Daily Christian Journey

Reevaluating Shakespeare’s Christian Heritage

For centuries, the notion that Shakespeare’s works are largely secular has dominated literary circles. However, a closer examination of his plays reveals a profound intersection with Christian theology and ideology. As a scholar, I have come to appreciate Shakespeare as a treasured Christian writer, not based on assumptions about his personal faith, but rather through a meticulous analysis of his literary output.

A Christian Upbringing and Environment

Shakespeare was baptized and raised in the Anglican church in Stratford-upon-Avon, where he would have been immersed in Christian teachings and traditions. The local grammar school curriculum was also heavily influenced by Christianity, and church attendance was compulsory during his time. It is well-documented that Shakespeare attended several churches in London and even rented a room from a devout Huguenot family, where he would have been exposed to daily Bible readings.

Identifying Christian Elements in Shakespeare’s Plays

To determine the extent of Christian influence in Shakespeare’s works, we can employ a reliable framework that considers the following factors:

1. Biblical allusions: Shakespeare’s plays contain over 2,000 references to the Bible, far surpassing those of his contemporaries.
2. Congruence with Christian doctrine: Many ideas presented in his plays align with Christian teachings, such as forgiveness, repentance, and the struggle between good and evil.
3. Correspondence with biblical reality: Shakespeare’s plays often assume a reality that is consistent with the Bible, including the existence of God, Satan, heaven, and hell.
4. Portrayal of Christian experiences: His plays frequently depict characters grappling with guilt, sin, love, marriage, and redemption – all of which are central to the Christian faith.
5. Christian archetypes and symbols: Shakespeare’s works often feature characters and symbols that embody Christian ideals, such as the saint, the sinner, and the penitent.

Assessing the Evidence

While some scholars may argue that these elements are not exclusive to Christianity, their presence in Shakespeare’s plays is undeniable. Moreover, the sheer volume of biblical allusions and the congruence of ideas with Christian doctrine suggest a profound engagement with Christian theology.

Challenging Secular Assumptions

It is time to reexamine the entrenched bias of the secular academy regarding Shakespeare’s plays. Rather than assuming a secular worldview, we should acknowledge the significant Christian influences that shape his works. By doing so, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities and richness of Shakespeare’s plays.