(Ebook) High Calvinists in Action: Calvinism and the City, Manchester and London, 1810-1860 by Shaw, Ian J. ISBN 9780199250776, 0199250774

(Ebook) High Calvinists in Action: Calvinism and the City, Manchester and London, 1810-1860 by Shaw, Ian J. ISBN 9780199250776, 0199250774

In urban areas of England during the early nineteenth century, the work of a number of Christian ministers was strongly influenced by the shades of Calvinism they espoused. This book discusses the work of high Calvinists in Manchester, the ‘shock city’ of the age, and London, then the largest city in the world. Six substantial case studies examine the response of ministers and their churches to socio‐economic change. The work of two Christian ministers who upheld evangelical Calvinism, rather than high Calvinism, is explored in order to provide instructive contrasts. Breadth of denominational coverage is maintained––the book features studies of one Anglican, two Strict Baptist, one Presbyterian, and two Independent ministers and their churches. On the basis of manuscripts, printed sources, sermons, and local and denominational press, the study reveals a series of religious subcultures that were remarkably vibrant and active. The popular caricature of high Calvinism is challenged and evidence is presented to show that high Calvinists played a vigorous and successful part in the response of early nineteenth‐century churches to the process of urbanization. Particular attention is given to activity in the realm of evangelism, social concern, education, politics, and responses to poverty. High Calvinism, in the native English tradition, remained a live option in the early nineteenth century.