For anyone interested in the 'Catholic Faith in the New Millennium,' Newman's Grammar of Assent is a rewarding 'read.' Yet, Newman's Grammar can also be very challenging and confusing even for philosophers and theologians. Connolly's book, which displays enviable familiarity with Newman's writings and his many commentators, both past and recent, is a very helpful and useful guide not only for understanding Newman's thought on faith and reason, but for living the Christian faith in today's world.
John T. Ford, c.s.c., professor of theology, The Catholic University of America John Connolly examines Newman's notion of faith through a historical prism: Newman's Anglican period, his early Catholic period still heavily influenced by the Roman theologians of the day, and his later Roman Catholic period that represents the ripening of his mature thought. Connolly successfully argues that Newman's personalistic notion of faith enabled him to navigate the tricky ocean currents of being both faithful to church magisterium and open to new developments in theology, all the while receiving criticism from others less open to developments than he.
Dr. Edward Jeremy Miller, professor of religious studies, Gwynedd Mercy College John Connolly provides a helpful overview of Newman's writings on Catholic faith while trying to show its relevance for contemporary Catholics.
Frederick Aquino, Graduate School of Theology, Abilene Christian University An exceptionally useful book for anyone grappling with the notion of faith today.
Richard J. Talbot Enhanced by a detailed introduction, biographical sketch, and bibliography [his book] explores Newman's teaching on the relationship between faith and reason, the personal nature of faith, the function of the magisterium, the importance of dialogue, and the role of the conscience in decision making.
Theology Digest
John Connolly has accurately identified the “Newman problem.” The complexity and sophistication of Newman’s writings often make his thought inaccessible to the uninitiated. Fortunately, Connolly offers in this volume a solution: a primer for the educated lay Catholic, for serious students, and for the next generation of inquirers into the “Newman revival” that is now upon us.
Father Drew Morgan, C.O., Ph.D., director, National Institute for Newman Studies