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The full-length biography of the Methodist minister and author Leslie Dixon Weatherhead, exploring his life and the context in which he wrote and preached.
During the period after the Second World War, in which English Protestant non-conformity declined rapidly, a handful of exceptional names stand out, and one of the most remarkable was that of the Methodist minister Leslie Dixon Weatherhead. Both through his ministry at the City Temple, in the heart of London, and more generally through the massive sales of his books, Dr Weatherhead became a dominant figure, with an influence far beyond the British Isles. That the City Temple, a Congregationalist church, was widely seen at the time as the greatest English Free Church pulpit, ensured him a wide audience, while the quality of his preaching, combining emotional and intellectual power, wit and eloquence, won him admirers among all the churches, and led to offers from a number of American and Canadian universities and congregations, as well as numerous honorary degrees from British and American universities. Despite his Congregationalist call, he remained a Methodist minister, and indeed became President of the Methodist Conference. Perhaps even more important was that he was one of the earliest to recognise the value of the applications for the clergy of the insights of Freud and Jung. His seventy-odd publications, of which The Christian Agnostic and Psychology, Religion and Healing were the most influential, bring out not only the theological liberalism that made him suspect in some circles, but also his understanding of the value of healing and of psychological insights. The result was that his lay theology had a vast following. Although three other books have appeared about Weatherhead since his death, John Travell's explores all aspects of his life and portrays his historical, religious and theological context in greater depth.
During the period after the Second World War, in which English Protestant non-conformity declined rapidly, a handful of exceptional names stand out, and one of the most remarkable was that of the Methodist minister Leslie Dixon Weatherhead. Both through his ministry at the City Temple, in the heart of London, and more generally through the massive sales of his books, Dr Weatherhead became a dominant figure, with an influence far beyond the British Isles. That the City Temple, a Congregationalist church, was widely seen at the time as the greatest English Free Church pulpit, ensured him a wide audience, while the quality of his preaching, combining emotional and intellectual power, wit and eloquence, won him admirers among all the churches, and led to offers from a number of American and Canadian universities and congregations, as well as numerous honorary degrees from British and American universities. Despite his Congregationalist call, he remained a Methodist minister, and indeed became President of the Methodist Conference. Perhaps even more important was that he was one of the earliest to recognise the value of the applications for the clergy of the insights of Freud and Jung. His seventy-odd publications, of which The Christian Agnostic and Psychology, Religion and Healing were the most influential, bring out not only the theological liberalism that made him suspect in some circles, but also his understanding of the value of healing and of psychological insights. The result was that his lay theology had a vast following. Although three other books have appeared about Weatherhead since his death, John Travell's explores all aspects of his life and portrays his historical, religious and theological context in greater depth.
Price: $76.00
Pages: 320
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Inc.
Imprint: Lutterworth Press
Publication Date:
16 April 1999
Trim Size: 9.17 X 6.10 in
ISBN: 9780718829919
Format: Hardcover
BISACs:
BIOGRAPHY & AUTOBIOGRAPHY / General, Biography: general
... Offers both committed Christians and religious enquirers inspiration and encouragement. It is a very readable yet scholarly work. John Travell is uniquely equipped to provide fascinating insights into this great nonconformist's life and work. He not only arouses our admiration for this great Christian pastor and preacher but helps us to recognise his humanity. Dr Travel's assessment is balanced and perceptive. His personal involvement doe not cloud his judgement, though it adds warmth and colour to his biography. This book deserves a prominent position on your selves.
— Margaret Hulmes
Not the first biography of Leslie Weatherhead, but it will certainly be seen as one of the most important. The one, perhaps, that Weatherhead would have wanted to be written. John Travell has done extensive research, obtaining information and insights from a variety of other reliable sources. It contains perceptive pictures of the humanity of the man. John Travell's book traces the development of Weatherhead's thoughts and insights. It presents it in a highly readable form. Doctor of Souls seems set to become a standard.
Excellent brings out well the character of the man and his achievements. This definitive biography well produced and illustrated. I warmly commend this book, not just to those of my generation who knew of, the man, but to all who are interested in where we have come from and what we may learn from our past.
A fascinating biography of a man who possessed great gifts. The many excerpts from Weatherhead's sermons and letters give striking examples of the force of his preaching and clarity of mind and how he dealt with the issues of the day. The biography is a pleasure to read. The text flows with clarity.
— Rev. John Dunn
— Margaret Hulmes
Not the first biography of Leslie Weatherhead, but it will certainly be seen as one of the most important. The one, perhaps, that Weatherhead would have wanted to be written. John Travell has done extensive research, obtaining information and insights from a variety of other reliable sources. It contains perceptive pictures of the humanity of the man. John Travell's book traces the development of Weatherhead's thoughts and insights. It presents it in a highly readable form. Doctor of Souls seems set to become a standard.
Excellent brings out well the character of the man and his achievements. This definitive biography well produced and illustrated. I warmly commend this book, not just to those of my generation who knew of, the man, but to all who are interested in where we have come from and what we may learn from our past.
A fascinating biography of a man who possessed great gifts. The many excerpts from Weatherhead's sermons and letters give striking examples of the force of his preaching and clarity of mind and how he dealt with the issues of the day. The biography is a pleasure to read. The text flows with clarity.
— Rev. John Dunn
Foreword
Preface and Acknowledgements
Background and Early Influences
India and War
Return to India 1919
Manchester 1922-1925
Leeds
The Mastery of Sex
Weatherhead's Christology: The Oxford Groups
Speaking, Writing, Broadcasting
From Leeds to London
The City Temple
The Approach of War
The Impact of War
St. Sepulchre's
On Being a Minister
The Final Years of War
The Immediate Post-War Years
Plans for Rebuilding: Debate, Delays and Frustration
Travel Abroad
Psychology, Religion and Healing
Rebuilding: Thanks to Rockefeller
President of the Methodist Conference
The City Temple Re-Opens
Into Retirement
Bexhill
The Christian Agnostic
The Last Years
Envoi
Conclusion
Bibliography
Preface and Acknowledgements
Background and Early Influences
India and War
Return to India 1919
Manchester 1922-1925
Leeds
The Mastery of Sex
Weatherhead's Christology: The Oxford Groups
Speaking, Writing, Broadcasting
From Leeds to London
The City Temple
The Approach of War
The Impact of War
St. Sepulchre's
On Being a Minister
The Final Years of War
The Immediate Post-War Years
Plans for Rebuilding: Debate, Delays and Frustration
Travel Abroad
Psychology, Religion and Healing
Rebuilding: Thanks to Rockefeller
President of the Methodist Conference
The City Temple Re-Opens
Into Retirement
Bexhill
The Christian Agnostic
The Last Years
Envoi
Conclusion
Bibliography