John Henry Newman has been called the “father of Vatican II”, his work was introduced into Germany by such luminaries as Erich Przywara and was undoubtedly an intellectual giant of his age. In recent times, however, his light has been somewhat eclipsed. Even today though, many appeal to him for varied reasons: ‘liberals’ look to him as the champion of the rights of conscience over authoritarian ecclesiological structures whereas ‘conservatives’ see in him a defender of the vitality of tradition against liberal vapidity. His work on the development of doctrine is of great importance and ecumenical relevance.
Newman also shed light on other aspects of the theological endeavour such as the relations between faith and reason (in his Grammar of Assent) and is thus of great contemporary importance. Like all great theologians (think Barth, Rahner, Balthasar), he was also a superb preacher and has been credited with providing the impetus for many a conversion. His sermons are invigorating in their application to the ‘ordinary’ Christian in the pew, the spiritual difficulties and doubts undergone by most Christians during their lifetime. He was also, of course, a master prose stylist and greatly admired by James Joyce. His spiritual autobiography, Apologia Pro Vita Sua, is acknowledged as one of the great Christian ‘confessions’ and his wit and erudition are nowhere in more evident display as he defends himself against charges of hypocrisy and insincerity in converting to the Catholic Church.
In short, I think he is a fantastic theologian and one who more people should be aware of. I therefore propose to offer some thoughts on various aspects of his theology in the coming days (not that anyone’s really reading).
Newman’s works are available online and can be perused at one’s convenience over at www.newmanreader.org
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