Church and Nation: The Bishop Paddock Lectures for 1914-15

"Church and Nation" by William Temple is a collection of theological lectures delivered during the early 20th century. The text foregrounds the pressing need to reassess the relationship between religion, particularly Christianity, and national identity in the context of global conflicts that emerged during World War I. Temple explores foundational Christian principles concerning national sovereignty, the function of the Church, and their implications for peace and justice in society. The opening of the work presents the author's preface, where he reflects on the invitation to deliver the Paddock Lectures amidst the turmoil of world events, expressing a need to address the intersection of faith and nationalism. Temple intends to provoke thought on critical topics such as the Church's role in national affairs, the transformative power of love over coercion, and the imperative for Christians to approach these issues with a spirit of mission and brotherhood. He lays the groundwork for a deeper exploration of the relationship between divine providence and the concept of nationhood, which he plans to unpack in subsequent lectures.