Episode 4

Fr. Isaac and Jesse continue to read and discuss a classic essay on the character of Anglican theology.

The Spirit of Anglicanism is an essay by Paul Elmer More which appears in the volume Anglicanism: the thought and practice of the Church of England, of which More was co-editor. This volume is a compilation of excerpts from original works from a variety of 17th Century Anglican divines. More’s essay provides a sort of guide to the logic behind the composition of the volume and also provides More’s own interpretation of Anglicanism itself and especially the importance of the 17th century.

Although Anglicanism is currently out of print (again), you can find a digital copy online here, and paper copies can usually be found online too.

NOTES:

• The Newman “story” actually comes from the final lines of a famous letter he wrote in response to claims that Roman Catholics would have to murder the Queen if the Pope commanded it (something that had indeed been attempted under a different Queen with a different Pope). Newman did seem to have doubts about Papal infallibility, if not the doctrine itself then certainly what he believed to be dangerous misunderstandings of it:

I add one remark. Certainly, if I am obliged to bring religion into after-dinner toasts, (which indeed does not seem quite the thing) I shall drink—to the Pope, if you please,—still, to Conscience first, and to the Pope afterwards.