What is the Oxford Movement?

Answer

What is the Oxford Movement? 

The Oxford Movement was a religious movement. It began at Oxford University in 1833. It started after John Keble gave a speech (sermon) called “National Apostasy.” One main leader of this movement was John Henry Newman. He was a church leader. Later, he joined the Roman Catholic Church and became a cardinal. This movement happened in the Victorian period.

Main Leaders of the Movement: The movement has four main leaders:

• John Henry Newman – A priest and scholar.
• Richard Hurrell Froude – A thinker who influenced Newman.
• John Keble – A poet and religious leader.
• Edward Pusey – A professor at Oxford University.

The Oxford Movement has another name. It is also called “Tractarianism.” This is because of the writings called “Tracts for the Times” (a series of ninety theological pamphlets). These writings were published between 1833 and 1841. They explained the ideas of the movement.

Main Goal of the Movement: The movement wants to bring back strong religious feelings. It wants the Church of England to feel more spiritual. It supports some Roman Catholic beliefs and practices. These practices were left behind during the Protestant Reformation. John Keble shows his deep faith in spiritual renewal in his poem “The Christian Year.” He writes,

“New every morning is the love.”

Beliefs of the Followers: Followers of “The Oxford Movement” believe in one united Church. They support the Catholic and Apostolic Church. They want to bring back old Christian traditions. They believe in traditional worship and rituals.

The End of the Movement: “The Oxford Movement” ended in 1845. John Henry Newman joined the Roman Catholic Church. Even after it ended, the movement changed the English religion. It also affected English literature during the Victorian period.

In short, “The Oxford Movement” wanted to restore old traditions in the Church of England. Some people supported them, while others