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Source: (consider it)
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Thread: Ecclesiastical biographies
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Clotilde
Shipmate
# 17600
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Posted
I'm currently reading an ecclesiastical biography, and have a couple more on the shelf.
I also read a few several years ago e.g. Lockhart's life of Cosmo Gordon Lang, and Chadwick on Michael Ramsey.
I was wondering if others have read any and which they like / recommend.
Not thinking so much of saints (though some may well be) more church leaders / bishops / leading lay people of the last hundred years or so.
Mine are Church of England, but I'd be willing to branch out a bit!
Suggestion or recommendations ![[Smile]](smile.gif)
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A witness of female resistance
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Metapelagius
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# 9453
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Posted
How about Janet Soskice's Sisters of Sinai? The ladies weren't 'church leaders' as such, but they were certainly a remarkable and fascinating pair, and influential in the life of their particular bit of the church.
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Rec a archaw e nim naccer.
y rof a duv. dagnouet.
Am bo forth. y porth riet.
Crist ny buv e trist yth orsset.
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Stercus Tauri
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# 16668
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Posted
I've just re-read George MacLeod - Founder of the Iona Community by Ron Ferguson. He was a fascinating man - controversial and influential. I'm not sure how durable his influence has been as times have changed, but the book contains much food for thought. It's also very well written, something you can't always take for granted in these times of publishing short cuts. The author never intrudes on his subject until close to the end, where he becomes part of the story. It's a good tale of the influence of one man at a time when the Kirk was changing very quickly.
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Thay haif said. Quhat say thay, Lat thame say (George Keith, 5th Earl Marischal)
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Edith
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# 16978
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Posted
The Impossible Life of Mary Benson by Rodney Bolt is about the wife of the ABC, brilliantly written and an extraordinary account of a woman who married a man twelve years her senior, played the society hostess, had lots of children, and then when widowed set up home with her female lover and presided over her clever children.
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Edith
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Galloping Granny
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# 13814
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Posted
quote:
Originally posted by Metapelagius:
How about Janet Soskice's Sisters of Sinai? The ladies weren't 'church leaders' as such, but they were certainly a remarkable and fascinating pair, and influential in the life of their particular bit of the church.
A fascinating book about two remarkable women who became authorities on ancient languages at time when women initially couldn't study at a university, and then could study but not be awarded a degree.
These two women, biblical scholars, linguists and explorers of great distinction, were founding benefactors of Westminster College, Cambridge.
GG
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The Kingdom of Heaven is spread upon the earth, and men do not see it. Gospel of Thomas, 113
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venbede
Shipmate
# 16669
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Posted
I'd recommend Twenty Years at St Hilary by Bernard Walke.
That rare but, to me, wonderful combination: an extreme Anglo Catholic left winger (and pacifist during World War One).
I bought a new copy in Waterstones in Truro.
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Man was made for joy and woe;
And when this we rightly know,
Thro' the world we safely go.
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Cara
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# 16966
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Posted
quote:
Originally posted by Edith:
The Impossible Life of Mary Benson by Rodney Bolt is about the wife of the ABC, brilliantly written and an extraordinary account of a woman who married a man twelve years her senior, played the society hostess, had lots of children, and then when widowed set up home with her female lover and presided over her clever children.
Yes, very interesting book.
Came out under different titles; the edition I have (earlier I think) is called
As Good as God, as clever as the Devil: the impossible life of Mary Benson .
And then I think they dropped the first part of the title for the p/b edition.
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Pondering.
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Cara
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# 16966
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Posted
Then there's Penelope Fitzgerald's excellent combined biography of her father and uncles, who included Monsignor Ronald Knox, famous Catholic convert and writer of many things including detective stories, and Wilfrid Knox, Church of England clergyman.
(As well as the non-ecclesiastical brothers Dillwyn, code-breaker of Enigma among other things, and Edmund, editor of Punch.)
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Pondering.
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Clotilde
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# 17600
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Posted
Most of the Archbishops of Canterbury of the last 100 years or so seem to have had biographers, but some produce very large volumes, which may, however be authoritative.
Has anyone read a biography of Robert Runcie, I haven't noticed one about him, so havent read one.
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A witness of female resistance
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Eutychus
From the edge
# 3081
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Posted
quote:
Originally posted by Clotilde:
Chadwick on Michael Ramsey.
I've actually got, and read, this.
