Manchester University Press
1 Introduction
Abstract
This chapter provides a short introduction to the Second Vatican Council, and then outlines the methodologies (grounded in gender and cultural history) and diverse sources that are employed in this groundbreaking study. It discusses the analytical metaphor and subjective reality of the ‘family of the faithful’ that provides the structure for this book and unpacks the ‘lived religious history’ approach utilised throughout. These particular discussions are then situated within broader debates in mainstream twentieth century historiography about secularization, the sixties and shifting gendered identities. The chapter concludes with an outline of the structure of the book and a statement of its central contention, namely that despite marked changes in English Catholicism throughout this period, there were also little-appreciated elements of continuity, especially in the subjective understandings, lived religious experiences and popular devotional practices of English Catholics.
Abstract
This chapter provides a short introduction to the Second Vatican Council, and then outlines the methodologies (grounded in gender and cultural history) and diverse sources that are employed in this groundbreaking study. It discusses the analytical metaphor and subjective reality of the ‘family of the faithful’ that provides the structure for this book and unpacks the ‘lived religious history’ approach utilised throughout. These particular discussions are then situated within broader debates in mainstream twentieth century historiography about secularization, the sixties and shifting gendered identities. The chapter concludes with an outline of the structure of the book and a statement of its central contention, namely that despite marked changes in English Catholicism throughout this period, there were also little-appreciated elements of continuity, especially in the subjective understandings, lived religious experiences and popular devotional practices of English Catholics.
Kapitel in diesem Buch
- Front matter i
- Dedication v
- Contents vii
- List of illustrations viii
- Acknowledgements and author’s note ix
- 1 Introduction 1
- 2 English Catholicism reconsidered 32
- 3 Gatherings at the family table 57
- 4 ‘A model for many homesteads’ 130
- 5 ‘Plaster saints’ or ‘spiritual friends’? 202
- 6 Conclusion 258
- Appendix 271
- Select bibliography 279
- Index 300
Kapitel in diesem Buch
- Front matter i
- Dedication v
- Contents vii
- List of illustrations viii
- Acknowledgements and author’s note ix
- 1 Introduction 1
- 2 English Catholicism reconsidered 32
- 3 Gatherings at the family table 57
- 4 ‘A model for many homesteads’ 130
- 5 ‘Plaster saints’ or ‘spiritual friends’? 202
- 6 Conclusion 258
- Appendix 271
- Select bibliography 279
- Index 300
