John Henry Newman: The Idea of a University: Book Review

Newman’s “The Idea of the University” is the essential classic document in the history of Western higher education. All over the world, the educational thoughts of universities are closely related to Newman, and modern authors’ classic understanding of the university concept is derived from this Book. At that time, academia was in an era of ideological confrontation. Debates were mainly based on the two themes of “can other schools’ thoughts be used for reference” and “humanities or science.” Newman gave a clear answer to this in the book and made a corresponding detailed discussion. Newman’s answer embodies Newman’s educational thoughts, which are formed under the guidance of personal, educational philosophy. Therefore, Newman’s educational philosophy is contained in his educational thoughts. Based on this, Newman’s educational philosophy is explored from the educational thoughts contained in Newman’s answers to the above two topics. Newman’s educational philosophy is embodied in his views on schools and disciplines. For other sects, Newman is loyal to knowledge, regardless of sect, learns from each other’s strengths, and innovates. Newman firmly opposes blindly denying the views of the humanities.

The Church and Ecumenism in the Thought of John Henry Newman

This article explores the development of Newman’s thought on the Church, throughout different phases of his long life. The article focuses, among other themes, on the nature of the Church, the important introduction to his Via Media (1877), the charismatic dimension of the ekklesia, and the respective roles of the pope, the bishops and the laity, in particular what the latter can contribute to the whole People of God. The article also seeks to delve into the question whether one can talk about ecumenism in the writings of the influential nineteenth-century English man of letters and opinion leader. The conclusion offers some final considerations on what Newman underwent during his long and meandering journey with regard to some basic tenets of his ecclesiology.

‘An Amazing Want of Christianity’: Bishop Samuel Wilberforce and John Henry Newman’s Tense Relationship

This paper will examine the relationship between Samuel Wilberforce and John Henry Newman. The two priests had a common cause in their wish to see the Church of England rediscover its Catholic identity – which led them to work alongside one another at the beginning of the Oxford Movement – but quickly drifted apart because of their strong divergences on the nature of the Church and the place of Tradition, as well as Samuel Wilberforce’s strong hostility to Rome. The paper also examines the place of Samuel Wilberforce’s young brother in this relationship.