An Essay in Aid of a Grammar of Assent

John Henry Newman (1801–1890) was a theologian and vicar at the university church in Oxford who became a leading thinker in the Oxford Movement, which sought to return Anglicanism to its Catholic roots. Newman converted to Catholicism in 1845 and became a cardinal in 1879. He published widely during his lifetime; his work included novels, poetry and the famous hymn 'Lead, Kindly Light', but he is most esteemed for his sermons and works of religious thought. This volume, first published in 1870, is an ambitious examination of the logical processes that underpin religious faith. Newman discusses how it is possible to believe what cannot be proven empirically, and postulates that the mind has the facility to bridge the logic gap to allow for humans to believe in things that they do not fully comprehend. A lucid and masterful work which remains relevant to contemporary discussions of faith.

Part I. Assent and Apprehension: 1. Modes of holding and apprehending propositions; 2. Assent considered as apprehensive; 3. The apprehension of propositions; 4. Notional and real assent; 5. Apprehensive assents in religious matters; Part II. Assent and Inference: 6. Assent considered as unconditional; 7. Certitude; 8. Inference; 9. The illative sense; 10. Inferential assents in religious matters.

John Henry Newman (1801-1890) was a theologian and former Anglican clergyman who became a leading thinker in the Oxford Movement, which sought to return Anglicanism to its Catholic roots. This volume, first published in 1870, is Newman's seminal examination of the logical processes underlying religious belief.