Principal James Denney, 1856-1917 : an examination of his intellectual and theological development, with special reference to the historical, social, intellectual and religious context of late Victorian and Edwardian Scotland

• Main Author: Gordon, James M.
• Published: University of Edinburgh 2004
• Subjects: 270.092
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.651624

This thesis is an intellectual and contextual biography of James Denney. As biography it has a narrative structure, but since the aim is primarily a contextual study of Denney’s mind, particular emphasis is given to the development of ideas. Since intellectual commitments emerge from a person’s interaction with the changing context of their life and times, attention has been paid to the personal, intellectual, social, historical and religious environment which influenced Denney’s thought and set the priorities of his theological agenda. The thesis is not a study from a single perspective such as systems theology or church history. It traces the history of a mind, in the context of a life, with the aim of identifying and describing Denney’s mental landscape and intellectual journey. The materials consulted include the published corpus of Denney’s work, particularly his major monographs, scholarly articles and more popular journalism. Extensive use has also been made of the large collection of Denney’s unpublished manuscripts deposited in New College. Where possible both published and unpublished work have been placed in the context and chronology of Denney’s life and used to shed light on the changes and continuities of his thought. A brief Introduction describes the provenance of Denney’s unpublished papers, indicating their significance as a new source for understanding his thought. Chapter one describes his early years, from 1856-74, spent in Greenock within the Reformed Presbyterian Church. His education at Glasgow University and Glasgow Free College spanning 1874-83, are then examined in chapters two and three, paying special attention to teachers and movements of thought impinging on Denney’s intellectual development. The impact of thirteen years of ministry, 1883-97, two in the Gallowgate, Glasgow and eleven in Broughty Ferry, is evaluated in chapter four. Twenty years spent at Glasgow College represent a time of maturing thought and growing influence. In chapters five, (1897-1907) and six (1907-17), Denney’s major theological commitments and ideas are set within the narrative and context of his life.