Fidelity Through Time: “Apostles Are Harbingers of Popes”, by Dr. Jeff Mirus 

By Dr. Jeff Mirus, Catholic Culture, Apr 03, 2024

Jeffrey Mirus holds a Ph.D. in intellectual history from Princeton University. A co-founder of Christendom College, he also pioneered Catholic Internet services. He is the founder of Trinity Communications and CatholicCulture.org.

* An Essay on the Development of Christian Doctrine: Part I (Doctrinal Developments viewed in Themselves); Chapter II (On the Antecedent Argument in Behalf of Developments in Christian Doctrine), Section II (An Infallible Developing Authority to be expected), #10 (pp. 85-86)

The last task St. John Henry Newman set himself before he could be absolutely certain that he must leave the Anglican Church and convert to Catholicism was to complete the major study entitled An Essay on the Development of Christian Doctrine. This remarkable book establishes beyond possible question that it is not only normal but necessary for the principles and truths embodied in Divine Revelation to be expressed more fully and in greater detail over time as new questions emerge to which we must apply these same principles and truths.

Not only must this be so, but it must be so in an authoritative manner consistent with the Divine character of the Revelation itself. That is, any such Revelation must come equipped, as it were, with an “authority principle” to guarantee its adequate expression and interpretation over time. Only in this context can Christian doctrine be successfully articulated with greater precision and definition as challenges or conflicts arise, in response to new situations, new speculations and new interpretations which have not yet been considered in light of the original Revelation. …

Continue reading >>>>>>>>>