Conversion to Catholicism
Poet involved
What happened
Around 1634, Richard Crashaw converted to Catholicism, a significant turning point in his life that deeply influenced his poetry. This conversion was particularly controversial given his father's strong Puritan beliefs and opposition to Catholicism. Crashaw's new faith led him to embrace themes of divine love and spiritual ecstasy, which became central to his later works.
Literary impact
His conversion marked a shift in his poetic focus, allowing him to explore the tension between Protestant and Catholic ideologies. This duality enriched his poetry, infusing it with a sense of longing and devotion that resonates throughout his later works.
Source: Wikipedia