The Word on Fire Show - Catholic Faith and Culture WOF 523: The Grammar of Assent (10 of 12)
10 snips
Jan 5, 2026 Explore the intriguing nuances of Newman's Grammar of Assent, where certainty meets common sense in religious knowledge. Discover his critique of religious liberalism and the vital distinction between notional and real assent. Delve into how real apprehension drives deeper truth and the compelling force of language. Conscience emerges as a crucial pathway to God, linking human experience with divine truth. This thought-provoking discussion redefines how we perceive knowledge and belief.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Assent Trumps Cartesian Certitude
- John Henry Newman argues that religious knowledge is best approached by assent rather than Cartesian certitude.
- He shifts focus from formal demonstration to why we say "that's right" about religious claims.
Notional Versus Real Assent
- Newman distinguishes notional assent (to abstractions) from real assent (to particulars).
- Real assent deepens commitment and moves people to action more than notional assent does.
Breadth Versus Depth In Knowing
- Newman warns that notional apprehension gives breadth but can be shallow, while real apprehension gives depth but can be narrow.
- Both modes are necessary: one advances knowledge, the other secures firm hold on particulars.
