Charles Strong's Australian Church

Christian Social Activism, 1885-1917

Marion Maddox

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English

MELBOURNE UNIVERSITY PRES
30 November 2021

History; Australasian & Pacific history; Calvinist, Reformed & Presbyterian Churches; Christian social thought & activity

The untold story of Reverend Dr Charles Strong and progressive Christian activism

In the optimistic years preceding Federation in 1901, the Melbourne-based Australian Church emerged as a progressive Christian movement to serve a brand-new nation. Galvanising many members of Melbourne's social and political elite, activist Reverend Dr Charles Strong imagined the Australian Church becoming the national church, while addressing a broad social and political reform agenda, inspired by both theological and social liberalism. Their approach was described as 'progressive', 'liberal', 'radical' and 'socialist'.

Strong and his wife, Janet, founded or led organisations for causes ranging from peace to penal reform. They fought for urban slum improvements, rural village settlements, childcare and adult education, the minimum wage and women's suffrage. Some organisations endure today; others left lasting legacies in Australian methods of addressing social inequality.

Bringing together leading scholars of history, politics and religion, Charles Strong's Australian Church celebrates the church's radicalism, while taking account of debates and obstacles on the path to social reform.

By: Marion Maddox
Imprint: MELBOURNE UNIVERSITY PRES
Country of Publication: Australia
Dimensions: Height: 241mm, Width: 160mm, Spine: 19mm
Weight: 478g
ISBN: 9780522877892
ISBN 10: 0522877893
Pages: 216
Publication Date: 30 November 2021
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

Marion Maddox is Honorary Professor of Politics at Macquarie University, Sydney and a Fellow of the Australian Academy of the Humanities. She writes about religion and politics, including her landmark God Under Howard- The Rise of the Religious Right in Australian Politics.