Religious conflict

Definition

Religious conflict refers to disputes and confrontations that arise due to differing beliefs, practices, and values among various religious groups. Such conflicts can stem from theological disagreements, political power struggles, or cultural tensions and often have profound social implications. In the context of the 17th to 19th centuries, religious conflict influenced both personal lives and literary expressions, impacting figures like John Dryden as he navigated his own religious identity and the shifting allegiances of the time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. John Dryden was a prominent literary figure during a time marked by intense religious conflict in England, including the clash between Anglicans and Catholics.
2. The Glorious Revolution of 1688 played a pivotal role in shaping Dryden's views, as it led to the establishment of Protestant supremacy in England.
3. Dryden's works often reflected the political and religious tensions of his time, navigating his own changing allegiances between Catholicism and Anglicanism.
4. The need for religious tolerance emerged as a response to the violent sectarian conflicts that characterized earlier periods, influencing Dryden's poetry and prose.
5. Religious conflict not only impacted individual beliefs but also shaped national identity, governance, and artistic expression throughout Dryden's literary career.

Review Questions

• How did religious conflict shape John Dryden's personal and professional life during his literary career?
  • Religious conflict significantly influenced both John Dryden's personal beliefs and his literary output. As a Catholic in a predominantly Anglican society, Dryden faced challenges that affected his reputation and career. His shifting loyalties during events like the Glorious Revolution prompted him to address themes of tolerance and conflict in his works, reflecting the societal tensions of his time.
• In what ways did Dryden’s major works respond to the religious conflicts present in late 17th-century England?
  • Dryden’s major works often engaged directly with the themes of religious conflict that permeated his society. For instance, in poems like 'Absalom and Achitophel,' he used biblical allegory to comment on contemporary political-religious strife. His writings emphasized both personal conviction and the broader societal implications of belief, often advocating for a middle ground amid fervent sectarian divisions.
• Evaluate how religious conflict contributed to the evolution of literary forms during Dryden’s time and its lasting impact on literature.
  • Religious conflict played a critical role in shaping literary forms during Dryden's era by fostering an environment ripe for satire, allegory, and moral exploration. The tensions between different faiths pushed writers to experiment with styles that could convey complex ideas about loyalty, identity, and belief. This evolution not only impacted Dryden's own innovations but also laid the groundwork for later literary movements that continued to grapple with themes of faith and conflict in increasingly diverse contexts.

Related terms

Protestant Reformation: A religious movement in the 16th century that resulted in the creation of Protestant churches and significant changes in Christian beliefs and practices, leading to increased sectarian conflicts.

Anglicanism: The branch of Christianity that arose in England during the Reformation, characterized by a middle ground between Roman Catholicism and Protestantism, which shaped much of the religious landscape during Dryden's lifetime.

Toleration: The practice of allowing differing beliefs and practices within a society, especially regarding religion; the concept gained traction during the late 17th century as conflicts led to calls for greater acceptance.