Religious Vitality in Victorian London

Abstract

Abstract This innovative book challenges many of the widely held assumptions about the place of religion in London, the world’s first great industrial and commercial metropolis. Against the background of a ‘thick description’ of the complexities of Victorian London it explores the religiosity of Londoners as expressed through the dynamic renewal of traditional faith communities, including Judaism and the historic churches, as well as fresh expressions of religion, including the Salvation Army, Mormons, spiritualism, and the occult. It shows how laypeople, especially the rich and women were mobilized in the service of their faith, and their fellow citizens. Drawing on research in social, economic, oral, cultural, and women’s history William Jacob argues that religious motivations lay behind concerns that subsequently preoccupied people in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. These include the changing place of women in society, an active concern for social justice, the sexual exploitation of women and children, provision of education for all classes and all ages. By examining religion broadly, in its social and cultural context, looking beyond conventional approaches to religious history Religious Vitality in Victorian London illustrates the broader significance of religion in society influencing even the expression of secularism.