By focussing on the contribution made by a number of significant leaders of Welsh Nonconformity during the twentieth century, this book argues the case that three particular subjects emerge as of seminal importance in twentieth century social and religious life in Wales: the significance of theological liberalism, especially that kind of liberalism inspired by philosophical Idealism; the rise of the labour movement and the way in which socialism replaced political liberalism in Welsh politics; the way in which Welsh Nonconformity offered its support to Welsh culture which ultimately saw a growth in the number of Welsh speakers and Welsh-medium education by the end of the century but did not see the concomitant revival of chapel religion. The leaders mentioned, though well-known to historians of Welsh religion, have not previously received specific attention (Thomas Rees (Bala-Bangor), D. Miall Edwards, R. Silyn Roberts, Herbert Morgan, Tom Nefyn Williams, R. Tudur Jones).
‘The volume is characterised throughout by scrupulous research based on thorough knowledge of books, journals and the personal papers belonging to some of the subjects discussed…Certainly, those who read it will find detailed information on the developments in Welsh Nonconformity during the last century and it will force them to consider several matters that should challenge them in this new century.’ (John Tudno Williams)
Rhagymadrodd
1. Dadfythu ‘Diwygiad Evan Roberts’
2. Diwinyddiaeth Cymru a Neges Evan Roberts
3. Codi muriau Dinas Duw:
Annibynwyr Cymru a’r Broblem Gymdeithasol, 1905-1939
4.Y Ddraig Goch a’r Faner Goch?
Yr Ymryson rhwng T. E. Nicholas a W. F. Phillips
5. Sosialaeth Silyn
6. Lladmerydd y Deyrnas: Herbert Morgan, 1875-1946
7.Epistol Iago: Epistol Gwellt?
8.COPEC a Bangor: Arbrawf mewn Cristnogaeth Ymarferol
9.Corwynt Gwyllt ynteu Tyner Awel?
Helynt Tom Nefyn yn y Tymbl
10. Trwm ac Ysgafn: Neges Grefyddol Barddoniaeth D. Miall Edwards
11. Dehongli’r Ysbryd: Thomas Rees ac R. Tudur Jones
12. ‘Un o Gewri Protestaniaeth Cymru’:
R. Tudur Jones ac Annibynwyr Cymru
13.Ymneilltuaeth Ddoe, Heddiw ac Yfory