The 19th century was, to a large extent, the 'British century'. Great Britain was the great world power and its institutions, beliefs and values had an immense impact on the world far beyond its formal empire.

Providence and Empire argues that knowledge of the religious thought of the time is crucial in understanding the British imperial story. The churches of the United Kingdom were the greatest suppliers of missionaries to the world, and there was a widespread belief that Britain had a divine mission to spread Christianity and civilisation, to eradicate slavery, and...