Sort of in the CoE frame of reference, I found Alister McGrath's biography of Jim Packer very illuminating.
Iain Murray's biography of Martyn Lloyd-Jones is similarly fascinating - I read the huge two-volume version although I only possess volume 2.
I find both the above books interesting as much in terms of providing insights into the history of the time (for instance, the way in which Packer & co. deliberately recruited in university CUs for future evo Anglican priests, which made a lot of sense of some things I experienced at university) as in terms of the subject themselves.
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Let's remember that we are to build the Kingdom of God, not drive people away - pastor Frank Pomeroy
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Jengie jon
Semper Reformanda
# 273
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Posted
Yes there was one of Runcie. Not read it but have a memory that it caused some scandal at the time. Nor does it appear to be particularly well written. I seem to recall my fathers response to it as negative. This is perhaps why it is rather quietly forgotten.
I have not read it.
Jengie
[ 30. November 2013, 10:15: Message edited by: Jengie Jon ]
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"To violate a persons ability to distinguish fact from fantasy is the epistemological equivalent of rape." Noretta Koertge
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Clotilde
Shipmate
# 17600
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Posted
Thanks Jengie John. It seems as if the quality of Archbishop's biographies is declining as the years go on! Maybe not.
I have been thinking while reading the biographies of a few bishops what about the parish priests of the Church of England. Bernard Walke was mentioned.
But what of other of the 'lesser' clergy? Has anyone read a good and thoughtful biography of a member of the clergy of, say the last 150 years in the Church of England.
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LeRoc
Famous Dutch pirate
# 3216
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Posted
I read a biography of Lewi Pethrus, founder of the Swedish Pentecostal movement. I think it was Lewi's Journey by Per Olov Enquist. I can't remember it well, it's already some time ago.
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Albertus
Shipmate
# 13356
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Posted
quote:
Originally posted by Jengie Jon:
Yes there was one of Runcie. Not read it but have a memory that it caused some scandal at the time. Nor does it appear to be particularly well written. I seem to recall my fathers response to it as negative. This is perhaps why it is rather quietly forgotten.
I have not read it.
Jengie
I read it a few years ago. It was rather weak and occasionally unfair in many ways, but it only increased my regard for, and affection towards, ++RR.
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venbede
Shipmate
# 16669
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Posted
There must be a good book written or to be written about Conrad Noel, the extreme Anglo Catholic, communist Vicar of Thaxted.
He was presented to the living by the patron, Daisy, Countess of Warwick, former mistress of Edward VII and supporter of socialism.
(I believe the extravagance of one of Lady Warwick's parties was criticized in the left wing press. She went round to complain to the editor and he persuaded her to change her political views.)
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Man was made for joy and woe;
And when this we rightly know,
Thro' the world we safely go.
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Albertus
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# 13356
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Posted
He did write an autobiography, which is entertaining but a little slight.
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My beard is a testament to my masculinity and virility, and demonstrates that I am a real man. Trouble is, bits of quiche sometimes get caught in it.
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SvitlanaV2
Shipmate
# 16967
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Posted
quote:
Originally posted by LeRoc:
I read a biography of Lewi Pethrus, founder of the Swedish Pentecostal movement. I think it was Lewi's Journey by Per Olov Enquist. I can't remember it well, it's already some time ago.
I'd like to read this at some point. I hope it's good.
One clergyman whose eventful life has fascinated biographers for almost two centuries is John Wesley. I've read about three biographies and skimmed others, but expect to try a few more. I haven't read Roy Hattersley's recent one, but I can recommend Henry Abelove's 'The Evangelist of Desire: John Wesley and the Methodists'. I'm also keen to read about John's slightly less famous brother Charles; has anyone read Gareth Lloyd's biography on him?
Regarding modern clergy, I'm afraid I can only offer a fascinating but not very cheerful book by an ex-priest: Mark Hampson, 'Last Rites: The End of the Church of England'. It has a lot to say about the author's own experiences of ministry rather than being an objective study of the CofE. On my to-read list (and hopefully more inspiring): Joy Carroll, 'Behind the Cassock: The Real Vicar of Dibley'. Apparently it's about the woman priest who inspired the famous TV character.
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Eutychus
From the edge
# 3081
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Posted
quote:
Originally posted by SvitlanaV2:
I'm also keen to read about John's slightly less famous brother Charles; has anyone read Gareth Lloyd's biography on him?
No, but I've read Arnold Dallimore's, though I can't say it made much of an impression on me.
