The Word on Fire Show - Catholic Faith and Culture WOF 515: Developments Contrasted with Corruptions (6 of 12)
24 snips
Nov 10, 2025 
Robert Barron, a Catholic bishop and theologian, provides a deep dive into John Henry Newman’s insights on doctrinal development. He articulates Newman's distinction between genuine development and corruption, outlining seven crucial criteria for evaluating change in doctrine. Topics include how doctrines can evolve while maintaining their core essence, the importance of authority in distinguishing these changes, and examples of where surface similarities can mask fundamental corruption. Barron’s engaging discussion illuminates the dynamic relationship between faith and culture.
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Authority Is Needed To Judge Development
- Newman argues that doctrinal development requires an authoritative referee to distinguish evolution from corruption.
- Authority must apply consistent rules, not act arbitrarily, to preserve legitimate growth.
Preserve The Underlying Type
- Preservation of type means new expressions must keep the original structure or form.
- Huge outward change can still be legitimate if the essential type remains intact.
Keep Core Principles Intact
- Continuity of principles demands that core axioms of doctrine remain unchanged through development.
- If principles like dogma, sacraments, or grace are abandoned, that signals corruption.
