Catholic Life and Practice

Saint John Henry Newman on God at Nicaea

Reinhard Hütter

Abstract

Abstract

Reinhard Hütter examines Saint John Henry Newman’s theological defense of the Council of Nicaea and the foundational dogma of homoousios (consubstantiality). Employing an "iconic hermeneutic," Hütter analyzes three of Newman's major works to demonstrate how the dual principles of mystery and dogma guide authentic doctrinal development. Ultimately, he highlights Newman's rejection of religious liberalism and rationalism, framing the Nicene Creed not as a mere intellectual conclusion, but as an act of profound personal and religious assent.