L&T Archive 1998-2003

In the novels
In Response To: Latitudinarian Attitudes ()

] It would be fairer to say, I think, that the Latitudinarian view was that every man's view of revealed religion is acceptable if it leads him to act in accordance with the generally understood and accepted standards of Christian (and Jewish) morality.

This is illuminating for me, as it helps me to understand better the attitude towards religion and morality which has always puzzled me. It is in some ways similar to the attitude of 21st century USA, as you said, but in some ways very different. In JA's novels there is such a great emphasis on worthy character as revealed through good behavior, and almost no mention of religion as such, in the early novels at least. I notice that social virtues are especially important, virtues dealing with interaction between people. Thus selfishness, vanity, greed, thoughtlessness cause the most damage and JA condemns them through characters like Maria Bertram or Fanny Dashwood. In contrast, the established and understood rules of civility and honor are upheld in the likes of the reformed Mr. Darcy, etc.

Messages In This Thread

George Austen, the parson
Interesting!
;-)
Convinced
Remember this?
I made similar faces...
Latitudinarian Attitudes
In the novels
Exactly- I'm glad we agree!
Very enlightening!
George Austen, the staunch traditionalist
The editors
JA's flirtation with Evangelicalism
I can see that
In reaction to intolerance
Reaction to the Terror
You're right, Jack; my Terror error. nfm
Pluralism
Puralism Abuse- in Alresford!
North Earldom
Earl of Guilford
A Passion for Tombstones......
tombstones
Sometimes starryeyed, yet mostly clearsighted!
consistancy
Sincerity
Oh, yes!