Nurturing faith and identity in the evangelical Anglican family, 1760-1830
This thesis discusses the distinctiveness of the evangelical Anglican family and its role in the development and spread of Evangelicalism during the second half of the long eighteenth century. This period has been chosen for its significance in the growth of the evangelical movement in the Church of England. By analysing the archive material left by the Venn family of the period this study draws a picture of the family and devotional life of one clerical evangelical family who lived at the centre of the evangelical movement within the Church of England. It highlights the way in which their beliefs and practices led to the creation of a distinctively evangelical family life and the particular characteristics by which evangelical Anglican families were marked. In doing this, it also notes the influence of the family on the development of a wider sense of evangelical identity. Their belief in the doctrine of justification by faith alone, and their conviction that their faith should permeate each area of their lives, led to distinctive emphases and concerns which separated them from non-evangelical Anglicans. Foremost among these characteristics is the intensity with which their concern for the conversion of each family member influenced the way in which children were brought up and educated. This intensity, and the emphasis on a personal relationship with God and His calling for each member’s life contributed to a sense of purpose and a concern for usefulness which was typical amongst evangelicals. A longitudinal study facilitates a consideration of the impact of evangelical beliefs on the members of the family at every stage of life, from their earliest childhood to their death, the concerns peculiar to each stage, and the way in which each stage was understood and navigated within the family.
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