________
Source: Irish Central
The disturbing origins of the Irish Famine term "take the soup"
How poor Irish Catholics were forced to choose between converting to Protestantism or starvation during Ireland's Great Hunger.
By Gerard McCarthy | February 20, 2020
As we embark on another important year of commemorations surrounding Ireland's War of Independence, it is important to remember that 2020 also marks the 175th anniversary of the start of the Irish Potato Famine (1845 to 1852).
For many, the term "taking the soup" is synonymous with the Famine story.
Protestant Bible societies set up schools in which starving children were fed, on the condition of receiving Protestant religious instruction at the same time.
As the food crisis deepened, some poor Catholic families had to choose between Protestantism and starvation. Those who converted for food were known as "soupers" or "jumpers".
In reality, souperism was a rare phenomenon, but it had a lasting effect on the popular memory of the Famine. It also blemished the memory of relief work by many Protestants who gave aid without proselytizing (attempt to convert).
One of these Protestant Evangelicals who was accused of engaging in the controversial practice was the Reverand Edward Nangle.
A native of County Meath, in 1834, he established a Protestant mission on Achill Island, County Mayo, and worked there for 18 years with the aim of bringing Christianity to those living there.
When Edward Nangle arrived in Achill with his young family, it was one of the most destitute spots in Ireland, jutting off the coast of Mayo into the Atlantic.
Nangle's project was bold and daring. He wanted to transform the island and to lift the people out of their destitution which he blamed on Popery and the Catholic Church. He would bring the Bible to the islanders, using their native language.
He would set up schools, reclaim land, bring medical services, and encourage good living.
He would civilize the island and scriptural education was his main tool.
At this time, Achill was populated by around 6,000 mainly poor Irish Catholics.
Source: Irish Central
The disturbing origins of the Irish Famine term "take the soup"
How poor Irish Catholics were forced to choose between converting to Protestantism or starvation during Ireland's Great Hunger.
By Gerard McCarthy | February 20, 2020
Take the soup? The Irish Famine term and where it came from. GETTY
How poor Irish Catholics were forced to choose between converting to Protestantism or starvation during Ireland's Great Hunger and how "take the soup" became etched in Ireland's psyche.
As we embark on another important year of commemorations surrounding Ireland's War of Independence, it is important to remember that 2020 also marks the 175th anniversary of the start of the Irish Potato Famine (1845 to 1852).
For many, the term "taking the soup" is synonymous with the Famine story.
Protestant Bible societies set up schools in which starving children were fed, on the condition of receiving Protestant religious instruction at the same time.
As the food crisis deepened, some poor Catholic families had to choose between Protestantism and starvation. Those who converted for food were known as "soupers" or "jumpers".
In reality, souperism was a rare phenomenon, but it had a lasting effect on the popular memory of the Famine. It also blemished the memory of relief work by many Protestants who gave aid without proselytizing (attempt to convert).
One of these Protestant Evangelicals who was accused of engaging in the controversial practice was the Reverand Edward Nangle.
A native of County Meath, in 1834, he established a Protestant mission on Achill Island, County Mayo, and worked there for 18 years with the aim of bringing Christianity to those living there.
When Edward Nangle arrived in Achill with his young family, it was one of the most destitute spots in Ireland, jutting off the coast of Mayo into the Atlantic.
Nangle's project was bold and daring. He wanted to transform the island and to lift the people out of their destitution which he blamed on Popery and the Catholic Church. He would bring the Bible to the islanders, using their native language.
He would set up schools, reclaim land, bring medical services, and encourage good living.
He would civilize the island and scriptural education was his main tool.
At this time, Achill was populated by around 6,000 mainly poor Irish Catholics.
Please go to Irish Central to for more.
________
Related to the Pharmaceutical state of Ireland:
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.