A Guide to John Henry Newman

"Provides a one-stop shopping introduction to Newman’s thought that would be accessible on a variety of levels...this volume has something for everybody who’s interested in Newman."

~David P. Deavel, University of St. Thomas

"This important volume presents a comprehensive survey of the vast and multi-faceted range of St John Henry Newman’s thought and writings, and of the wide range of influences which had an impact on his own development as a person and as an intellectual. Vélez has selected many renowned contributors from a great diversity of countries and academic backgrounds taking into account the diverse disciplines in which they are experts, so as thereby to construct a rich and varied account or ‘idea’ of Newman’s complexity. This is a generously conceived collection of insightful readings of Newman which will surely help to promote a well-rounded knowledge and understanding of his unique contribution to many areas of theory and praxis, notably to theology, philosophy, patristics, education, ethics, ecclesiology, spirituality and to the pastorally effective exercise of the Catholic priesthood."

~Guy Nicholls, Oratorian, Founder and Director of the John Henry Newman Institute of Liturgical Music

"Fr. Juan R. Vélez has done us a great service in collecting an outstanding and international group of scholars to lead this volume's readers through a deeply serious set of reflections on Newman's remarkable contributions. This volume is well organized, and represents a rich, varied, and thorough engagement with Newman's thought. Historical considerations are interlaced with philosophical and theological ones, all in a spirit of not merely conveying Newman's contributions, but rightly treating Newman as a foundational thinker, writer, and leader from whom we have much still to learn and upon whom much remains to be built."

~Jonathan J. Sanford, President of the University of Dallas

"Meticulously documented, covering a wide range of John Henry Newman's varied career, this well-organized collection offers detailed, sensible scholarship that contrasts strongly with the revisionism which has plagued Newman scholarship since Turner's biography. Every responsible Newman scholar should read it."

~Bernadette W. Ward, University of Dallas

"A thought-provoking, engaging, and multi-layered kaleidoscope of views on Newman- to inspire study and reflection by academic, chaplaincy and parish communities alike. To illuminate my initial pathway, through the rich insights of this comprehensive volume, l followed the trail of these ‘kindly lights’-drawn from my selection of chapter themes. I began with Newman’s conversion, and how his understanding of imagination enlivened his general writings and poetry. This lead me to his Biblical scholarship and l explored his pastoral instincts -by interconnecting his spirituality, interpretation of doctrine and teaching on morality, with the virtues. Returning, full circle, and anticipating my next, deeper, journey through other aspects of the text, l saw, afresh, that Newman’s vocation, to the active discipleship of holiness, was the life-long fruit of knowing Christ- as his personal Savior. May all readers like me, by this book, experience ‘Heart Speaking to Heart.’"

~Peter Conley, Assistant Chaplain, Warwick University, UK

"The essays encompass just about everything needed to understand Newman’s life and impact, from contribution to the Tractarian movement, his Via Media, his multiple conversions, his role as an educator historian, theologian, philosopher, and prominent cleric; and, of course, his writings on the development of doctrine. It is, in short, an excellent introduction to one of the most important Catholic thinkers and saints of the nineteenth century."

~Catholic World Report

"John Henry Newman was one of the most lucid thinkers of his age, with important work on conscience, religious doctrine, and the value of liberal arts education. This collection of essays explores many different facets of Newman’s life and thought, discussing his religious conversion, his pedagogy, and the contributions he made to topics of contemporary interest such as political liberalism. It could serve as an introduction to Newman, or offer a new resource for scholars."

~Law and Liberty

"Needs to be in the library of anyone who claims to love the saint and his theology."

~The Catholic Response

"This volume deserves patient engagement. No one who wants to understand Newman more deeply, or learn more about what he has to say to today’s Church, should be without it."

~Catholic Herald

"All the chapters bring new approaches to the table, but if we have learned anything from Newman studies over the last few decades, it is that not everyone will agree with its various conclusions. Nevertheless, the finished product stands as a fine tribute to an evidently Herculean effort for which its editor, contributors, and publishers deserve the academy’s congratulation and approbation."

~Antiphon

"Introduces the reader who knows a little bit and helps the scholar who wants to go deeper or have a way of showing Newman's thought in a snapshot. Sympathetic, serious, and scholarly, it is ideal for students, scholars, and lovers of a great saint and mind."

~Magazine of the Society of G.K. Chesteron

"With the publication of this volume, Vélez et al. have helped to deepen our understanding of, and appreciation for, Newman’s legacy. On account of its accessibility, A Guide to John Henry Newman could serve as a helpful entry point for those who are new to the field, but several of the essays break enough new ground to be of interest to seasoned scholars."

~Newman Studies Journal