The Role of Religion- A Gradual Decline

Created by Chloe Ingle on Wed, 05/07/2025 - 21:58

Part of Group:

MSSU ENG272 - Spring 2025

This timeline looks at different events spanning from the mid 1600s to the end of the 20th century that all affect the religious beliefs of English individuals.

Timeline

Oliver Cromwell

1653 to 1658

From 1653-1658, Oliver Cromwell was "Lord Protector" Britain, which essentially is the British equivelent to the head of state. This was important for religion because Cromwell was a Seperatist, or Dissenter. Seperatists were Protestants who seperated from the Church of England in the 17th and 18th centuries. These individuals heavily criticized the church, wanting no hierachies or state interference within a church setting. Because Cromwell was a dissenter, this sparked a wave of enthusiasm across England and later led to an act passed by the English church, prohibiting anyone who wasn't an Anglican from having political power.

Associated Places

No places have been associated with this event

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John Wesley

1728 to 1785

John Wesley was a British preacher that created foundation for the Methodist movement. His preaching picked up speed during his Oxford days and created a group that called themselves the "Holy Club." His teachings would later go on to eventually break the Methodists from the English church as well as spark many revivals that spread throughout England. During a decline of faith, Wesley's preaching inspired many to either come back to or find their faith.

Associated Places

No places have been associated with this event

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Industrial Revolution

circa. 1760 to circa. 1840

The Industrial Revolution was a time of rapid growth and change that started in England and quickly spread. The new technology, such as steam powered engines and factory machines, created a desire for more advancements, pushing science and engineering further and faster than ever before. Because of this new push, many individuals started to favor science and reason over faith. Questions about the legitimacy of creation began to arise, creating doubt within many believers.

Associated Places

No places have been associated with this event

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Charles Darwin's The Descent of Man

17 Feb 1871

Charles Darwin is still widely regarded as one of the most influential scientific thinkers. His work focuses on genetics and biology, but more specifically, evolution. He describes evolution as "natural selection," or the idea that living creature adapt over time based on the most beneficial characteristics. His work, The Descent of Man applies this idea to humanity. The book is one of the first to not use the Bible in relation to creation. Because of the books, many individuals found themselves turning to aethesim, no longer considering themselves a person of faith.

Associated Places

No places have been associated with this event

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World War I

28 Jun 1914 to 11 Nov 1918

World War I was a battle between two groups of countries: the Allies and the Central Powers. The conflict was the cause of long standing tension between countries such as Germany, Russia, Britain, and France due to power dynamics, industrial developments, and growing imperialism. During the war, more than 16 million people died. Because of this drastically high number, many front-line soldiers in Britain became bitter toward Christianity and faith. This doubt further pushed the decline of religious believers in England.

Associated Places

No places have been associated with this event

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World War II

1 Sep 1939 to 2 Sep 1945

Not many years after England had recovered from War War I, World War II pushed Britain back into chaos. In efforts to stop the genocide of Jewish peoples, the Allied Powers fought against the Axis Powers. From the beginning of the war until the end, 27,000 people were killed each day on average. Much like the first war, individuals who fought directly in the war or who knew someone who did began to abandon Christian ideals. The death and destruction that surrounded England would leave permanent damage physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Associated Places

No places have been associated with this event

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Oliver Cromwell

John Wesley

Industrial Revolution

Charles Darwin's The Descent of Man

World War I

World War II

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Chronological table

Displaying 1 - 6 of 6

Date	Event	Created by	Associated Places
1653 to 1658	Oliver Cromwell From 1653-1658, Oliver Cromwell was "Lord Protector" Britain, which essentially is the British equivelent to the head of state. This was important for religion because Cromwell was a Seperatist, or Dissenter. Seperatists were Protestants who seperated from the Church of England in the 17th and 18th centuries. These individuals heavily criticized the church, wanting no hierachies or state interference within a church setting. Because Cromwell was a dissenter, this sparked a wave of enthusiasm across England and later led to an act passed by the English church, prohibiting anyone who wasn't an Anglican from having political power.	Chloe Ingle
1728 to 1785	John Wesley John Wesley was a British preacher that created foundation for the Methodist movement. His preaching picked up speed during his Oxford days and created a group that called themselves the "Holy Club." His teachings would later go on to eventually break the Methodists from the English church as well as spark many revivals that spread throughout England. During a decline of faith, Wesley's preaching inspired many to either come back to or find their faith.	Chloe Ingle
circa. 1760 to circa. 1840	Industrial Revolution The Industrial Revolution was a time of rapid growth and change that started in England and quickly spread. The new technology, such as steam powered engines and factory machines, created a desire for more advancements, pushing science and engineering further and faster than ever before. Because of this new push, many individuals started to favor science and reason over faith. Questions about the legitimacy of creation began to arise, creating doubt within many believers.	Chloe Ingle
17 Feb 1871	Charles Darwin's The Descent of Man Charles Darwin is still widely regarded as one of the most influential scientific thinkers. His work focuses on genetics and biology, but more specifically, evolution. He describes evolution as "natural selection," or the idea that living creature adapt over time based on the most beneficial characteristics. His work, The Descent of Man applies this idea to humanity. The book is one of the first to not use the Bible in relation to creation. Because of the books, many individuals found themselves turning to aethesim, no longer considering themselves a person of faith.	Chloe Ingle
28 Jun 1914 to 11 Nov 1918	World War I World War I was a battle between two groups of countries: the Allies and the Central Powers. The conflict was the cause of long standing tension between countries such as Germany, Russia, Britain, and France due to power dynamics, industrial developments, and growing imperialism. During the war, more than 16 million people died. Because of this drastically high number, many front-line soldiers in Britain became bitter toward Christianity and faith. This doubt further pushed the decline of religious believers in England.	Chloe Ingle
1 Sep 1939 to 2 Sep 1945	World War II Not many years after England had recovered from War War I, World War II pushed Britain back into chaos. In efforts to stop the genocide of Jewish peoples, the Allied Powers fought against the Axis Powers. From the beginning of the war until the end, 27,000 people were killed each day on average. Much like the first war, individuals who fought directly in the war or who knew someone who did began to abandon Christian ideals. The death and destruction that surrounded England would leave permanent damage physically, emotionally, and spiritually.	Chloe Ingle