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Let's remember that we are to build the Kingdom of God, not drive people away - pastor Frank Pomeroy
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SvitlanaV2
Shipmate
# 16967
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Posted
Thanks.
Oh, and BTW, I can recommend a very interesting biography of John Wesley in French: Louis Rataboul, 'John Wesley: Un anglican sans frontières'. [John Wesley: An Anglican without Frontiers}
[ 02. December 2013, 21:55: Message edited by: SvitlanaV2 ]
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venbede
Shipmate
# 16669
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Posted
I have known Methodists be very dismissive of Roy Hattersely's biography of Wesley, presumably as not sufficiently hagiographical and speculating on Wesley's possible sexual attraction to various women.
The biography that I have had recommended was
H D Rack Reasonable Enthusiast: John Wesley and the rise of Methodism which is certainly not tritely hagiographic.
I have read them both, and indeed Hattersley on William and Catherine Booth. He is very readable, but probably a bit simplistic if you know the religious background.
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Man was made for joy and woe;
And when this we rightly know,
Thro' the world we safely go.
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SvitlanaV2
Shipmate
# 16967
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Posted
venbede
I can imagine that some Methodists would disapprove of a biography of John Wesley for this reason! But any Methodist who reads a modern book about Wesley's life will surely know about some of his personal issues.
The other problem might be that Hattersley isn't a Christian. For Christians who read 'ecclesiastical biographies' in order to be inspired rather than simply informed, does that matter?
I have my eye on 'Reasonable Enthusiast', so I'm glad you can recommend it.
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Qoheleth.
Semi-Sagacious One
# 9265
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Posted
quote:
Originally posted by venbede:
There must be a good book written or to be written about Conrad Noel, the extreme Anglo Catholic, communist Vicar of Thaxted.
He was presented to the living by the patron, Daisy, Countess of Warwick, former mistress of Edward VII and supporter of socialism.
(I believe the extravagance of one of Lady Warwick's parties was criticized in the left wing press. She went round to complain to the editor and he persuaded her to change her political views.)
Reg Groves: Conrad Noel and the Thaxted Movement - An adventure in Christian Socialism (1967) Merlin Press. I have a copy to hand here. Engaging, but not a scholarly work.
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Edith
Shipmate
# 16978
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Posted
quote:
Originally posted by Qoheleth.:
quote:
Originally posted by venbede:
There must be a good book written or to be written about Conrad Noel, the extreme Anglo Catholic, communist Vicar of Thaxted.
He was presented to the living by the patron, Daisy, Countess of Warwick, former mistress of Edward VII and supporter of socialism.
(I believe the extravagance of one of Lady Warwick's parties was criticized in the left wing press. She went round to complain to the editor and he persuaded her to change her political views.)
Reg Groves: Conrad Noel and the Thaxted Movement - An adventure in Christian Socialism (1967) Merlin Press. I have a copy to hand here. Engaging, but not a scholarly work.
There is a brilliant play about him which we saw in the 80s with Corin Redgrave taking the lead. Can't remember the name but it had 'banner' in it. Perhaps someone knows.
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Edith
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Albertus
Shipmate
# 13356
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Posted
Oh yes, I saw that too, in the early 90s in that little theatre at Battersea that the Redgraves used to run. It's by, or based on a book by, Robert Shaw, I think, and it's called (pauses for little bit of Googling here...)The Flag. Yes: review here from 1994.
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My beard is a testament to my masculinity and virility, and demonstrates that I am a real man. Trouble is, bits of quiche sometimes get caught in it.
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Pomona
Shipmate
# 17175
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Posted
Any free or less than £1 recommendations for the Kindle?
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Consider the work of God: Who is able to straighten what he has bent? [Ecclesiastes 7:13]
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Garasu
Shipmate
# 17152
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Posted
In other words, writing a biography isn't really worth paying for?
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"Could I believe in the doctrine without believing in the deity?". - Modesitt, L. E., Jr., 1943- Imager.
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Pomona
Shipmate
# 17175
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Posted
Erm no, in other words I'm a poor student who has Christmas presents to buy and can't afford more than that.
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Consider the work of God: Who is able to straighten what he has bent? [Ecclesiastes 7:13]
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Kaplan Corday
Shipmate
# 16119
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Posted
quote:
Originally posted by venbede:
There must be a good book written or to be written about Conrad Noel, the extreme Anglo Catholic, communist Vicar of Thaxted.
