LFU:online

Institut für Systematische Theologie Institut für Systematische Theologie

Prof. Dr. Terrence Merrigan Prof. Dr. Terrence Merrigan

222118

Rethinking Newman's Theology of History

SE 2

4

Block

keine Angabe

Englisch

During his lifetime, the theology of John Henry Newman (1801-1890) was described as being too ‘patristic’ and ‘literary’ to qualify as sound theology. Today, both of these terms would be regarded as an indication of the value and contemporary relevance of his work. This seminar will evaluate the interplay between the patristic and literary dimensions in Newman’s life (i.e., his decision to become a Roman Catholic) and his theological work (especially his celebrated Essay on the Development of Christian Doctrine). More particularly, we shall examine how Newman’s understanding of the unfolding of doctrinal truth in history involves (i) an exercise of the religious imagination (which is akin to the literary imagination) that is then (ii) tested against the record of the past (the patristic church). Furthermore, we shall see that this interplay between imagination and historical research is typical of what might be called a ‘Catholic religious imagination’.

Lash, Nicholas: Faith and History: Some Reflections on Newman’s ‘Essay on the Development’ of Christian Doctrine’, in: Irish Theological Quarterly 38 (1971) 224-241. Lash, Nicholas, Newman’s Theory: Development or Continuing Revelation, in: J.D. Bastable (ed.): Newman and Gladstone: Centennial Essays. Dublin: Veritas, 1978. Merrigan, Terrence: Newman on Faith in the Trinity, in: Ian Ker / Terrence Merrigan (ed.): Newman and Faith, Louvain Theological and Pastoral Monographs, 31. Leuven: Peeters; Grand Rapids, MI: W.B. Eerdmans, 2004, 93-116.

Beginn: 16.03.2009