Newman's Challenge (aláírt példány) [antikvár]

Foreword The chapters forming this book were written, over the last ten or so years, as separate essays. They are reproduced here with minor changes that concern mostly uniformity of style. New material is added only in two places that are duly indicated. Different as the subjects of these essays may be, they all support the view that Newman is a challenge to some widely entertained images about him. These images are steeped not so much in a careful study of his writings, especially of his letters, as in the presumption that Newman's thought anticipates trends supportive of the "opening" of the Church to the modern world. Insofar as such trends diminish appreciation of the supernatural, they are thoroughly at variance with Newman's fondest aspirations and intellectual efforts. Newman's chief challenge today, as in his own times, aims at the defense of the supernatural. Of course, the defense of the supernatural for Newman was far more than a mere intellectual enterprise. For him the supernatural was above all an existentially spiritual challenge to be implemented within a plan set by God. Compared with this perspective on Newman, all other facets of his intellectual physiognomy should seem secondary. It would indeed be a great misconception to try to reconstruct the very gist of his message as that of a cultural icon. If it is true that in order to have culture one must have cult, this was eminently held by Newman. His view on culture rested on his search for the true cult. This was the core of the challenge he set for himself before he challenged anyone else on that score. Vll