There is a delightful vignette in G.K. Chesterton's Autobiography: "He took great pleasure in appearing in correct clerical clothes surmounted with a sort of hairy or furry cap, making him look like an aesthetic rat-catcher".
He also includes a piss-taking poem he wrote about their time together in the CSU which begins:-
The Christian Social Union here [ie Nottingham]
Was very much annoyed;
It seems there is some duty
Which we never should avoid.
And so they sing a lot of hymns
To help the Unemployed.
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Pomona
Shipmate
# 17175
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Posted
quote:
Originally posted by Albertus:
Northants libraries?
Unlikely to have a massive selection of obscure ecclesiastical biographies (and I can't drive so can't travel to an entire county's worth of libraries). And I'm still puzzled as to why it's such a crime for me to want cheap or free Kindle versions when free public domain books is part of the appeal of the Kindle. Heaven forbid I should use it for what it was intended for! ![[Ultra confused]](graemlins/confused2.gif)
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Consider the work of God: Who is able to straighten what he has bent? [Ecclesiastes 7:13]
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venbede
Shipmate
# 16669
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Posted
quote:
Originally posted by SvitlanaV2:
The other problem might be that Hattersley isn't a Christian. For Christians who read 'ecclesiastical biographies' in order to be inspired rather than simply informed, does that matter?
I have my eye on 'Reasonable Enthusiast', so I'm glad you can recommend it.
I'd have thought it was a positive recommendation. If they are writing as an outsider and not with an apologetic agenda, however hidden, then the narrative and any positive appreciation will be far more telling.
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Man was made for joy and woe;
And when this we rightly know,
Thro' the world we safely go.
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Albertus
Shipmate
# 13356
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Posted
quote:
Originally posted by Jade Constable:
quote:
Originally posted by Albertus:
Northants libraries?
Unlikely to have a massive selection of obscure ecclesiastical biographies (and I can't drive so can't travel to an entire county's worth of libraries). And I'm still puzzled as to why it's such a crime for me to want cheap or free Kindle versions when free public domain books is part of the appeal of the Kindle. Heaven forbid I should use it for what it was intended for!
No crime at all.
Northants libraries do have Carpenter's book on Runcie (I checked) but probably not much else* and if they're like any other county library service they will send books to your local branch if you ask them to.
*Mind you, they have got Chadwick's Victorian Church. That will keep you occupied for a bit: it did me, when I was your age and in much your position.
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Ariston
Insane Unicorn
# 10894
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Posted
I'm a fan of Peter Brown's Augustine of Hippo, since, among many other things, it includes everything the Confessions leaves out—which is quite a bit, really!—but also explains what the deal is with all those Donatists, the political situation in North Africa as Rome basically fell apart in the West, and why Augustine is always writing slightly exasperated letters to various patricians in the area. At the end, you understand why he'd burst into tears upon being ordained and now having to deal with All These Problems. I've heard negative reviews about O'Donnel's biography—apparently he takes a bit of a critical view of Auggie in the end—though his commentary on the Confessions is without peer.
I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for biographies of Luther, especially ones that go into detail about the sociopolitical situation of the Holy Roman Empire during the Reformation? I've heard good things about Here I Stand, but perhaps there's something with a bit more recent scholarship someone might know about.
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“Therefore, let it be explained that nowhere are the proprieties quite so strictly enforced as in men’s colleges that invite young women guests, especially over-night visitors in the fraternity houses.” Emily Post, 1937.
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georgiaboy
Shipmate
# 11294
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Posted
I timed out to look for the book, but I've misplaced it, but it is 'The Musical Wesleys', not exactly a biography, but with lots of biographical stuff.
It covers John, Charles, Charles Jr, his son Samuel (who became RC and pretty much introduced the music of Bach to the UK) and his son Samuel Sebastian, cathedral organist and composer and crusader for better working conditions for church musicians.
Not a long book, but full of lots of good stuff!
(Sorry I can't remember who wrote it!)
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You can't retire from a calling.
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Clotilde
Shipmate
# 17600
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Posted
I do find it a shame that so many of the biographies are of the 'great and the good' and it seems its only in novels we come across holy parish priests!
I guess its understandable - in some ways the holy humble parish priest has - to some - a rather boring life!
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A witness of female resistance
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Garasu
Shipmate
# 17152
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Posted
Not read them, but perhaps worth checking out if that's what you're after?
