Christian poetry and prose played a significant role in shaping English literature up to 1590, reflecting the deep religiosity of the Anglo-Saxon and early medieval periods. With the introduction of Christianity to England in the 7th century, the new faith profoundly influenced the literary landscape, inspiring works that merged Christian themes with native poetic traditions.
One of the earliest and most celebrated Christian poets was Cædmon, a monk credited with composing hymns and religious verses that adapted Biblical narratives into the vernacular. His Hymn is considered the earliest surviving poem in Old English, praising God as the Creator. Similarly, the works of Cynewulf, another prominent Anglo-Saxon poet, focus on Christian doctrine and the lives of saints, emphasizing spiritual redemption and the transitory nature of earthly life.
Epic poetry also adopted Christian themes, as seen in Beowulf. Though largely a pagan narrative, Christian ideals of divine providence and moral struggle are interwoven, reflecting the transitional period between paganism and Christianity. The Dream of the Rood is another remarkable example, portraying Christ's crucifixion from the perspective of the cross, blending heroic imagery with religious devotion.
Christian prose flourished alongside poetry, primarily as a tool for instruction and moral guidance. Bede, known as “the Father of English History,” contributed significantly with his Ecclesiastical History of the English People, written in Latin. His work chronicles the spread of Christianity in England and provides valuable insights into the era’s spiritual life. Alfred the Great, the 9th-century king of Wessex, promoted the translation of religious texts into Old English, ensuring wider access to Christian teachings.