Papal Infallibility: A Protestant Evaluation of an Ecumenical Issue

by Mark E. Powell

First major book-length study on this subject written by a Protestant in more than a century.

The dogma of papal infallibility has become increasingly problematic for Roman Catholics, and it is a major point of division in Christian ecumenical dialogue -- arguably the key issue separating Catholics and other Christians today. Mark Powell here contends that papal infallibility has inevitable shortcomings as a way to secure religious certainty. After introducing the doctrine, he illustrates those limitations in the life and writings of four prominent Catholic Henry Edward Cardinal Manning, John Henry Cardinal Newman, Avery Cardinal Dulles, and Hans Kung.

The book concludes with a fresh proposal for conceiving religious epistemology, ecclesial authority, and ecumenical agreement. Powell's  Papal Infallibility  is an accessible, critical study for Catholics and non-Catholics alike.

Genres: Catholic, Theology

238 pages, Paperback

First published January 27, 2009

Reviews

[Vagabond of Letters, DLitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review forthcoming, Deo volente.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very well researched book. Powell goes into great detail on the four Catholic theologians (Manning, Newman, Dulles and Kung) giving an in-depth history of the development of their views, as well as a general overview of their wider theology. Definitely worth buying for all those who are interested in the topic of "papal infallibility". As a Catholic I found additional ecumenical perspective Powell brought to be very interesting. The one negative is that I would somewhat question the decision of the author to situate his examination of the topic within the wider context of epistemology, and that decision at times somewhat limits his analysis. Overall though, a highly recommended read.