The Kirk and the Kingdom: A Century of Tension in Scottish Social Theology 1830-1929 (Chalmers Lectures)

Unearths the practical social theology of the 19th century church in ScotlandMany believe that the church was largely mute on the widespread poverty and deprivation which accompanied the rapid expanse of urban life in Scotland. This study shows that the church was not lacking in commitment to improving such conditions, through the example of theologian Robert Flint and the parish minister Frederick Lockhart Robertson. For example, publication of Flint's 'Christ's Kingdom upon Earth' led the Church of Scotland in Glasgow to investigate slum housing conditions and to the conclusion that religion could not be complacent about the need for social action.