Dean Farrar : a study in nineteenth-century Anglicanism

This thesis attempts to describe Dean Farrar'e work as a part of the life of the Church of England in the Nineteenth Century. In this period the Ration reached the pinnacle of its power and the Anglican Church realized its peculiar character. The institutional structure of the Church was reorganized; the Evangelicals maintained a personal and protestant faith; the Oxford Movement recovered the Catholic tradition; the Christian Socialists influenced the social, economic, and political areas; the scholars reconstructed a truer faith in the light of the new knowledge; and the Missionary Movement carried the Gospel to the ends of the Earth. Dean Farrar was, in large part, a microcosm of Nineteenth Century Anglicanism. His concern for the Church institution was displayed in his restoration of St. Margaret's and Canterbury Cathedral; his efficient organization of St. Margaret's parish; and his Canterbury conferences which were attempts to reconcile hostile factions within Anglicanism. His evangelical background infused his works He had a poignant consciousness of sin; emphasized the saving work of Christ, the believer's personal relationship with God, and a holy life as the evidence of a sincere faith. While he resisted the attempts of the Ritualists to negate the Reformation and restore Romanist practices, his ministry expressed the essence of the Catholic tradition. The Church was the Body of Christ through which God's purpose was being worked out in the World. He realized the efficacy of the Sacraments in nourishing the Christian's inner life, and, along with other celebrations, held evening communions when most non-Ritualists were opposing the practice. His comprehension of the history and meaning of Art enhanced the beauty of worship. He promoted monastic orders which were to live and work among the poor. His study of the "Lives of the Fathers" disclosed a common interest in early Church History. Farrar worked with those who were relating the Gospel to the social, economic, and political issues. His temperance work was a social crusade; he aided the Salvation Army's work with the poor; influenced Parliament to legislate for the welfare of the weak; and reminded individuals of their responsibilities as citizens. He reformed the public school curriculum, especially in the introduction of scientific subjects. He established a new pattern of friendship between masters and students, and had an extensive influence upon the embryonic leadership of the countjy. His philosophy of education continues to have relevance. The revolution which science, history, and philosophy had caused in theology required a new Biblical and doctrinal statement. Many notable scholars were engaged in the task. Ferrar's peculiar genius was the ability to disseminate the results of this scholarship to the public. He reconstructed a Biblical theology. The origin of the Canon; the results of the critical studies; the meaning of Biblical inspiration and authority; the guiding principles for a sound interpretation; and the message and its application are all communicated in an Use other side if necessary. interesting fashion. He taught theology within the lives of the Biblical writers: it was not abstract theory hut practical lessons in human experience. His preaching presented the great truths of the Christian faith with straightforward simplicity. Complex theological questions like the Atonement and the Future Life were clearly explained and related to everyday life. Science and religion could not be in conflict because they were both revelations of God. Art, music, drama, literature, and the whole of life were true expressions of God and were concecrated to Him. For nineteen years he was the rector of the Church of the House of Commons, Chaplain and Friend to the Queen arid members of the House; and exerted the full force of his ministry upon the Nation when it was at the peak of its power. His published works and powerful preaching reached a larger segment of the British public than any other clergyman. In an age of growing unbelief and indifference, Farrar presented, both in his life and work, a scholarly, truthful, and enthusiastic interpretation of the Christian faith which gave meaning to the belief of Church people, and effectively communicated to the intellectual, cultural, and common segments of society that Jesus Christ was still the Way, the Truth, and the Life.