Charles Earle Raven (4 July 1885—8 July 1964) was an English theologian, Regius Professor of Divinity at Cambridge University, and Master of Christ's College, Cambridge (1939-1950). His works have been influential in the history of science publishing on the positive effects that theology has had upon modern science.
As a pacifist, he was an active supporter of the Peace Pledge Union and the Fellowship of Reconciliation. This was after service as an army chaplain during World War I. The letters he wrote from the front were edited and published by John Lipscombe, 'Letters from the Western Front, 1917-1918'. After 1918 he took a parish and then later became a Canon at Liverpool Cathedral. In the eyes of contemporaries, he was sometimes controversial - and prophetic - for example in his being an early advocate of the ordination of women.
His theological and social writings were extensive and admired, yet his election as Regius Professor in 1932 was a surprise to many as he was hardly a ‘safe’ choice. His inaugural lecture stressed the importance of applying Christian principles to social and political life. His writings after his election were particularly concerned with the unity of science and religion. His early scientific interests had been maintained. He was a prolific drawer of flowers and wildlife, serving as President of the Botanical Society of the British Isles at one point. His wildflower sketchbook, edited by H. J. Noltie and co-authored with his son John, was published in 2012 and a copy of it is in the college library.
Charles Raven was the father of John Raven, the classical scholar and botanist, and grandfather of Andrew Raven and Sarah Raven. His third marriage was to a Belgian campaigner for refugees, Helene Jeanty Raven, and a copy of her book 'Without Frontiers' (London, 1960) is in the college library.
The portrait shows him in the scarlet cassock of a royal chaplain, which Raven became in 1920. The badge of the royal chaplain is visible on the black scarf at his left. The portrait was commissioned "in recognition of his holding the Office of Vice-Chancellor, and that at a time of significance for the college and University alike". He was Vice-Chancellor from 1947-1949. A biography was written by F. W. Dillistone, 'Charles Raven: Naturalist, Historian, Theologian' (London, 1975) and a copy is in the college library. His papers are in the college archive, forming part of the Fellows Papers collection: FP 269.
Portrait by Edmund Nelson (1910-2007).
Entstehungsort
24 Daleham Gardens, Hampstead, London NW3
Datum
1949 - 1949
Commissioned by the college from E.H.Nelson, who painted the Master of Trinity, for 400 guineas in 1949. Exhibited Foyles Art Gallery 1953
