Authority Dogma And History

As the force that gave birth to Anglo-Catholicism, the Oxford Movement is generally treated as an Anglican phenomenon. Yet the influence of members who converted to Roman Catholicism proved decisive for the years leading up to the First Vatican Council and the definition of papal infallibility in Pastor Aeternus (1870). This collection of original essays edited by Parker and Pahls, explores how various Oxford Movement converts to Roman Catholicism contributed to debates surrounding papal infallibility in the 1850s, 1860s and beyond. From Henry Cardinal Manning and Msgr. George Talbot (a chamberlain to Pius 1X) to John Henry Cardinal Newman and Richard Simpson (a liberal Catholic journalist), the diverse voices of these converts marshaled arguments on both sides of the debate and played substantial roles in framing the outcome. The full story of Pastor Aeternus and its subsequent reception cannot be told without exploring the contribution of the combatants, dissidents, and collaborators who left the Church of England.

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This classic by Harnack was an epoch-making historical work that set the standard for any history of doctrinal development. Harnack locates the origins and traces the development of the authoritative Christian doctrinal system from its beginnings down to the Reformation, with a brief survey of later developments through 1870.

This classic by Harnack was an epoch-making historical work that set the standard for any history of doctrinal development. Harnack locates the origins and traces the development of the authoritative Christian doctrinal system from its beginnings down to the Reformation, with a brief survey of later developments through 1870.

This classic by Harnack was an epoch-making historical work that set the standard for any history of doctrinal development. Harnack locates the origins and traces the development of the authoritative Christian doctrinal system from its beginnings down to the Reformation, with a brief survey of later developments through 1870.

The author first discusses the Jewish background of Christian thought, evaluating the apocalyptic and messianic literature; then reveals the enormous influence of Greek thought, especially Neoplatonism, on the early Fathers. He discusses the Gnostics; the canonization of the New Testament; the Apologists; the great Councils; the development of the hierarchy; the Arian, Nestorian, Eutychian and other controversies; the pivotal position of Augustine; the concept of the soul as the bride of Christ; the celebration of the Lord's Supper; the influence of jurisprudence and science during the High Middle Ages; outspoken opposition to indulgences before the Reformation; Melanchthon's modifications of Lutheran doctrine; the contributions of Irenaeus, Tertullian, Clement, Origen, Cyprian, Gregory of Nyssa; Ambrose, Gregory the Great, Anselm, Francis of Assisi, Aquinas; and a host of similar topics.