Frederic William Farrar

Frederic William Farrar – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes

Explore the life, theological work, and legacy of Frederic William Farrar (1831–1903), the Indian-born Anglican dean, educator, and author. Discover his contributions, controversies, and famous sayings.

Introduction: Who Was Frederic William Farrar?

Frederic William Farrar was a prominent 19th-century Anglican cleric, scholar, and author. Born in India but lived and worked in England, he rose to become Dean of Canterbury and was known for his theological writings, popular devotional works, and also moral-educational novels. His thought engaged with issues of biblical interpretation, the fate of the dead, and the relationship of science and faith. Today, he is remembered both for his literary influence in Victorian religious culture and for stirring theological debate about hope, judgment, and universalism.

He is sometimes characterized (in shorthand) as an “Indian theologian” because of his place of birth, though his life and ministry were chiefly in England.

Early Life and Family

Farrar was born on 7 August 1831 in Bombay, India (now Mumbai) while his father was stationed there as a missionary.

At age three, he was sent back to England along with his elder brother to live with two aunts in Aylesbury until his parents returned from India.

In 1860, Farrar married Lucy Mary Cardew at St Leonard’s Church, Exeter.

Youth and Education

Farrar’s education in England laid the foundation for his later intellectual and ecclesiastical career.

• He studied at King William’s College on the Isle of Man, and also attended King’s College, London.

• In 1852, he won the Chancellor’s Gold Medal at Cambridge for his poetic composition.

• He became a student of Trinity College, Cambridge, where he graduated with first-class honors in Classics and later proceeded to earn a Master of Arts and, eventually, a Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) in 1874.

Career and Achievements

Teaching and Educational Leadership

Farrar’s early career was in education:

• In 1854, he accepted a position as a master at Marlborough College.

• Later in 1855, he moved to Harrow School, where he served for about fifteen years and became a housemaster.

• Between 1871 and 1876, he returned to Marlborough, this time as headmaster, aiming to reform and modernize curriculum (including broadening education beyond classical verses).

He was also an influential lecturer and critic of traditional school methods, criticizing overreliance on classical verse composition in public (elite) schools.

Church Roles & Ecclesiastical Leadership

Farrar advanced through the ranks of the Church of England:

• In 1876, he was appointed Canon of Westminster Abbey and Rector of St. Margaret’s, Westminster.

• In 1883, he became Archdeacon of Westminster.

• In 1895, he was made Dean of Canterbury, a position he held until his death in 1903.

• He also served as Chaplain in Ordinary to Queen Victoria.

He was also politically visible: in 1882, as Canon Farrar, he was a pallbearer at Charles Darwin’s funeral at Westminster Abbey, an event that drew attention given the dialogue between faith and science at the time.

Literary & Theological Contributions

Farrar was a prolific author, working across theology, biblical studies, philology, and fiction. Some of his notable works include:

• An Essay on the Origin of Language (1860)

• Chapters on Language (1865)

• Life of Christ (1874) — a highly popular devotional/biblical work that went through many editions.

• Life and Works of St. Paul (1879)

• Eternal Hope (1878) — in which Farrar challenged traditional doctrines of eternal punishment.

• Mercy and Judgment (1881) — his more detailed defense regarding judgment, hell, and hope.

• History of Interpretation ( Cambridge Bampton Lectures, 1885 )

• Other works: Lives of the Fathers, The Bible: Its Meaning and Supremacy, The Early Days of Christianity, Darkness and Dawn, Eric, or, Little by Little, St Winifred’s, etc.

In theology, Farrar is notable for his moderation: he critiqued harsh views of endless punishment, rejecting both strict annihilationism (that the wicked simply cease to exist) and unqualified universalism (that all are ultimately saved).

He was also active in linguistic and philological studies, applying ideas of “branching descent” (inspired by biological evolution) to the genealogy of languages. Royal Society in 1866.

Historical Milestones & Context

Farrar’s life and work took place in the dynamic intellectual climate of Victorian England, when questions of science, biblical criticism, and faith were in vigorous debate.

