An Essay in Aid of a Grammar of Assent (eBook)

John Henry Newman (1801–1890) was a theologian, poet, and eminent figure in the religious history of England, whose conversion to Roman Catholicism was a significant event in the religious life of the time. Newman started his career as an Anglican clergyman and later became a leader of the Oxford Movement, which sought to return the Church of England to its Catholic roots. His seminal work, 'An Essay in Aid of a Grammar of Assent' (1870), is an examination of the philosophical basis for belief in God. It reflects Newman's own journey towards faith, arguing that belief is not solely the product of logical argument but also involves personal and psychological dimensions of assent. Newman's literary style is characterized by a meticulous approach to religious and philosophical questions, blending a deep sense of history with a profound understanding of theology. His eloquence and precision in language have marked him as one of the leading prose writers of the 19th century. Newman was also an influential figure in the development of Catholic educational thought and the founder of the Catholic University of Ireland. For his contributions to theology and education, he was beatified by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010. Newman's legacy remains influential through his diverse literary and theological works, including his famous 'Apologia Pro Vita Sua' and 'The Idea of a University.'