William Temple: Church, State and Society in Britian, 1880-1950

By John Kent

Book Overview

William Temple (1881-1944) was the outstanding British religious leader of the twentieth century. He believed that the 'modern state' was incomplete without a modern Christian church, which should set the moral and political tone of the community. His political and religious best seller, Christianity and Social Order, which was published as a Penguin Special in 1942, was one of the sources of the wide support for the British welfare state of the 1950s. Temple was the most successful and controversial of British 'priests in politics' because as an Archbishop he combined the idea of national unity rooted in a common set of religious/moral values with a constant demand for political change in the direction of greater social equality. He thus combined conservative and radical impulses to a remarkable degree. This is a study of Temple's public life and policy in Britain, and of his part in the movement to unite the world's Protestant churches.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0521376300
• ISBN13: 9780521376303
• Release Date: November 1992
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Length: 212 Pages
• Weight: 0.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.5" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

A quick introduction to the Archbishop

Archbishop of Canterbury William Temple was the son of Archbishop of Canterbury Frederick Temple. Although he grew up in bishop's residences, he never lost his affinity for issues of social justice. He was a major proponent of the modern ecumenical movement and was one of the guiding lights behind the creation of the World Council of Churches. Although he passed away after about two years as Archbishop of Canterbury, he had had a long career in the Church. This book is a more succinct treatment of Archbishop Temple's life than the biography by Iremonger, although once you have read this book, you will want to read that work as well. Temple was a dedicated servant of God whose impact is still resonating today.