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Anglican Confirmation: 1662-1820
Confirmation was an important part of the life of the eighteenth-century church which consumed a significant part of the time of bishops, of clergy in their preparation of candidates, and of the candidates themselves in terms of a transition in their Christian life. Yet it has been almost entirely overlooked by scholars. This book aims to fill this void in our understanding, and offers an important contribution and correction of our understanding of the life of the church during the long eighteenth century in both Britain and North America. Tovey addresses two important historical debates: the 'pessimist/optimist' debate on the character and condition of the Church of England in the eighteenth century; and the debate on the 're-enchantment' of the eighteenth century which challenges the secular nature of society in the age of the Enlightenment. Drawing on new developments of the study of visitation returns and episcopal life and on primary research in historical records, Anglican Confirmation goes behind the traditional Tractarian interpretations to uncover the understanding and confidence of the eighteenth-century church in the rite of confirmation. The book will be of interest to eighteenth-century church historians, theologians and liturgists alike.
- GenresChurch History
214 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2014
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March 19, 2015
The rite of confirmation may not be a sacrament in the Anglican tradition, but it has generally had an important place in the life of that tradition. Reserved to bishops, confirmation allows for the reaffirmation of baptismal vows made on behalf of infants at the time of baptism. For some it is the moment at which the Holy Spirit is fully conferred upon a candidate, usually a person of the age 12 to 15.
Nineteenth century observers, especially of a Tractarian mindset would often point to apparent lapses in confirmation practice as a sign of the low spiritual quality of the church in the 18th century. Recent studies, including my own article in Church History (June 199), have sought to overturn this view. While recognizing important challenges, including large dioceses and aged bishops (there was no retirement, so you were a bishop till you died), there is evidence that Confirmation was taken seriously and that priests were encouraged and instructed to properly catechise. Yes, there may have been large numbers Confirmed at one service, but this is not a sign of a lack of concern, but recognition that people saw it as an important part of faith, and often the means of becoming a communicant.
Whereas I wrote an article of about 20 pages on the issue, Phillip Tovey has devoted an entire book to it. For the most part his conclusions mirror my own. He goes into much more depth, but like me he feels that the earlier interpretations were unfair.
This is an academic study, but it is quite readable. I will be writing a much fuller review for Church History (the same academic journal that published my article more than 15 years ago), so I will leave it at that. But, if you're interested in the nature of the 18th century Church of England -- in England and in the colonies -- this is a good place to go. I should note that Tovey has done the helpful thing of examining practices in the American colonies, which were without bishops until 1784, when Samuel Seabury was consecrated the first bishop in what was then the United States. Check out the book and my forthcoming review in Church History!
Nineteenth century observers, especially of a Tractarian mindset would often point to apparent lapses in confirmation practice as a sign of the low spiritual quality of the church in the 18th century. Recent studies, including my own article in Church History (June 199), have sought to overturn this view. While recognizing important challenges, including large dioceses and aged bishops (there was no retirement, so you were a bishop till you died), there is evidence that Confirmation was taken seriously and that priests were encouraged and instructed to properly catechise. Yes, there may have been large numbers Confirmed at one service, but this is not a sign of a lack of concern, but recognition that people saw it as an important part of faith, and often the means of becoming a communicant.
Whereas I wrote an article of about 20 pages on the issue, Phillip Tovey has devoted an entire book to it. For the most part his conclusions mirror my own. He goes into much more depth, but like me he feels that the earlier interpretations were unfair.
This is an academic study, but it is quite readable. I will be writing a much fuller review for Church History (the same academic journal that published my article more than 15 years ago), so I will leave it at that. But, if you're interested in the nature of the 18th century Church of England -- in England and in the colonies -- this is a good place to go. I should note that Tovey has done the helpful thing of examining practices in the American colonies, which were without bishops until 1784, when Samuel Seabury was consecrated the first bishop in what was then the United States. Check out the book and my forthcoming review in Church History!
Displaying 1 of 1 review