“ON CONSULTING THE FAITHFUL IN MATTERS OF DOCTRINE”

Abstract

SUMMARY In the foregoing article we tried to give a compact sketch of the process, which forced Newman to describe the place of the laity in ever more strict terms. The background is given in his vision on the doctrinal development, that characterizes the history of the church. The idea of Christianity is anchored in the believing community. There it unfolds its full reality. Later on, when there arise serious dangers for the Roman church in England, it is Newman, who puts his trust in the people, the faithful. Among them the religious truth comes to life. But they should be well instructed, able to justify themselves. This is a normal claim of society. A broad culture of mind is indispensable. It is quite natural, that Newman conceives sympathy for the “Rambler”. Here he meets laymen at work, who take their task seriously. As man, as citizen, as believer. But Newman has some reserves. He is opposed to every form of dilettantism. On a theological level a thorough formation is a necessity. Above all where ...