John Henry Newman and Trajectories for the Development of Doctrine

Abstract

This paper explores a neglected aspect of Newman’s theory of doctrinal development, that is, five distinct trajectories of such development. It illustrates Newman’s intent with special reference to his notion of ‘political development’ and the rise of the episcopacy and the papacy. It argues that Newman’s intent is to normalize the notion of development itself; only when this is done do his more commonly referred to notes for evaluating development come into play. It concludes with some brief comments on the notion of revelation underpinning Newman’s account of development.