Roman Catholic Writings On Doctrinal Development PDF Download

The seminal work from the "Father of Vatican II" "John Henry Cardinal Newman (1801-1890) deeply influenced the theological thought of a great part of the nineteenth century, first as an Anglican and then as a Catholic. His greatest contribution was on the matter of the development of doctrine within the Church established by Christ, in conformity with traditional teaching and confirmed by Holy Scripture. By development he meant both a process and the result of that process, and within it a faithfulness to an idea." -Fr. Edward J. Berbusse, S.J. Still considered essential reading for serious thinkers on religion more than a century and a half after it was written, this seminal work of modern theology, first published in 1845, presents a history of Catholic doctrine from the days of the Apostles to the time of its writing, and follows with specific examples of how the doctrine has not only survived corruption but grown stronger through defending itself against it, and is, therefore, the true religion. This classic of Christian apologetics, considered a foundational work of 19th-century intellectualism on par with Darwin's Origin of Species, is must reading not only for the faithful but also for anyone who wishes to be well educated in the fundamentals of modern thought. "Faith is illuminative, not operative; it does not force obedience, though it increases responsibility; it heightens guilt, but it does not prevent sin. The will is the source of action." -John Henry Cardinal Newman