Cardinal Newman as a liberal icon? The argument continues

September 17, 2010

As the beatification of Cardinal John Henry Newman approaches, the battle for his legacy is heating up. John Cornwell, the author of several books attacking the Catholic Church, charges that Pope Benedict is trying to hijack the legacy of a “dissident” Catholic. Cornwell expresses admiration for Cardinal Newman, but asks:

But why had Benedict, a rigid conservative, seen fit to hasten the beatification of a man who has an iconic stature for liberal Catholic intellectuals throughout the English-speaking world?

In a devastating reply, Father Robert Barron points to “the danger of using such tired and unhelpful categories” as “liberal” and “conservative” when discussing theological issues. But if those terms are being used, perhaps Cornwell should grapple with this statement by Cardinal Newman:

"I consider my entire life's work, both as an Anglican and a Catholic, to have been a battle against liberalism in matters of religion!"

 

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Further information:

• John Cornwell's Hijacking of John Henry Newman by the Rev. Robert Barron (ABCNews)
• The ascent of a church dissident (Sydney Morning Herald)