Catholicism: The Pivotal Players — Season 1, Episode 4: Bl. John Henry Newman: The Convert

Episode synopsis

John Henry Newman has been characterized as perhaps the greatest Catholic theologian since Thomas Aquinas, and he was undoubtedly one of the most important theological influencers of the Second Vatican Council. His work represents the first and most notable attempt to place Catholic thought in dialogue with the Enlightenment. He was also one of the most elegant stylists in the English language. When James Joyce was told that he was the best ever writer of English, the great Irish novelist replied, "nobody has ever written English prose that can be compared with that of a tiresome little Anglican parson who afterwards became a prince of the only true church" referring, of course, to Newman.

About Catholicism: The Pivotal Players

Bishop Robert Barron reveals the truth behind influential people in the Catholic Church.

More episodes from Season 1

• E1St. Francis of Assisi - The Reformer
• E2St. Thomas Aquinas: The Theologian
• E3St. Catherine of Siena: The Mystic
• E5G.K. Chesterton: The Evangelist
• E6Michelangelo: The Artist
• E7St. Augustine of Hippo: The Teacher
• E8St. Benedict of Nursia: The Monk
• E9Fulton J. Sheen: The Communicator
• E10Flannery O’Connor: The Storyteller
• E11St. Ignatius of Loyola: The Founder
• E12Bartolomé de las Casas: The Activist