Newman Anyone?

[AngelicDoctor]

Hello there, I am new to the Forum (I am up in Northern Illinois)

Would anyone out there be interested in reading and discussing one of John Henry Cardinal Newman’s works? I have read about 1/3 of his LECTURES ON THE DOCTRINE OF JUSTIFICATION and would not mind finishing that off. It is very good,… in-depth (though, a bit repetitive). It was written in his Anglican period, but he defends a view of Justification very similar to the Catholic position.
Otherwise, I was thinking of starting his famous ESSAY ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE.

Both works are available in their entirety on-line at www.newmanreader.org. LECTURES ON JUSTIFICATION is also available in print through a publisher called Wipf and Stock out of Eugene, OR. DEVELOPMENT is readily available in print.

I am an amateur student of theology and have nothing special to offer aside from an interest in the subject. I figure that we could read a section a week, then maybe post reflections, questions, challenges, counter-arguments, alternative supporting arguments, practical applications for apologetics, etc. Let me know if anyone is interested.

 

[elgom]

Welcome! I see you are a seminarian. I will pray for you to be a new son of Mary. I am a very busy mother with 5 children, but I love theology and don’t have time to go to school. I have been reading for years. My particular favorite is Frank Sheed “Theology & Sanity” and I’m only about half way through. I do have a book by Newman “Pro Via Sua” I think that’s how you spell it. Whether I get to read any of the materials you are talking about or not I would be fascinated to read your posts and learn about Newman.

I’m sure there are plenty of others as well.

God bless

 

[chrisg93]

AngelicDoctor,

I think that is a wonderful idea and I think many people would enjoy it as much as I would.

My only comment would be that I have read some other things about justification and most of it is over my head as a simple layman. But I’ll try to keep up.

That is very generous of you. Thanks so much.

Chris G

 

[AngelicDoctor]

Ok Chrisg93 and Elgrom, thanks for replying. I will wait a few days to see if any more replies generate and then we can see what the consensus is on what to read. I hear you ChrisG, justification (and the theology of grace in general) is probably one of the thorniest and most dificult issues to grapple with in all of theology. However, I found Newman’s treatise on justification to be quite understandable. He analyzes a lot of scripture and repeats his main point at many stages of the work. I have heard that the essay on the development of Doctrine is supposed to be a challenging read, but I think we would be able to make heads and or tales of it together.Yes, Elgrom, I am a seminarian. I thank you for your prayers which are a great support and consolation for me–I too will pray for you along with all in the important vocation of motherhood and fatherhood.

 

[AngelicDoctor]

Just in case anyone is still reading this original post, please go to the Apologetics forum where the book discussion has begun:

For those who want to read this book and follow along/particpate in this discussion (and everyone is welcome), I have just posted the first reflections in this apologetics forum under the subject “Newman Reading Group, Intro. Chapter”. Please post everything related to that Introduction chapter as a reply to that original thread even if you have a different topic to bring up (we will see how that works). Happy reading (this should be challenging but fun)!