On the Inspiration of Scripture

Bl. John Henry Newman wrote this pair of essays at a time when historical-critical biblical research was beginning to exert its powerful influence on Scriptural studies. He presents his position on what the Councils of Trent and Vatican I require all Catholics to believe about Scripture, and explores areas where he sees room for Catholics to differ in their viewpoints. Faced with the problem of the apparently limited scope of inspiration to matters of faith and morals Newman shows how teachings on faith and morals pervade the whole of Scripture, taking in account historical statements and incidental remarks by the Bible’s human writers. Newman’s essays, which contributed to the theological grounding on which the teachings of Vatican II and the modern Magisterium stand, are essential reading for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the Scriptural doctrine of the Church, and to engage faithfully and fruitfully with modern methods of Biblical criticism.