There is still much interest in Coleridge and new ways to interpret his work and relationship to contemporary literature and society. The focus on Coleridge and religion will draw readers to this book. While most of the current literature on Coleridge concentrates strictly on his poetry in reference to other poets, this book works to understand his religious writing, which was prolific, and how his theological research and views not only greatly influenced his poetry, but presents him as a deep philosophical thinker of his day.This book focuses on literature, romanticism, history, theology, Biblical studies, philosophy, during Coleridge's life time. Given his massive influence on American Transcendentalism as well as European thought, it also intersects with American and German literature, history, philosophy, and theology. Coleridge contributed extensively to Biblical criticism in England and this book will give him a place in the canon of theological as well as literary discussion.It is the major topic at the biennial 'Friends of Coleridge' conference in Somerset, England, and nearly everywhere Coleridgeans gather or publish.Moreover, so subtle and demanding are his theological writings that only the best and most learned scholars have approached them, Shaffer, Beer, Barth, to name a few. His critical approach to Scripture, the church, and the role of the Spirit provide depth and insight into his literary criticism, political writings, and philosophical commitment to Reason. This study reconstructs the system of religion that Coleridge develops in "Confessions of an Inquiring Spirit".
Coleridge, the Bible, and Religion by Jeffrey W. Barbeau was published by Palgrave Macmillan in February 2008. The ISBN for Coleridge, the Bible, and Religion is 9780230601345.