Victorian Science and Religious Beliefs

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that, even in the early 19th century, there were few ideas about a confrontation between science and religion; generally, religion and scientific study were seen to be in accordance with each other. The author points out that Darwin's evolution theory is the turning point in this relation between religion and science. Many theologians saw Darwin's theory as an open threat to Christianity; whereas, scientists began to see religion as a threat to scientific thinking and approach. The paper highlights this dilemma through the writings of Robert Browning, whose shifting religious views personified the challenges to thinkers of the era, and Gerard Manley Hopkins, who was a significant icon upholding the tenets of Christian faith and morality.

From the Paper:

"Everett (2006) opines that Browning's shifting religious views personified the challenges that thinkers of the era were subject to. Although Browning approached this issue, there have been differing interpretations of his words and views. The manner of his dramatic monologue also serves to make a clear-cut verdict difficult. Such was the strength of Browning's characters and their monologues that it would often be unclear whether the beliefs presented in the monologue were his own or not."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Glenn Everett, 2006, "Browning's Religious Views", The Victorian Web
• George P. Landow, 2004, "Paradigm, Point of View, and Narrative Distance in Verbal and Visual Arts", Victorian Web
• John Matterson, 2002, "Constructing ethics and the ethics of construction: John Ruskin and the humanity of the builder", CrossCurrents

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