The Prophetic Church: History and Doctrinal Development in John Henry Newman and Yves Congar - Hardcover

Meszaros, Andrew

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0198786344 ISBN 13: 9780198786344

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2016

Synopsis

The Prophetic Church: History and Doctrinal Development in John Henry Newman and Yves Congar is a historical and a systematic account of tradition, doctrinal development, and the theology of history, with a particular focus on the contributions of two modern Catholic figures, John Henry Newman (1801-1890) and Yves Congar (1904-1995). It is structured around two overarching themes: the "subject" and "history" in their relationship to doctrinal development. In addition, the thought of both Congar and Newman is interwoven throughout.

Andrew Meszaros contextualizes and surveys Congar's reception of Newman. He explains the appeal of Newman and provides concrete evidence that would substantiate the nature and extent of Newman's influence on Congar, and thereby indirectly, on Vatican II. Meszaros also discusses doctrinal development with special attention to the subject and history. These treatments are based on the subjective and historical "motors" or "causes," as it were, of doctrinal development. He then develops a theology of doctrine and doctrinal development as inspired by Newman and Congar. In its reflection on the meaning of the Doctrinal Economy, this study contributes to the theological problem of history and doctrine by synthesizing and honing contributions of these two great thinkers of modern Catholic theology. It is precisely some of the key differences between Newman and Congar that make it theologically enriching to study them together.

About this title

About the Author

Andrew Meszaros is a Researcher at Katholieke Universiteit Leuven.

Review

"In the current conflict between idealistically ahistorical approaches to Catholic doctrine and reductively historicising approaches, Meszaros' superb book sets out the salutary ground." -- Matthew Levering, Louvain Studies

"Meszaros can be congratulated for an excellent study that engages historical theologians as well as systematic thinkers. In the current controversies over the hermeneutic of Vatican II, Meszaros offers us the possibility of gaining a fresh perspective on 'Newman s Council.'"--Theological Studies

"With the publication of The Prophetic Church, Andrew Meszaros offers an impressive contribution to the ever-burgeoning field of Newman studies. Meszaros' work stands out from other recent studies of Newman's theology by offering an in-depth, carefully researched analysis of a topic that has yet to receive the kind of attention it deserves-namely, the reception of Newman's thought on the part of Yves Congar, one of the most important Catholic theologians of the twentieth century and an influential peritus at the Second Vatican Council." -- Horizons: The Journal of the College Theology Society

Edition details

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 2016
• ISBN 10: 0198786344
• ISBN 13: 9780198786344
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 286