John Henry Newman and the Development of Doctrine: Encountering Change, Looking for Continuity
Overview
John Henry Newman and the Development of Doctrine provides an analysis of the attempts by John Henry Newman to account for the historical reality of doctrinal change within Christianity in the light of his lasting conviction that the idea of Christianity is fixed by reference to the dogmatic content of the deposit of faith. It argues that Newman proposed a series of hypotheses to account for the apparent contradiction between change and continuity, that this series begins much earlier than is generally recognized and that the final hypothesis he was to propose, contained in An Essay on the Development of Christian Doctrine, provides a methodology of lasting theological value and contemporary relevance.
Stephen Morgan establishes the centrality of the problem of change and continuity in theology, to Newman’s theological work as an Anglican, its part in his conversion to Catholicism and its contemporary relevance to Catholic theology. It also surveys the major secondary literature relating to the question, with particular reference to those works published within the last fifty years. Additionally, Morgan considers the legacy of the Essay as a tool in Newman’s theology and in the work of later theologians, finally suggesting that it may offer a useful methodological contribution to the contemporary Catholic debate about hermeneutical approaches to the Second Vatican Council and post-conciliar developments in doctrine.
- Argues that Newman proposed a series of hypotheses to account for the apparent contradiction between change and continuity
- Establishes the centrality of the problem of change and continuity in theology
- Considers the legacy of the Essay as a tool in Newman’s theology and in the work of later theologians
The best work I’ve seen on the development of Newman’s own thought on development of doctrine. Seamlessly blends the personal and the theoretical, shows Newman’s thought process and responds to critics of Newman’s account with charity and equity.
David P. Deavel, University of St. Thomas, Minnesota
A brilliant - and beautifully written - book. As Morgan superbly shows, doctrinal development this topic was both an abiding preoccupation in Newman’s intellectual journey, and a major driver of his spiritual one. Recent church debates demonstrate how, evan after 175 years, An Essay on the Development of Christian Doctrine and its author remain just as relevant as ever. Timely and terrific.
Stephen Bullivant, University of Notre Dame, Sydney
In this masterly study, Stephen Morgan has made a distinguished and original contribution to the abundant literature on St John Henry Newman. He lucidly and forensically analyses key elements of both continuity and change in Newman’s long search to account for the historical reality of doctrinal growth within Christianity while the dogmatic content of the deposit of faith and its identity remained fixed and preserved. Morgan focuses both on the Newman of history in his Anglican context while at the same time recognizing his ‘afterlife’ through his theological legacy; a legacy notably revealed by the Second Vatican Council, its genesis and aftermath, and in an ongoing shaping and influencing of contemporary Catholicism
Peter Nockles, University of Manchester