This thesis is a study of the theological views of a leading Victorian evangelical Anglican, Bishop John Charles Ryle. The main sources for the study are the bishop's extensive writings, which run to some seven thousand pages. Ryle's writings, for the most part, are occasional, pastoral and evangelistic, but they are suffused with theological concern, to the extent that a "systematic theology" can almost be compiled from them. Because of this, the method adopted in this work is to study Ryle's writings according to the traditional theological "loci," and to analyse his understanding of each of them. The study also seeks to make the analysis in the light of the historical theological and ecclesiastical background to his writings, particularly as Ryle frequently interacted with the various disparate elements that comprised the Victorian religious scene. The most extensive studies in this thesis relate to Ryle's exposition of the distinctive emphases of Evangelicalism, viz. the Inspiration and Authority of Scripture, human depravity, the Atonement, and the saving and sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. Other important areas are the sacraments, in which Ryle engages in a strong polemic against the Anglo-Catholics of his day, and the doctrine of the Church. The thesis emphasises some characteristics of Ryle's theology, in particular its biblical basis, traditional orthodoxy, evangelicalism and moderate Calvinism. An interesting feature of Ryle's work is his polemic, which is directed against the newly emerging liberals, and the increasingly influential Anglo-Catholics. We also take note of Ryle's style of presentation, including his simplicity of expression, strong pastoral application, and his didactic method of inculcation by repetition. The thesis concludes with a resume of his work, a description of its character, together with a constructive critique and evaluation, and an indication of Ryle's importance for our own day. / Thesis (DPhil)--PU for CHE, 1992.

This thesis is a study of the theological views of a leading Victorian evangelical Anglican, Bishop John Charles Ryle. The main sources for the study are the bishop's extensive writings, which run to some seven thousand pages. Ryle's writings, for the most part, are occasional, pastoral and evangelistic, but they are suffused with theological concern, to the extent that a "systematic theology" can almost be compiled from them. Because of this, the method adopted in this work is to study Ryle's writings according to the traditional theological "loci," and to analyse his understanding of each of them. The study also seeks to make the analysis in the light of the historical theological and ecclesiastical background to his writings, particularly as Ryle frequently interacted with the various disparate elements that comprised the Victorian religious scene. The most extensive studies in this thesis relate to Ryle's exposition of the distinctive emphases of Evangelicalism, viz. the Inspiration and Authority of Scripture, human depravity, the Atonement, and the saving and sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. Other important areas are the sacraments, in which Ryle engages in a strong polemic against the Anglo-Catholics of his day, and the doctrine of the Church. The thesis emphasises some characteristics of Ryle's theology, in particular its biblical basis, traditional orthodoxy, evangelicalism and moderate Calvinism. An interesting feature of Ryle's work is his polemic, which is directed against the newly emerging liberals, and the increasingly influential Anglo-Catholics. We also take note of Ryle's style of presentation, including his simplicity of expression, strong pastoral application, and his didactic method of inculcation by repetition. The thesis concludes with a resume of his work, a description of its character, together with a constructive critique and evaluation, and an indication of Ryle's importance for our own day. / Thesis (DPhil)--PU for CHE, 1992.

This dissertation is an intellectual biography of John Charles Ryle, the first Bishop of Liverpool. Chapter 1 focuses on Ryle’s intellectual, theological, and spiritual formation. Special attention is given to his home, education at Eton and Oxford, conversion, religious opinions, and unexpected entrance into ministry. Chapter 2 discusses Ryle’s preaching, based primarily on the sermons he preached at Helmingham (1844-1861). It begins by tracing his homiletical development, which culminated in the development of a more simple and direct style of preaching that brought him national acclaim. This “crucified style” will then be analyzed in light of his classical rhetorical training as well as Victorian homiletical theory. The chapter will conclude with a rhetorical comparison of sermons preached by J. C. Ryle, John Henry Newman, and Charles Haddon Spurgeon on John 11. Chapter 3 examines Ryle’s pastoral theology by looking at a series of pastoral writings he began publishing at Helmingham. These include evangelical tracts, practical (devotional) commentaries on the four canonical gospels, and a series of less well-known hymn-books. Chapter 4 focuses on Ryle as a theological controversialist and champion of the Evangelical party. His writings against ritualism, neologianism, and Keswick spirituality are examined, and his role in these various debates are discussed. Chapter 5 discusses the role Ryle played as a nationally recognized leader of the Church of England. Attention is given to his attempts to unify the Evangelical party, his defense of the establishment, and his proposals for church reform. Chapter 6 examines Ryle’s episcopacy in Liverpool from 1880 to 1900. The chapter begins with a discussion of the state of the diocese before his appointment. This is followed by an analysis of his diocesan strategy to reach the “masses.” The chapter is concluded by considering Ryle’s major concerns for the Church of England in the closing decades of the nineteenth century.