Description
Book SynopsisThis book follows the life and work of Thomas Chalmers (1780–1847) from his childhood in Anstruther to the end of his ministerial career in Glasgow in 1823. He became a theologian, minister and Scottish reformer and is best remembered for his involvement in the Disruption of 1843. Following Chalmers’ career up to the end of his Glasgow period offers a range of valuable insights into the human, spiritual and theological dimensions of a man who was once described by Thomas Carlyle as «the chief Scotsman of his age». It has been decades since Chalmers and his work have received any notable scholarly attention and this book attempts to unravel his complicated nature by pursuing a forensic investigation into his communitarian ideology and attitude towards social reform. New facts have come to light, not least the apparent reversion of Chalmers’ conversion, recognised and discussed here for the first time, allowing the reader to form a more accurate picture of his legacy within Scottish religious history. As the author meticulously unravels his subject’s disturbing psychological mindset, he provides a compelling critique of the Church of Scotland and examines the role of John Bunyan’s Mr Christian as Chalmers’ model and mentor.
Trade Review«David Jackson’s book reveals the intense ambiguities in Chalmers’ life, both the positives and the negatives, and sheds new light on one of the most intriguing churchmen of the nineteenth century.» (David Jasper, Professor Emeritus, University of Glasgow)
Table of ContentsCONTENTS: Early Environment, Influence and Development – The Divine Imposter – A Disturbed Mindset – A Glorious Failure – The Humbling Retreat of Lieutenant Chalmers – A Theological Synthesis of Conversion: Butler and Pascal – Properties Involved in Individual Conversion – The Infinity of the Mind in Human Nature – Imprints from Anstruther – The Restless Genes of a Godly Commonwealth Ideology – The Shadow of Napoleon – The Dundee Sermon – Instruments of Providence and Politics – Piety, Power and Politics – Members of the Same Body – The Reluctant Missionary and Stevenson MacGill – Into the Valley – Theology and Chalmers – An Astronomical Argument – Power and Immortality: London – The Glory of Theory – Footprints of Reform – Analysis of the St John’s Experiment I: Pauperism – Analysis of the St John’s Experiment II: Education – The Final Humiliation of Chalmers’ Ministry in Glasgow – Roots, Conversion and the Establishment – Literary Commentators on Chalmers, 1979–1988 – Newspaper Comment.
