This full-length life of John Henry Newman is the first comprehensive biography of both the man and the thinker and writer. It draws extensively on material from Newman's letters and papers, to reveal his character with all its contrasts and complexities.
Newman, Hopkins, Belloc, Chesterton, Greene, Waugh
Focusing on six key figures of the Catholic revival in English literature, this work examines how their faith influenced their writing from 1845 to 1961. Ian Ker analyzes the contributions of Newman, Hopkins, Belloc, Chesterton, Greene, and Waugh, challenging the notion that a Catholic literary tradition was impossible. He highlights themes such as the Catholic priest as a craftsman and the celebration of everyday Catholic life, presenting a compelling argument for the significance of these writers in shaping a distinct body of Catholic literature.
John Henry Newman (1801–90) was a major figure in nineteenth-century religious history. He was one of the major protagonists of the Oxford or Tractarian Movement within the Church of England whose influence continues to be felt within Anglicanism. A high-profile convert to Catholicism, he was an important commentator on Vatican I and is often called 'the Father' of the Second Vatican Council. Newman's thinking highlights and anticipates the central themes of modern theology including hermeneutics, the importance of historical-critical research, the relationship between theology and literature, and the reinterpretation of the nature of faith. His work is characterised by two elements that have come especially to the fore in post-modern theology, namely, the importance of the religious imagination and the fiduciary character of all knowledge. This Companion fills a need for an accessible, comprehensive and systematic presentation of the major themes in Newman's work.
This full-length life of G. K. Chesterton is the first comprehensive biography of both the man and the writer. It draws on many unpublished letters and papers to evoke Chesterton's joyful humour, his humility and affinity to the common man, and his love of the ordinary things of life.
A distinguished list of Catholic writers present their unique insights on the extraordinary achievements of the 25 years of Pope John Paul II's pontificate. This prestigious group of writers make a strong case that this has not been merely an exceptional pontificate but one of the few epoch-making pontificates in Christian history. This book establishes clearly that Pope John Paul II is not only an historical figure whose actions and personal qualities have effected one of the great turning points in human affairs, but he is also one of those rare beings who possesses the vision and intensity of focus that compel the authors to say not only that he is an exceptional pope, but something much that here, truly, is Joannes Paulus John Paul the Great. Far from being a reactionary, this has been a pope of startling originality and intellectual range, who has both led and inaugurated change as well as defended the tradition of the church. Besides his originality and his personal charisma, John Paul II has been a leader with great courage. Be not afraid were his first words in his inaugural sermon as pope, and that has been the watchword for his papacy. In both his younger, incredibly energetic years, or his older, more frail and suffering years, his personal courage shines out. A leader with an indomitable spirit, John Paul II has been a great warrior who has inspired in others the virtues of courage, faith, and perseverance.