Saint John Henry Newman was a nineteenth century English theologian who is considered something of a godfather to Vatican II. Two of his books were particularly influential: On Consulting the Faithful in Matters of Doctrine and An Essay On Development Of Christian Doctrine. Newman looked at the history of the Church and reminded his readers that even the official teachers, bishops and hierarchy, are called to be learners. The faith is not a rock but a living thing. We see this illustrated in the story of Apollos in the Book of Acts. He is called an “eloquent speaker” and an “authority on Scripture. Yet he was willing to learn from the working class couple, Aquila and Priscilla — an example of what Pope Francis calls “synodality.”
MAY282022
By Church Staff
