This book is a collection of closely-related yet distinct chapters, each of which presents an account of particular thinkers, themes or debates in their historical context and in the light of today’s concerns. The book is divided into three parts: Part One, Bishops and Authority; Part Two, Pluralism, Politics and History; and Part Three, Believing and Discipleship.

It presents the fruit of a long period of theological research into different historical periods, but with a distinct focus on theology in the early twentieth century. Although each chapter can be read as history of theology, and each addresses historical debates in their own terms, at the same time each is concerned to relate historical issues to contemporary problems faced by the Anglican Communion and the Church of England today.

Introduction: The History of Theology and Historical Theology

Part I: Bishops and Authority

1. The Politics of Episcopacy
2. “Cyprianus Anglicus”: St Cyprian in Anglican Interpretation
3. From Carthage to Truro: Archbishop Benson and the Unity of the Church

Part II: Pluralism, Politics and History
4. J. N. Figgis, Pluralism and the Voluntary Church
5. John Keble, Harold Laski and the Politics of the Oxford Movement
6. Mandell Creighton and the Virtues of Dullness

Part III: Believing and Discipleship
7. F. D. Maurice and reciting the Creeds
8. William Sanday and Theology, 1900-1920
9. Charles Gore, Kenosis and the Crisis of Power
10. Christ and the Gethsemane of Mind: Frank Weston Then and Now
11. Epilogue: Anglicanism after the Windsor Report