• His birth in India (Bombay) places him in the context of the British colonial world, missionary efforts, and cross-cultural Christian engagement.

• His role at Westminster and later Canterbury placed him within the institutional heart of the Church of England, influencing thought and practice at high levels.

• His involvement in Darwin’s funeral and his openness to dialogue between faith and evolving scientific ideas highlight his engagement with the intellectual debates of the era.

Legacy and Influence

Farrar’s legacy is multifaceted:

• As a religious writer, his works (especially Life of Christ) remained in circulation and influence long after his death, shaping devotional reading in the Anglican tradition.

• His theological contributions—particularly his more hopeful treatment of judgment and reluctance to dogmatize on the afterlife—continue to be referenced in discussions of Christian eschatology.

• As an educator and reformer of curriculum, he pushed for broader, more humane forms of schooling beyond strict classical instruction.

• His bridging of scholarship, pastoral writing, and public ministry models a Christian intellectual life that engages both heart and mind.

• He is sometimes critiqued for being overly cautious or noncommittal in doctrine; but his moderation and willingness to wrestle with ambiguity can also serve as an example for modern theological humility.

Although not a household name today, scholars of Victorian theology, religious literature, and church history still mark Farrar as a significant figure in the intersection of faith, scholarship, and culture.

Personality and Talents

From accounts of his life and work, several traits emerge:

• Intellectual breadth: Strong in classics, languages, theology, fiction, and biblical studies.

• Moderation & nuance: He often resisted extremes, opting for balance and qualified hope.

• Pastoral sensitivity: He wrote for broad audiences, not just scholars—hence his devotional works and moral novels.

• Educational vision: He sought to bring breadth and modern sensitivity to schooling, including science and literature.

• Eloquence & influence: He was a noted preacher, writer, and communicator within the church establishment.

Famous Quotes of Frederic William Farrar

Here are a few memorable sayings attributed to Farrar:

“I dare not lay down any dogma of universalism” (in relation to accusations of universalist belief)

He described the doctrine of eternal suffering as an “abominable fancy” — a phrase that has endured as a critique of what he saw as a grotesque theological idea.

On education and life: “Defects in Public School Education” — his lecture title in which he critiqued overemphasis on classical verse in schools. (While not a pithy quote, the title itself reflects his stance.)

Beyond these more concrete phrases, Farrar’s works are full of reflective, sometimes cautious, but deeply felt language about judgment, mercy, faith, and hope.

Lessons from Frederic William Farrar

From studying Farrar’s life and writings, one can draw several practical and spiritual lessons:

1. Embrace thoughtful ambiguity
   Farrar shows that one can remain faithful and hopeful without needing to claim certainty on every doctrinal point—especially in matters the Scripture leaves obscure.

2. Bridge scholarship and popular writing
   He was able to speak both to scholars and ordinary Christians, showing that deep ideas can be rendered accessible without diluting them.

3. Cultivate breadth in education
   His critique of narrow classical schooling and push for inclusion of literature, science, language, and arts remains relevant in modern debates about educational balance.

4. Be courageous in challenging tradition
   His willingness to question traditional understandings of hell and judgment was controversial in his day—but he approached it respectfully, grounded in Scripture and reason.

5. Serve both pulpit and pen
   Farrar’s life models how ministry need not be confined to sermons—writing, commentary, and public engagement are also part of Christian service.

6. Moderation as a virtue
   In theological controversy, Farrar exemplifies a measured approach—neither rigid nor lax—but thoughtful and humble.

Conclusion

Frederic William Farrar (1831–1903) stands as a significant voice in Victorian Anglicanism, bridging India's missionary contexts, English education, church leadership, and literary theology. Though born in India, his mission and influence were in England, where he became Dean of Canterbury, a respected preacher, and a writer whose devotional and theological works shaped generations of believers.

His legacy is not one of unchallenged dogmatism, but of careful questioning, hopeful faith, and an effort to balance intellectual integrity with pastoral care. For those interested in Christian theology, history, or the vocation of writing in faith, Farrar’s life offers a rich and nuanced example.

Cite this Page: Citation