English and Welsh Baptists in the nineteen thirties : a study of political, social and religious crisis
This thesis sets out to examine the Baptist denomination in Britain during the 1930s. Its contention is that by this stage of their history Baptists were confused both about their denominational identity and about the role they could best play within contemprary society. From what appeared to be a pinnacle of success in the first decade of the century they moved into a period of almost continual decline in both numbers and influence. 'Ibis thesis examines these matters in three stages: Chapter 1 reviews current literature in the field of study, and places the present work in a wider historical, sociological and political context. It is argued that the Baptist denomination had been in crisis since around the year 1910, that crisis had deepened in the mid-'Twenties once the post-war resurgence of Baptist numbers receded, and that the nature of the crisis was complex, involving the denomination's self-perception and its role within society at both national and local levels. Chapters 2 to 7 constitute a detailed study of the Baptist denomination during the years 1930 to 1939. Chapter 2 analyses the year 1930 in detail and identifies the major topics to be examined subsequently, focusing variously on Baptist responses
Goodman, Michael Leslie
Philosophy
English and Welsh Baptists in the nineteen thirties : a study of political, social and religious crisis. This thesis sets out to examine the Baptist denomination in Britain during the 1930s. Its contention is that by this stage of their history Baptists were confused both about their denominational identity and about the role they could best play within contemprary society. From what appeared to be a pinnacle of success in the first decade of the century they moved into a period of almost continual decline in both numbers and influence. 'Ibis thesis examines these matters in three stages: Chapter 1 reviews current literature in the field of study, and places the present work in a wider historical, sociological and political context. It is argued that the Baptist denomination had been in crisis since around the year 1910, that crisis had deepened in the mid-'Twenties once the post-war resurgence of Baptist numbers receded, and that the nature of the crisis was complex, involving the denomination's self-perception and its role within society at both national and local levels. Chapters 2 to 7 constitute a detailed study of the Baptist denomination during the years 1930 to 1939. Chapter 2 analyses the year 1930 in detail and identifies the major topics to be examined subsequently, focusing variously on Baptist responses
english_welsh baptists study political_social religious crisis set_examine baptist denomination britain contention stage history baptists confuse denominational identity role could best play within society appeared success move period almost continual decline number influence examines matter three_stage review_current literature field study place present_work wider historical_sociological political_context argue baptist denomination crisis since crisis deepen mid post_war resurgence baptist number nature crisis complex involve denomination self perception_role within_society national_local level constitute detail_study baptist denomination detail identifies major topic examine subsequently focus variously baptist response