James DeKoven: Romantic Religion and Transformative Faith

What is it about?

James DeKoven (September 19, 1831-March 19, 1879) was at the center of controversies that swirled around the catholic movement in the Episcopal Church during the nineteenth century. He urged a comprehensive and tolerant approach to liturgical and devotional questions in the church, and he strongly defended his sacramental theology and practices of worship. This essay presents the story of DeKoven's life and ministry along with important themes from DeKoven's sermons in the context of romantic religion in the nineteenth century.

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Why is it important?

DeKoven upheld the supernatural and mysterious dimension of faith. He saw rationalism in the American culture around him, and he opposed the hesitancy that rationalism seem to cause relative to the mysteries of faith. His romantic religion included special appreciation for the places and forms of sacred worship. DeKoven's romantic religion was a religion of the heart, not limited to rationality. His theology was catholic in its application of tradition, sacrament, and symbol. It was also evangelical in its appeal for personal conversion and a response of the believer's heart to God's offer of salvation. His appeal for personal conversion and response of faith is deeply rooted in the church's seasons and sacraments.