the thought of Thomas Rawson Birks (1810-1883)

Abstract

This thesis presents a detailed analysis of the thought of the leading nineteenth century Anglican Evangelical theologian Thomas Rawson Birks (1810-1883). It is organised on a broadly chronological basis and discusses Birks's dogmatic and philosophical theology, sermons, and journalism. It also takes full account of his contributions to contemporary debates on social, political and scientific issues, considering them in relation to their cultural and ideological context. The study presents an assessment of the nature and importance of B irks's theological output. It also considers Birks's thought in relation to the changing character of nineteenth-century Evangelicalism itself and to the wider question of the relationship between cultural influences and theological change. The thesis will argue that B irks's distinctive interpretations of central Evangelical doctrines represented an original and important contribution to the Evangelical tradition. B irks's career also reflects some prominent ideological tendencies and concerns through which the religious character of the Evangelical movement as a whole can be better understood. Finally, this thesis aims to demonstrate that Birks's intellectual and scientific interests, philosophical outlook and religious sensibility reveal him to have been a representative product of mainstream Victorian culture.