Andrew Lang and the study of religion in the Victorian era, with special reference to his High God theory
The subject of this thesis is the Victorian anthropologist and historian of religion Andrew Lang (1844-1912). The aim is to trace the development of his ideas against the background of late nineteenth century theories of primal religion, both Part 1 gives an introduction to Lang the scholar and discusses the early influences which moulded his intellectual outlook. Part 2 traces the ideas behind MRR in the context of late nineteenth century interpretations of Missionary attitudes to primal religions are also discussed. Particular attention is given to Lang's high god theory and his criticism of contemporary theories of the origin and development of religion. Lang's interest in psychical research is Part 4 discusses the reactions to the high god theory and Lang's defence of his evidence. The subsequent fate of the theory is examined and the factors are traced which eventually led to the acceptance by anthropologists and historians.
Baylis, Philippa J.
Philosophy
Andrew Lang and the study of religion in the Victorian era, with special reference to his High God theory. The subject of this thesis is the Victorian anthropologist and historian of religion Andrew Lang (1844-1912). The aim is to trace the development of his ideas against the background of late nineteenth century theories of primal religion, both Part 1 gives an introduction to Lang the scholar and discusses the early influences which moulded his intellectual outlook. Part 2 traces the ideas behind MRR in the context of late nineteenth century interpretations of Missionary attitudes to primal religions are also discussed. Particular attention is given to Lang's high god theory and his criticism of contemporary theories of the origin and development of religion. Lang's interest in psychical research is Part 4 discusses the reactions to the high god theory and Lang's defence of his evidence. The subsequent fate of the theory is examined and the factors are traced which eventually led to the acceptance by anthropologists and historians.
study religion victorian_era special_reference high god theory subject victorian anthropologist historian religion aim_trace development idea background theory primal religion part give introduction scholar discus early influence mould intellectual outlook part trace ideas behind context interpretation missionary attitude primal religion also_discuss particular_attention_give high god theory criticism contemporary theory origin_development religion interest psychical part discus reaction high god theory defence evidence subsequent fate theory examine factor trace eventually lead acceptance anthropologist historian