Cardinal Newman for Today
by Thomas J Norris
GoodBookStall Review:
The visit of the Pope to England, autumn 2010, which will include the formal beatification of Cardinal Newman, has brought with it a renewed interest in this significant figure. In Newman we have a theologian whose life brought him from Anglicanism to Catholicism, and as such he remains influential in both traditions. Moreover, he serves as a figurehead for those who seek to accept the recent offer of Pope Benedict to provide a home for disaffected Anglo-Catholics.
Given all this, one can understand the desire of the Columba Press to reissue Norriss's 1996 book: Only Life gives Life. A new introductory biography has been added which serves to provide a context for much of the discussion on Newman's theology which follows in three sections.
The first section considers the sources of Divine revelation from which any theology is formed. For Newman it was his discernment of revelation amongst the Church Fathers which brought him to Rome, and the second section looks at the role of tradition in the formation of theology. A tradition which lives and develops. The final section gives, in the manner of St Paul, the 'therefore': if this is so, how then do we live? After these sections, a conclusion is drawn.
In all, this is a welcome reissue and the timeliness is reflected in the new title. Given Newman's roots within Anglicanism it provides a good way into catholic thought for those who will be playing host to the Pope and gathering to see him who are not reared in the Roman Catholic tradition.
Reviewer: Chris Moore (27/08/10)
The visit of the Pope to England, autumn 2010, which will include the formal beatification of Cardinal Newman, has brought with it a renewed interest in this significant figure. In Newman we have a theologian whose life brought him from Anglicanism to Catholicism, and as such he remains influential in both traditions. Moreover, he serves as a figurehead for those who seek to accept the recent offer of Pope Benedict to provide a home for disaffected Anglo-Catholics.
Given all this, one can understand the desire of the Columba Press to reissue Norriss's 1996 book: Only Life gives Life. A new introductory biography has been added which serves to provide a context for much of the discussion on Newman's theology which follows in three sections.
The first section considers the sources of Divine revelation from which any theology is formed. For Newman it was his discernment of revelation amongst the Church Fathers which brought him to Rome, and the second section looks at the role of tradition in the formation of theology. A tradition which lives and develops. The final section gives, in the manner of St Paul, the 'therefore': if this is so, how then do we live? After these sections, a conclusion is drawn.
In all, this is a welcome reissue and the timeliness is reflected in the new title. Given Newman's roots within Anglicanism it provides a good way into catholic thought for those who will be playing host to the Pope and gathering to see him who are not reared in the Roman Catholic tradition.
Reviewer: Chris Moore (27/08/10)
