Eminent Victorians · Question
How does Eminent Victorians develop the theme of Religion and Authority?
Answer
Eminent Victorians by Lytton Strachey develops Religion and Authority across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
The book examines the shifting role of religious faith and institutional authority in the Victorian era, particularly through Cardinal Manning's rise within the Catholic Church and the conflicts between faith, science, and liberalism.
The chapter examines Manning's role as a Prince of the Church, his asceticism, and his ability to command influence in both religious and secular spheres, reflecting the enduring power of religious authority.
The influence of Evangelical Christianity and the authority of the Church shape Manning's early life and decisions.
The chapter explores the tension between the established Church's authority and the revivalist claims of the Oxford Movement, which sought to restore apostolic succession and supernatural faith.
Evidence in the book
- Cardinal Manning
The chapter examines Manning's role as a Prince of the Church, his asceticism, and his ability to command influence in both religious and secular spheres, reflecting the enduring power of religious authority.
- I
The influence of Evangelical Christianity and the authority of the Church shape Manning's early life and decisions.
- II
The chapter explores the tension between the established Church's authority and the revivalist claims of the Oxford Movement, which sought to restore apostolic succession and supernatural faith.
- III
Newman's struggle with the authority of the Church of England versus Rome, and the role of the Bishop of Rome in defining orthodoxy, are central to the narrative.
- IV
The chapter centers on Manning's struggle with the authority of the Church of England versus the Roman Catholic Church, triggered by the Gorham judgment and the Royal Supremacy.
- V
The chapter explores the struggle for authority within the Roman Catholic Church in England, between the Old Catholics and the new converts, and the role of the Pope and Cardinal Wiseman.
- VI
Manning's use of ecclesiastical power to suppress Newman's influence exemplifies the struggle over authority within the Church, contrasting autocratic rule with spiritual independence.
- VII
The chapter explores the struggle over Papal Infallibility, highlighting the tension between religious dogma and political power, as well as the internal debates within the Church.
