John Henry Newman: A View of Catholic Faith for the New Millennium

by John R. Connolly

Overview

As one of the most outstanding Christian thinkers in history, John Henry Newman continues to influence theology, especially Catholic theology, long after his death in 1890. Yet, his writings on faith, particularly The Grammar of Assent, are difficult to read without guidance and direction. John Henry Newman: A View of Catholic Faith for the New Millennium provides both a comprehensive introduction to Newman's theology and a thorough analysis of its relevance for the Church today. The first systematic analysis of Newman's thought, this book skillfully weaves together the Cardinal's diverse writings on faith with seminal secondary sources and presents an integrated view of his mature notion of Catholic faith. Enhanced by a detailed introduction, biographical sketch, and bibliography, this book explores John Henry Newman's teaching on the relationship between faith and doubt, the role of the will in certitude, the relationship between faith and reason, the personal nature of faith, the function of the magisterium, the importance of dialogue, and the role of the conscience in decision-making. The concluding chapter examines the significance of Newman's thought for Catholic theology today.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780742532229
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	03/25/2005
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	256
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.42(d)

About the Author

John R. Connolly is professor of theological studies at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California

Table of Contents

Part 1 Introduction
Part 2 Biography of John Henry Newman
Chapter 3 An Historical Overview of Newman's Theology of Faith
Chapter 4 Human Faith ad Divine Faith
Chapter 5 Human Certitude in Concrete Matters of Truth
Chapter 6 Newman's Mature Notion of Catholic Faith
Chapter 7 Faith and Reason in Newman's Nature Notion of Catholic Faith
Part 8 Conclusion

What People are Saying About This

Richard J. Talbot

An exceptionally useful book for anyone grappling with the notion of faith today.

Editorial Reviews

Enhanced by a detailed introduction, biographical sketch, and bibliography [his book] explores Newman's teaching on the relationship between faith and reason, the personal nature of faith, the function of the magisterium, the importance of dialogue, and the role of the conscience in decision making.

Theology Digest

An exceptionally useful book for anyone grappling with the notion of faith today.--Richard J. Talbot

For anyone interested in the 'Catholic Faith in the New Millennium, ' Newman's Grammar of Assent is a rewarding 'read.' Yet, Newman's Grammar can also be very challenging and confusing even for philosophers and theologians. Connolly's book, which displays enviable familiarity with Newman's writings and his many commentators, both past and recent, is a very helpful and useful guide not only for understanding Newman's thought on faith and reason, but for living the Christian faith in today's world.--John T. Ford, c.s.c., professor of theology, The Catholic University of America

John Connolly examines Newman's notion of faith through a historical prism: Newman's Anglican period, his early Catholic period still heavily influenced by the Roman theologians of the day, and his later Roman Catholic period that represents the ripening of his mature thought. Connolly successfully argues that Newman's personalistic notion of faith enabled him to navigate the tricky ocean currents of being both faithful to church magisterium and open to new developments in theology, all the while receiving criticism from others less open to developments than he.--Dr. Edward Jeremy Miller, professor of religious studies, Gwynedd Mercy College

From the Publisher

John Connolly has accurately identified the “Newman problem.” The complexity and sophistication of Newman’s writings often make his thought inaccessible to the uninitiated. Fortunately, Connolly offers in this volume a solution: a primer for the educated lay Catholic, for serious students, and for the next generation of inquirers into the “Newman revival” that is now upon us.

Father Drew Morgan

An exceptionally useful book for anyone grappling with the notion of faith today.

Richard J. Talbot

John Connolly provides a helpful overview of Newman's writings on Catholic faith while trying to show its relevance for contemporary Catholics.

Frederick Aquino

John Connolly examines Newman's notion of faith through a historical prism: Newman's Anglican period, his early Catholic period still heavily influenced by the Roman theologians of the day, and his later Roman Catholic period that represents the ripening of his mature thought. Connolly successfully argues that Newman's personalistic notion of faith enabled him to navigate the tricky ocean currents of being both faithful to church magisterium and open to new developments in theology, all the while receiving criticism from others less open to developments than he.

Dr. Edward Jeremy Miller

For anyone interested in the 'Catholic Faith in the New Millennium,' Newman's Grammar of Assent is a rewarding 'read.' Yet, Newman's Grammar can also be very challenging and confusing even for philosophers and theologians. Connolly's book, which displays enviable familiarity with Newman's writings and his many commentators, both past and recent, is a very helpful and useful guide not only for understanding Newman's thought on faith and reason, but for living the Christian faith in today's world.

John T. Ford