St Paul and Protestantism - Its place in the development of Matthew Arnold's thought

Abstract

The integrity of Matthew Arnold's thought is emphasised, and it is suggested that his work should be regarded as a whole, instead of being separated into unrelated sections. Evidence is given to shew that Arnold was not conscious of any cleavage in his work ; that all his work was literary in tone and intention; and that there is a close connection between his poetry and his prose. The first of the so-called 'theological' works, St.Paul and Protestantism, is given special attention throughout the study. The prose works preceding St. Paul and Protestantism are considered in chronological sequence, leading up to Culture and Anarchy, which is discussed in detail, shewing how Arnold's theories of criticism and culture lead naturally to his religious ideas. Various factors in the development of St. Paul and Protestantism are examined, and it is found that Arnold regarded this work as a. continuation of Culture and Anarchy. The contemporary reception of culture and anarchy is analysed, and its effect on Arnold is indicated. It is claimed that Arnold's treatment of St Paul was literary rather than theological, and his method is criticised from a literary point of view. Some aspects of Victorian religious thought are considered in connection with Arnold's approach to theology, which, it is suggested was always that of a layman. Finally, the reception of St Paul and Protestantism is studied, and the effect of this on Arnold is considered in relation to some of his later prose.