This valuable contribution to the debate about the relation of religion to the modern city fills an important gap in the historiography of early nineteenth-century religious life. It is a pioneering study of local churches in the urban environment. Based on extensive archival research of churches in Manchester and London in the years 1810-60, it considers the work and thought of ministers who held to a high Calvinistic form of theology. Exploration of this little studied and often derided grouping reveals that their role in the religious and social life of these cities was highly active and responsive, and merits serious reappraisal.

Evangelical Christians around the world have debated for years the extent to which they should be involved in ministries of social action and concern. In Evangelicals and Social Action Ian J. Shaw offers clarity to these debates by tracing the historical involvement of the evangelical church with issues of social action. Focusing on thinking and practices from John Wesley, one of the architects of eighteenth century evangelicalism, to John Stott's work in the second half of the twentieth century, he explores whether evangelism and social action really have been intimately related throughout the history of the church as Stott contended. After an overview of Christian social action prior to Wesley, from the early church through to the eighteenth century, Evangelicals and Social Action explores in detail responses from the evangelical church around the world to eighteen key issues of social action and concern - including poverty, racial equality, addiction, children 'at risk,' slavery, unemployment, and learning disability - encountered between the 1730s and the 1970s. Drawn from a wide range of contexts, these examples illuminate and clarify how Evangelical Christianity has viewed and been a part of ministries of social action over the last three centuries. With an assessment of the issues raised by this historical survey and its implications for evangelicals in the contemporary world, Evangelicals and Social Action is a book that will help better inform the debates around the evangelical church and social action still happening today. This is a book for anyone wanting to deepen their knowledge of the history of the evangelical church, and anyone wanting to better understand Christian social action from an evangelical perspective.

Narrates the story of the Christian tradition and its global heritage over two millennia

In Christianity: The Biography Ian Shaw charts the story of Christianity from its birth and infancy among a handful of followers of Jesus Christ, through its years of development into a global religious movement, spanning continents and cultures and transcending educational and social backgrounds. This new, accessible overview of the global history of Christianity: Narrates the story of the Christian tradition and its global heritage over two millennia Introduces the major phases, developments, movements, and personalities Explores interactions of Christianity with the wider society Is written from within the evangelical tradition, but accessible to others Presents nuanced, cogent analysis that draws on the latest scholarship

An Enlightening Exploration of The Christian Church During One of Its Most Turbulent Times. Includes: American War of Independence French Revolution European Enlightenment Industrial Revolution Abolition of The Slave Trade The Civil War Features Maps Charts Quotes Drawings 'Revolution' might just be the best word to describe the period from 1789 to 1914 which was a time of momentous and often violent change in the western world. The formation of the modern world amidst a time of empire, upheaval, revolution, and war. Political, social, economic, and religious transformation took place, which dramatically affected society at large and in turn the years that followed. In this fascinating book, the author focuses on key people, themes, and events to show that while often society is influenced by the Church, the reverse is equally true, for good and bad. This is not a book that just looks at the Church in history but a gripping explanation of the intertwining of the two, with the huge challenges faced across the various emerging denominations, as they begin to be seen as a worldwide Christian church. On this truly exciting journey, here are a few of the many events you will explore. We look at life after the American War of Independence where different preachers took varying stances for it, against it and pacifistic. How the French Revolution toppled a monarchy and changed the relationship between church and state. How the European enlightenment accompanied the decline of the church along with emerging movements in Germany, the urbanisation of England after the industrial revolution and the rise in Christian socialism. The results of the American civil war and the moral initiatives which resulted in the abolition of slavery, while the struggles with racism and anti-Semitism continued. The landmark publication and acceptance of Charles Darwin's 'The Origin of Species'. Meanwhile there is an explosion in oversees missionary work with the likes of David Livingstone in Africa, Hudson Taylor in China, and William Carey in India. And finally, the setting of the scene for the arrival of World War One.