Capital Punishment and Roman Catholic Moral Tradition Book

Someday, when I come back to this marvelous work, I hope to construct a conversation with St. Newman, like I did with his, The Idea of a University. It seems the best way to further his ideas, in his own words. He has such a way with words, which no student, nor reporter, no reviewer can adequately reflect. But for now, I must be content with this brief survey as I am still completely overwhelmed by this Great Mind as he expresses himself here.

The gist of An Essay on the Development of Christian Doctrine'as this poor student understands it'is that Christian Doctrine is living and as such our understanding of revelation has become more detailed and explicit over the centuries, for a number of reasons, as successive generations take up questions unresolved by their forefathers. This is not to be confused with changes in basic dogmas, but, "the understanding of the things and words handed down grows, through the contemplation and study of believers, ... (which) tends continually towards the fullness of divine truth." (If I have misunderstood/misstated this, O Wise Mind out there, feel free to correct me. I claim no expertise, other than the devotion of a disciple to a beloved teacher.)

As a mother, I offer the poor analogy of the fervent hope that my own children will be the wiser for having learned from their parents as indeed I learned from mine, i.e., that successive generations (can) build on, or develop the wisdom of their ancestors, through the love they have for them. Perhaps this is too simple of an illustration of a profound treatise, but it is the one closest/most familiar to me, so I offer it anyway, for now, until I can read this again.

This is GREAT book, but not an easy one. I listened to it off my kindle, stopping frequently to highlight things I like, and replay sections as well. Newman's knowledge of Church History is phenomenal, especially when you consider he had no computer, not even a typewriter, but accomplished all his research and writing from books and paper and ink. He constantly inspires me to try harder and stop complaining! And all that he accomplished he did while facing stiff opposition, not only from Protestants, but also from Catholics.

I would encourage all Christians to read this, regardless of your particular tradition. There is so much to learn here. I am inspired to return to my early Church History and return again, when I am much better educated.

Thank you, St. Newman!




January 3, 2020: Finished! And strong! 'Time is short, Eternity is long.' Newman repeats this near the end for effect. Although I struggled just past the beginning, not sure what he was getting at, I would get back on track with him again and again. The biggest problem is you need to know Church history, the heresies, popes, fathers of the Church, development of theological ideas over time, and so much more. I want to go do some studies on these things and come back to this when I am smarter. But what I understood was fantastic! Want to add some quotes and maybe a more complete review...


November 14, 2019: I tried to read this before and got nowhere. Now I am listening to it. Even when he loses me (often) the reader continues to read and I continue on... eventually I pick up the thread again. Maybe if I persevere long enough, or re-listen enough times, I will understand? I don't know, but for now, I am just pressing on...