An Essay on the Development of Christian Doctrine - (Notre Dame Great Books) 6th Edition by John Henry Cardinal Newman (Paperback)

About the Book

An Essay on the Development of Christian Doctrine, reprinted from the 1878 edition, "is rightly regarded as one of the most seminal theological works ever to be written," states Ian Ker in his foreword to this sixth edition. "It remains," Ker continues, "the classic text for the theology of the development of doctrine, a branch of theology which has become especially important in the ecumenical era."

John Henry Cardinal Newman begins the Essay by defining how true developments in doctrine occur. He then delivers a sweeping consideration of the growth of doctrine in the Catholic Church from the time of the Apostles to his own era. He demonstrates that the basic "rule" under which Christianity proceeded through the centuries is to be found in the principle of development, and he emphasizes that throughout the entire life of the Church this principle has been in effect and safeguards the faith from any corruption.

Book Synopsis

An Essay on the Development of Christian Doctrine, reprinted from the 1878 edition, "is rightly regarded as one of the most seminal theological works ever to be written," states Ian Ker in his foreword to this sixth edition. "It remains," Ker continues, "the classic text for the theology of the development of doctrine, a branch of theology which has become especially important in the ecumenical era."

John Henry Cardinal Newman begins the Essay by defining how true developments in doctrine occur. He then delivers a sweeping consideration of the growth of doctrine in the Catholic Church from the time of the Apostles to his own era. He demonstrates that the basic "rule" under which Christianity proceeded through the centuries is to be found in the principle of development, and he emphasizes that throughout the entire life of the Church this principle has been in effect and safeguards the faith from any corruption.

Review Quotes

"All Newman scholars would agree that 'Newman anticipates the main fndings of the Second Vatcan Council.' He is ofen called 'the invisible father of the Second Vatcan Council', because so many of his views on the nature of the Church and its relaton to the world then received formal and collegiate ratificaton. Ian Ker comes to the same conclusion, as he writes: 'When studying theology, I came to appreciate the ways in which he antcipated so many of the central themes of the Ecumenical Council (Vatcan II) which he predicted and which opened a new era in Christan history. My reading and re-reading of his writngs over the years has only deepened my conviction that John Henry Newman is to be numbered among the Doctors of the Church.'" --Theological Quarterly

"I believe that we, the Church, do not turn to (Newman) often enough in our navigation of the doctrinal challenges we face today, and that what he offers is an excellent guide pointing the way through the turbulent waters." --Daily Theology Podcast

"It is a great boon to Newman scholars and to the general public to have available the revised, 1878 edition of Newman's essay on development. . . . As an added benefit, it contains a superb foreword by Father Ian Ker which places the essay within the context of Newman's own theological work as well as that of the theological understandings of development which preceded and followed the essay. [It] is also the profoundly personal stand of one of the finest theological minds of the nineteenth century. . . . This book belongs in every theological library, and is accessible to most educated readers. It is especially rewarding for those who find the study of history a liberating theological exercise." --The Catholic World

About the Author

Ian Ker is a member of the theology faculty at Oxford University. His many works include The Catholic Revival in English Literature, 1845-1961 (University of Notre Dame Press, 2003).