Works by John Henry Newman
- Dream of Gerontius
Description: Edward Elgar set Newman’s dramatic poem to music as an oratorio in 1900. This
oratorio, in fact, became the most popular choral work in Britain after Handel’s Messiah.
The poem itself tells the story of an old man and his soul’s entrance into purgatory after
death. Because of its deeply theological and supernatural content, some have compared
the poem to the works of Dante. Like Dante’s works, Newman’s poem does not sacrifice
narrative suspense and ingenuity for depth of thought, instead retaining both. Because of
its masterful portrayal of a person’s confrontation with death, “The Dream of Geronitus”
transcends its Catholic roots and appeals to readers of all cultures and faiths.
Kathleen O’Bannon
CCEL Staff
- Newman's Apologia Pro Vita Sua
Description: John Henry Newman was converted to
Christianity at age 15 and developed views close to
Calvinism in his early life. He was ordained an Anglican
priest after attending Oxford, and became the leader of
the Oxford Movement, a push to return to Catholic roots in Anglicism.
After much debate, he resigned from the Church of England and later
converted to Catholicism, where he was appointed Cardinal. This
interesting turn of events and roller-coaster of emotion is related in
Newman's autobiography, Apologia Pro Vita Sua ("a defense of
one's
life"). He was prompted to write the book after what he felt to be
unfair accusations were levied against him. It is, indeed, a spiritual
autobiography, detailing Newman's religious opinions over the course of
his life. The Cardinal's story is regarded on the same level as St.
Augustine's Confessions, and almost any reader will develop
empathy
for
Newman's zealous apologetics followed by periods of confusion. Coupled
with his eloquent prose and well-formed logic, Newman's testimony is an
inspiring read that, in the words of one reviewer, "explains all,
apologizes for nothing."
Abby Zwart
CCEL Staff Writer
- Tracts for the Times [from Archive.org]
