John Henry Newman (1801-1890) was, in many ways, a prophet of the Second Vatican Council (1962-65), notably in its statements about revelation. This book, for the first time, traces the development of Newman's thinking on revelation from an early correspondence with his brother Charles who had abandoned Christianity altogether; through his mature Anglican years as he fearlessly defended Christian orthodoxy against minimalizing efforts of liberals; then, on to his Catholic years when he often got himself into hot water with authorities in Rome for his outspoken views. An epilogue considers Newman's influence on some twentieth-century theologians who followed the same pioneering path. Amply enhanced with notes, references, and bibliography, John Henry Newman: Universal Revelation is a thoroughly researched work on an important aspect of Newman's work that has never before been so extensively investigated. It is also an accessible story of a fascinating period of profound religious controversy and development.
