W.E. Gladstone’s changing and inconsistent views on religious oaths and
established churches present an intriguing puzzle. This article compares and contrasts
his early and later stances on these topics with the purpose of evaluating the place of
practical judgments in his arguments. This exploration reveals that the prevailing
description of Gladstone’s views, which privileges the role practicality played in his
later support for a more liberal set of policies governing church–state relations, does
not explain the changes and inconsistencies in his position as well as does a description
that emphasizes the changes and continuities in his fundamental philosophy. In
conclusion, connections are suggested between this explanation of Gladstone’s views
and theoretical considerations regarding the development of liberal freedoms
