Names by Charles Kingsley (1851)
The work explores the significance of names, particularly in the context of Christian baptism and identity. It begins by questioning why the Catechism asks children their names, emphasizing that names are not arbitrary but carry deep meaning and responsibility. The author argues that a name signifies a person's character, duty, and immortal soul, linking it to the biblical tradition where names often reflect divine purpose. The text contrasts the meaningful names given in biblical times with the arbitrary names of modern society, highlighting how names can reflect one's relationship with God. It discusses the implications of names in the context of baptism, asserting that this sacrament marks the child as a member of Christ and a child of God, thus affirming their identity and responsibilities. The author warns against the loss of personal identity in a secular world, where names may become mere labels devoid of significance. The work concludes with a hopeful vision of redemption through Christ, suggesting that overcoming worldly challenges will lead to a new name in the afterlife, encapsulating one's true character and divine purpose. This exploration serves as a reminder of the profound connection between identity, faith, and the eternal.
By Charles Kingsley · First published 1851 · Genre: Non-Fiction, Educational, Reference · 5,843 words
First lines
Matthew i. 21. And thou shall call his name Jesus.
Did it ever seem to you a curious thing that the Catechism begins by / asking the child its name? 'What is your name? ' 'Who gave you this / name? ' I think that if you were not all of you accustomed to the / Church Catechism from your childhood, that would seem a strange way / of beginning to teach a child about religion.
What this Textopian page supports
Names is listed on Textopian as a speech by Charles Kingsley, dated 1851 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Speech
- Author: Charles Kingsley
- Date: 1851 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Non-Fiction, Educational, Reference
- Length: 5,843 words
- Structure: 1 section, 24 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Names by Charles Kingsley
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres
- Non-Fiction — Charles Kingsley has written the book 'NAMES' to disseminate information about names, indicating that it falls under the non-fiction genre.
- Educational — The book 'NAMES' provides insights and knowledge about names and their origins and meanings, marking it as educational.
- Reference — The book 'NAMES' can be used as a comprehensive guide for the study and understanding of names, rendering it a piece of reference literature.
Tags
identity · naming · language · culture · mythology · history · society · tradition · philosophy · symbolism · character · narrative