Clement Charles Julian Webb

Nolloth Professor of the Philosophy of the Christian Religion, Oxford

(1) God and Personality (2) Divine Personality and Human Life

In his first series of lectures, Webb establishes personality as distinct from individuality, placing it within a broader conception of God. For historical and philosophical reasons, Webb argues that personality must be studied first as it relates to God followed by how it relates to humankind. In his second series of lectures, Webb continues the conversation with the idea of a ‘personal God’ with whom worshippers can enjoy a relationship and the various aspects of human personality this connection reveals.

Biography

Clement Charles Julian Webb was born on 25 June 1865 in London. An English theologian and philosopher, he was known as a ‘personal idealist’. Elected to a fellowship at Magdalen College, Oxford in 1889, he also took on several administrative roles including Senior Dean, Vice President, and Proctor, and served on the Hebdomadal Council and the General Board of Faculties. Webb was elected Nolloth Professor of the Philosophy of the Christian Religion at Oxford in 1920, retiring ten years later as Honorary Fellow.

Bestowed honorary degrees from St Andrews, Oxford, and Glasgow, he was made Fellow of the British Academy in 1927. Webb was highly regarded among his contemporaries on account on his character and skill as an academic. Notable works include Problems in the Relations of God and Man (1911), Studies in the History of Natural Theology (1915), The Contribution of Christianity to Ethics (1932), Religious Thought in England from 1850 (1933), Religion and Theism (1933), The Historical Element in Religion (1935), and Religious Experience (1945). He also produced several critical editions on works by John of Salisbury.

Published/Archival Resources

Published as God and Personality, Divine Personality and Human Life.