Divine providence and epidemic cholera : a contribution to the study of secularization of thought in nineteenth-century England
The idea of providence was a prominent and pervasive theme in public discourse on subjects of national importance, and upon momentous occasions in nineteenthcentury England. Perceptions of divine involvement and purpose in human affairs embodied in the notion of providence seemed to be at the heart of a religious world view in the Christian tradition, and thus essential elements for study in any historical investigation of religious change. The midcentury years, ostensibly a period of high religious consciousness, provide an opportunity to explore processes which were eventually to lead to the more secular nature of society apparent by the end of the century. The recurring cholera epidemics between 1831 and 1854 were alarming events which provoked reactions throughout society; they provide a means of tracing developments in perceptions of providential involvement in calamitous events during a critical twenty-four year period. Systematic surveys of a broad range of sources, including newspapers, periodicals and sermons were carried out to document the responses of different sections of society, and facilitated investigation of cross-sectional and longitudinal patterns in religious attitudes. It was hypothesised
Grimley Evans, Corrinne Jane
History
Divine providence and epidemic cholera : a contribution to the study of secularization of thought in nineteenth-century England. The idea of providence was a prominent and pervasive theme in public discourse on subjects of national importance, and upon momentous occasions in nineteenthcentury England. Perceptions of divine involvement and purpose in human affairs embodied in the notion of providence seemed to be at the heart of a religious world view in the Christian tradition, and thus essential elements for study in any historical investigation of religious change. The midcentury years, ostensibly a period of high religious consciousness, provide an opportunity to explore processes which were eventually to lead to the more secular nature of society apparent by the end of the century. The recurring cholera epidemics between 1831 and 1854 were alarming events which provoked reactions throughout society; they provide a means of tracing developments in perceptions of providential involvement in calamitous events during a critical twenty-four year period. Systematic surveys of a broad range of sources, including newspapers, periodicals and sermons were carried out to document the responses of different sections of society, and facilitated investigation of cross-sectional and longitudinal patterns in religious attitudes. It was hypothesised
divine providence epidemic cholera study secularization think nineteenth_century england idea providence prominent pervasive theme public_discourse subject national importance upon momentous occasion nineteenthcentury england perceptions divine involvement purpose human affair embody notion providence seem heart religious world_view christian_tradition thus essential_element study historical investigation religious_change ostensibly period high religious consciousness provide_opportunity explore process eventually lead secular nature society apparent recur cholera epidemic alarm event provoke reaction throughout society provide mean trace_development perception providential involvement event critical period systematic_survey broad_range source_include newspaper periodical sermon carry document response different section society facilitate investigation cross_sectional longitudinal pattern religious_attitude hypothesise