Henry Ward Beecher

Henry Ward Beecher, a nineteenth-century American Congregationalist pastor and journal editor, was a renowned public speaker active in campaigns against slavery and for social reform. He was an advocate of the theory of evolution and firmly believed that Christianity should adapt itself in the face of change. Volume 1 of Evolution and Religion (published in two volumes in 1885, two years before his death) is a compilation of his lectures defending the science of evolution. In them, he discusses the implications of the 'new' evolutionary philosophy for various key Christian doctrines such as the divine nature, human sinfulness, the inspiration of the Bible, and divine providence, and asserts that change will only help and not hinder religious thought. Beecher's charisma, enthusiasm and flamboyant oratory is evident even in print, and this book stands as a lasting testimony to this influential activist and thinker.

Henry Ward Beecher was an American Congregationalist minister, social reformer, journal editor and orator. People flocked to hear his lecture tours and preaching, in which - in addition to campaigning against slavery and promoting women's suffrage - he embraced the theory of evolution at a time when many pastors were violently opposed to it. Volume II of Evolution and Religion, published in 1885, two years before Beecher's death, is a collection of lectures in which he uses the insights of evolutionism to probe various facets of Christian life and doctrine, including love of God and neighbour. Beecher's powerful writing reveals the charisma and enthusiasm which made him such a popular speaker in his day and makes this book particularly rewarding reading for historians of nineteenth-century science, religion and society.