From physicist to priest : an autobiography / John Polkinghorne. - 2007.
My name is John : an affirmation of parish ministry / John Cree. - 2000.
Scarlet ribbons : a priest with AIDS / Rosemary Bailey. - 1997.
With those in peril : a chaplain's life in the Royal Navy / Lovell Pocock. - 1989.
From ploughboy to priest / Fred Pennington. - 1986.
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"Could I believe in the doctrine without believing in the deity?". - Modesitt, L. E., Jr., 1943- Imager.
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Ahleal V
Shipmate
# 8404
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Posted
I seriously think that A Life of Bishop John AT Robinson' by Eric James (Robinson of the 'Honest to God' fame) is one of the best clerical biographies ever written. If I had power to craft the list of books that those in discernment read, this would be on it.
For the other end of the ecclesiastical spectrum, David Watson: A Life by Teddy Saunders and Hugh Sansom is quite good.
I also think that everyone should have read Merrily on High by Colin Stephenson, which is more a memoir than an auto-biography.
In other news, I hear that the new George Herbert biography is very good.
x
AV
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venbede
Shipmate
# 16669
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Posted
quote:
Originally posted by Ahleal V:
I also think that everyone should have read Merrily on High by Colin Stephenson, which is more a memoir than an auto-biography.
I'm sure it could only confirm some people's prejudices of the frivolity of Anglo Catholics, but it is in fact rather moving at times.
It is also rather impressive that he seems to have no self pity at having a leg amputated, and indeed regards it as a bit of a joke at time, as in presiding at Solemn Evensong and Benediction with one leg.
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Man was made for joy and woe;
And when this we rightly know,
Thro' the world we safely go.
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Albertus
Shipmate
# 13356
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Posted
Yes, it's very good, and is quite often in the Church House bookshop sale.
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My beard is a testament to my masculinity and virility, and demonstrates that I am a real man. Trouble is, bits of quiche sometimes get caught in it.
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Augustine the Aleut
Shipmate
# 1472
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Posted
Alan Paton's biography of Geoffrey Clayton, Archbishop of Cape Town (Apartheid and the Archbishop), is a fascinating picture of a prelate torn between ambition and humility, his sexuality, and his vision of state authority versus his apostolic authority. Paton's description of the nuts and bolts of daily life and clerical life in South Africa during the postwar period is vivid and one almost tastes the narrowness and generosity of the time.
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Clotilde
Shipmate
# 17600
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Posted
The Clayton biography sounds very interesting. As indeed do so many of the ones suggested.
Looking at them I was wondering where the women are! Of course so many ecclesiastical biographies are about church leaders and many many of them have been male.
However, anyone any thoughts on female ecclesiastical biographies? I'm thinking but one has yet to spring to mind, I am ashamed to say!
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A witness of female resistance
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SvitlanaV2
Shipmate
# 16967
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Posted
I mentioned one by Joy Carroll, an Anglican priest, in a previous post.
Obviously, the lack of female clergy in the past means that most accounts will be about the wives, mothers and daughters of clergymen. But sometimes such women had a considerable degree of influence. Susannah Wesley was a strong spiritual influence on her son John, and there are several biographies of her. I can't recommend a particular one, though. There's also a biography of the mother of Francis Asbury, who was the father of American Methodism: 'Eliza Asbury: Her Cottage and Her Son' by David J.A. Hallam.
Also, Christian female lay workers in Methodism and other early Protestant movements were often encouraged to write journals and autobiographies. Some of these women were effectively preachers. It's been a while since I read about them, but I think Paul Wesley Chilcote has written some interesting books on the subject. There do seem to be quite a few books that explore the phenomenon of early women preachers in the Nonconformist, Holiness and Pentecostal traditions.
A number of Christian movements were founded by women, so books have followed. E.g.:
The founder of the Shakers: 'Ann The Word: The Story of Ann Lee', by Richard Francis. (This is on my to-read list.)
The founder of the Foursquare Church, Aimee Semple McPherson was quite a character. Amazon has several bios on her.
Lady Selina Hungtindon started her own 'Connexion' of churches, though I don't know if she ever preached. There appear to be bios on her and a collection of her correspondence.
If you see the founding of the Salvation Army as a joint process you have to look into the life of Catherine Booth and not just that of her husband.
The first female Quaker preacher: 'Elizabeth Hooton, First Quaker Woman Preacher (1600-1672)' by Emily Manners.
