How was Atheism viewed in Victorian England?

Answer

Victorian England is known for its public displays of religious commitment, with strict enforcement of public morals, although often compromised by private hypocrisy. For most people it was not sociably acceptable to be seen as an atheist. The few who considered the question would mainly have kept their views to themselves.

During the nineteenth century, academics were beginning to question the assumptions in the Bible and question the existence of God. However their research was largely unknown to those outside academia, leaving the general population too uninformed to seriously consider the possibility of atheism as a belief or non-belief system.

As yet, atheism was not really an issue.

Additional points

Large sections of the working class in Victorian England were indifferent to religion. There were several missionary campaigns by various Christian denominations directed at this group.

To some extent, church attendance became a badge of respectability.

First answer by Dick Harfield. Last edit by Joncey. Contributor trust: 1488 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 16 [recommend question]