Uncovering Jane Austen’s Spiritual Side
Jane Austen, the renowned English novelist, is often regarded for her insightful portrayals of life in the early 19th century. While her works are celebrated for their wit and romance, Austen’s personal spiritual convictions are frequently overlooked. A closer examination of her letters, novels, and prayers reveals a deeply devout individual who grappled with the complexities of faith.
Austen’s Ambivalence towards Evangelicalism
Initially, Austen expressed reservations about evangelicalism, a Christian movement that emphasized personal conversion and social reform. In a letter to her sister Cassandra, she wrote, “I do not like the Evangelicals.” However, by 1814, her views had shifted. Austen confided to her niece Fanny Knight, “I am by no means convinced that we ought not all to be Evangelicals… who are so from reason & feeling, must be happiest & safest.”
Sympathy with Evangelicalism
Austen’s novel Mansfield Park , written shortly before her change of heart, showcases her growing sympathy with evangelical ideals. The novel tackles themes dear to evangelicals, such as the abolition of the slave trade. Austen’s support for these causes demonstrates her increasing alignment with evangelical values.
Prayers and Personal Faith
Austen’s prayers, recently discovered and attributed to her, provide a unique window into her spiritual life. One prayer, in particular, stands out for its sincerity and depth:
“Give us grace, Almighty Father, so to pray, as to deserve to be heard… May the knowledge of this teach us to fix our thoughts on thee, with reverence and devotion… Look with mercy on the sins we have this day committed, and in mercy make us feel them deeply…”
This prayer, drawn from the Book of Common Prayer, reveals Austen’s familiarity with traditional Christian liturgy. Her use of the first-person plural emphasizes the communal nature of faith, while her requests for mercy and self-awareness underscore the importance of personal humility.
The Importance of Sincerity and Self-Knowledge
Austen’s writings consistently stress the value of sincerity and self-knowledge. In her novel Emma , the titular character reflects on the importance of genuine relationships: “General benevolence, not general friendship, made a man what he ought to be.” This emphasis on authenticity is echoed in Austen’s prayers, where she implores God to “quicken our sense of thy mercy in the redemption of the world.”
Conclusion
Jane Austen’s spiritual journey, though often overlooked, is a rich and complex aspect of her life and work. Through her letters, novels, and prayers, we gain a deeper understanding of her struggles with faith and her ultimate commitment to a sincere and devout Christianity. As we reflect on Austen’s legacy, we would do well to remember the profound impact of her spiritual convictions on her writing and her world.
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