I've been googling books about the contemporary experience of women clergy, but bios seem rare. Is there's anyone famous enough to get a whole book to herself?
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Augustine the Aleut
Shipmate
# 1472
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Posted
Patricia Simpson's "Marguerite Bourgeoys 1640-1645" is a good read and a fascinating study of those tough colonial nuns who made governors and generals quail. I remember reading bios of the Venerable Dorothy Day and Catherine de Hueck Doherty some years ago, but I can't quite recall how good they were. In both cases, they were remarkable women and I would think that their stories justify the effort in seeking out the books.
A semi-ecclesiastical/semi-royal example is Hugh Vicker's bio of Princess Alice of Greece, mother of Phil the Greek and foundress of a foundered order of nuns in the Orthodox Church. While apparently unstable (and a chain-smoker), she saved Jews during the War and was counted one of the Righteous Among the Gentiles.
Posts: 6236 | From: Ottawa, Canada | Registered: Oct 2001
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Sober Preacher's Kid
Presbymethegationalist
# 12699
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Posted
For female ecclesiastical biography, I've been meaning to read With Love, Lydia, a biography of the United Church of Canada's first female ordained minister, Rev. Dr. Lydia Gruchy. The author is Rev. Patricia Wotten.
It's a far longer story than just her ordination, she was born in 1894 in France and died in 1992 in Canada.
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NDP Federal Convention Ottawa 2018: A random assortment of Prots and Trots.
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SvitlanaV2
Shipmate
# 16967
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Posted
There must be quite a few bios of nuns, but these days books about ex-nuns are probably more likely. I remember browsing through Karen Armstrong's 'The Spirial Staircase' in a bookshop. Other reviewers have found it very engaging, although I don't know if it would be my thing, exactly. Apparently Ms Armstrong has written other memoirs as well.
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Clotilde
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# 17600
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Posted
What frustrates me a little with some bishop's biographies is how 'national scale' the authors put them and how little there is about family, friends or even their diocese.
I've just read one weighty tome which really gives no indication of what inspired him, or indeed of what angered and frustrated him.
I guess thats about the quality of biographer. In this case I felt the biographer was trying to write a history of the man and the church at his time rather than a biography of the individual.
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A witness of female resistance
Posts: 159 | From: A man's world | Registered: Mar 2013
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Augustine the Aleut
Shipmate
# 1472
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Posted
quote:
Originally posted by Clotilde:
What frustrates me a little with some bishop's biographies is how 'national scale' the authors put them and how little there is about family, friends or even their diocese.
I've just read one weighty tome which really gives no indication of what inspired him, or indeed of what angered and frustrated him.
I guess thats about the quality of biographer. In this case I felt the biographer was trying to write a history of the man and the church at his time rather than a biography of the individual.
Clotilde raises some good points. It might be that there are challenges in building a good picture of a bishop and the diocese. First, some key actions likely involve personnel decisions and, assuming complete files were kept, they might well be confidential within the lives of those involved or for a long fixed period (e.g., the thirty-year rule). Other key actions might be pretty arcane or only of interest to ecclesiastical administration freaks. However, as any historian will tell you over a glass of Beau's Lugtread Ale, so few contemporary figures put anything on paper. Where once correspondence was how things happened, it is now by telephone or e-mail-- the latter often lost through misfiling, erasure, or death of platform. Researchers must now rely even more on interviews, which can be marked by failure or selectivity or memory, or continued partisanship (some disclosure-- a researcher interviewed me on a local ecclesiastical dispute and afterward confessed to me that none of her interviewees agreed on the basic facts of the issue or even the course of events and she feared that at least two of us were channelling facts from a parallel universe).
Other interviewees, especially family members, may want to shade their accounts to put the figure into a better light. I have seen this in a number of books and get very irked that I have spent my time reading about a vague saintly personage who must have bored everyone into electing him primate. Notable exceptions include Honor Moore's biography of her father, Paul, who was Bishop of New York, and David Robertson's "Passionate Pilgrim," a biography of Bishop James Pike of California.
Some autobiographies can end up revealing more than they intended, and the interested might find John Shelby Spong's memoirs worth a read in this respect. Other memoirs (and I count Abp Desmond Tutu's among them) fail in that they are valid-in-their-own-right essays in continued advocacy, rather than factual accounts or introspective narratives. Still, they can be (as with Tutu) rattling good yarns.
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