Tractarian poetry
The poetry of belief
Alongside the Tracts for the Times, the leaders of the Oxford Movement used poetry as a means of expressing their Anglican beliefs. Through their poems, they emphasised the doctrine of Reserve. By this, they meant a state whereby God's laws are hidden from all but the faithful. They also interpreted the Bible through a process called typology. This highlights the correspondence of the Old and New Testament, emphasising how Jesus came as a fulfilment of the prophecies that had been given in the Old Testament.
The Christian Year
In 1827, leading Tractarian preacher John Keble published a collection of poetry entitled The Christian Year. This volume is based upon the calendar of the Book of Common Prayer as it comprises one poem for each feast day of the church. Upon its publication, it met with immediate success and was widely read. Rossetti owned her own copy of the book, which she illustrated with carefully detailed drawings representing the characters of the poems.
The Cathedral and The Altar
Rossetti was also very much influenced by the volumes of poetry written by Tractarian leader Isaac Williams. The Cathedral (1838) and The Altar (1849) both reflect upon the nature and place of worship and use poetry as a means of expressing ecclesiastical concerns. In her later devotional poetry, Rossetti imagines the church building and emphasises the connections that the ritual practices performed inside have with interpreting the Bible and the doctrines of the Church.
A Christian movement in the mid-nineteenth century on the part of some Anglicans to revive Catholic practices in the Church of England. It was centred on Oxford University.
The Anglican church is the 'Established' or state church of England, the result of a break with the Catholic church under Henry VIII and further developments in the reign of Elizabeth I.
The teaching on the beliefs of a religion, usually taught by theologians or teachers appointed by their church.
The Christian Bible consists of the Old Testament scriptures inherited from Judaism, together with the New Testament, drawn from writings produced from c.40-125CE, which describe the life of Jesus and the establishment of the Christian church.
The interpretation of people and events (particularly in the Old Testament) as foreshadowing aspects of Christian revelation.
A 'testament' is a covenant (binding agreement), a term used in the Bible of God's relationship with his people. The New Testament is the second part of the Christian Bible. Its name comes from the new covenant or relationship with God.
The name given to the man believed by Christians to be the Son of God. Also given the title Christ, meaning 'anointed one' or Messiah. His life is recorded most fully in the Four Gospels.
The plans or message of God communicated by God through a human messenger called a prophet.
A 'testament' is a covenant or binding agreement and is a term used in the Bible of God's relationship with his people). The sacred writings of Judaism (the Hebrew Bible). These also form the first part of the Christian Bible.
The book of prayers and church services first put together by Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury in the time of King Edward VI (1547-53) for common (ie. general) use in English churches.
Generally a large and magnificent place of Christian worship that houses the 'cathedra' (the bishop's chair or throne).
A raised stucture on which religious ceremonies are performed.
1. Doing homage and giving honour and respect, especially to God. Acts of devotion. Human response to the perceived presence of the divine.
2. The part of the Christian liturgy usually consisting of sung material and prayers of thanksgiving.
Belonging to or related to Christianity or its clergy.
The quality or actions of the religious life of a person; the practical expression of their spirituality. In literature, writing which may enhance a person's religious faith or life.
