A Sense of Belonging: Religion and Identity in British Fishing Communities

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Description

Exploring the relationship between identity and religion in British Fishing Communities during the 19th and early 20th centuries, this volume focuses on three communities in the UK: Scarborough, Filey and Grimsby. The study offers a brief overview of the development of these communities and outlines the nature of the relationship between institutionalised and popular religion. It explores religion as a range of discourses or narratives that provide us with a way of viewing this matrix of meaning that has had a significant influence on the construction and maintenance of identity. It also examines the role of ritual and performance, both of which have been shown to play an important part in the daily lives of community members, not least in helping to provide and reinforce a sense of security, stability and belonging.

Reviews

From magic to maritime missions, this book captures the intricate connections between diverse forms of religious expression in the daily lives of men and women in the fishing communities of Filey, Grimsby and Scarborough during the 19th and early 20th centuries. At a time when the fishing industry is facing profound dislocation and uncertainty, this rich interdisciplinary study offers poignant insight into a cultural imagination that is quickly disappearing. * Sarah C. Williams, Research Professor, History of Christianity, Regent College, Canada *
This is a hugely important and meticulously researched account of popular religion and identity in Yorkshire fishing communities. A must-have for anyone interested in the social and spiritual backgrounds of coastal communities. * Frances Wilkins, Lecturer in Ethnomusicology, University of Aberdeen, UK *

Author Bio

Stephen Friend was Senior Lecturer in Theology at York St John University, UK. He is now retired.