The Word on Fire Show - Catholic Faith and Culture WOF 511: Newman as a Catholic (3 of 12)
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Oct 13, 2025 Dive into the fascinating journey of John Henry Newman as he navigates his conversion to Catholicism. Explore Newman's intense study of early Church controversies and how they shaped his faith. Discover his doubts about the Anglican via media, his emotional conversion in 1845, and the challenges he faced as a Catholic priest. Learn about his vision for Catholic education and the notable conflicts he encountered throughout his life. Through it all, Newman's intellect and passion for the truth shine brightly.
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Via Media Challenged By History
- Newman discovered the via media could be wrong by studying 5th-century Christological debates.
- He realized historical orthodox positions often align with Roman Catholic doctrine rather than a middle Anglican stance.
Whole Church Over National Church
- Reading Augustine and Wiseman pushed Newman to value the judgment of the whole Church over a national church.
- He began doubting Anglicanism as a national secession from the universal Church.
Arian Controversy Echoes Modern Divisions
- Newman saw the 4th-century Arian debates mirror the Roman Catholic, Protestant, Anglican divide.
- Recurring patterns in church history made him question the reliability of the via media.
