Rola wspólnoty wiernych w kształtowaniu doktryny mariologicznej w ujęciu J. H. Newmana

Abstract

In 1859 K. Darwin published The Origine o f Species in which he presented his theory of the evolution of organisms. Fourteen years earlier J. H. Newman published The Development o f Christian Doctrine in which book he formed the theory (innovative at that time) of the development of Christian doctrine. At the time of the domination of epistemological monism, the later cardinal of the Roman-Catholic Church makes the multitude of cognitive principles the principal assumption of his theory. Apart from the sense of conclusion, some existential and nonrational factors, Newman ascribes great importance in the forming of Christian doctrine to the fellowship of the faithful. Such a standpoint makes him exceptionally close to the present epoch of the Church in which epoch one must find a proper place for the laity. Along with Tradition which is manifested by the vitality of the truth in the whole Church, and liturgy which is a factor both expressing and creating doctrine, Newman's reflection on consulting the laity in doctrinal questions deserves particular attention. Listening to the voice of the laity and seeking out their opinion is the sign both of the cooperation of the Church as a whole and of Her infallibility. Such views today seem to be obvious, but 100 years before the Vatican Council II they were thought to be too radical, or even suspected as modernism.