William Temple was one of the towering figures in the Church of England in the twentieth century. He was a philosopher, theologian, social reformer, bishop and archbishop. As Archbishop of Canterbury he guided a nation at war and helped pave the way of the new post-war society, coining the term ‘the welfare state’ and building support in the Church of England for radical social reforms. 

This comprehensive volume draws on Temple’s extensive publications, broadcasts, public speeches, sermons and private letters and reflects the broad range of his concerns:

• The case for Christian belief

• The interface of theology and philosophy 

• Spiritual formation of the faithful

• Christian social principles and political thought

• Guiding a nation at war and envisaging a new society 

Prefaced by an extensive introduction to Temple’s life and times and an overview of the key aspects of his legacy, Stephen Spencer provides students with an authoritative guide to one of Anglicanism’s most influential figures.