Phases of Faith; or, Passages from the History of My Creed

Newman, Francis William, 1805-1897Project Gutenberg · United StatesDec 2019

Rating 2.8

Word count: 531K words
Chapters: 54

Summary

Project Gutenberg was the first provider of free electronic books, or eBooks. Michael Hart, founder of Project Gutenberg, invented eBooks in 1971 and his memory continues to inspire the creation of eBooks and related technologies today.Phases of Faith; Or, Passages from the History of My Creed by NewmanAuthor: Newman, Francis William, 1805-1897,Language: English, Class: BX: Philosophy, Psychology, Religion: Christianity: Churches, Church movements, Release Date: Apr 1, 2004

Editor's review

This book is a spiritual autobiography by the nineteenth-century British thinker Francis William Newman, narrating in the first person how his beliefs evolved through his intellectual and scholarly journey. With candor and clarity, the author traces a movement from traditional doctrinal positions toward a freer, more rational stance, combining value for intellectual history with the warmth of personal narrative. Its strength lies in not shying away from inner conflict, presenting belief change as a traceable series of stage-by-stage reflections rather than simple conclusions. For readers interested in the history of religious thought, the Victorian intellectual atmosphere, and the relationship between faith and reason, this is a rare primary text. It suits slow reading in a quiet setting, with notes to chart the turning points of each stage; it also works as material for seminars or reading groups, prompting conversations about belief formation and self-honesty. Note that this is the original English edition, written in nineteenth-century prose, and readers should have the corresponding reading ability.

Who it's for

A good fit for

Readers interested in the history of religious thought and the evolution of faith
Students of literature and history studying the Victorian intellectual atmosphere
Those who enjoy first-person spiritual autobiographies and reflective writing
Advanced readers wishing to think about the relationship between faith and reason

Not a good fit for

Practical readers seeking quick, conclusion-oriented viewpoints
Those with little experience reading English and unaccustomed to nineteenth-century prose
Students expecting a systematic theology textbook or annotated edition

Reading tips

Begin with the table of contents and chapter titles, marking the key turning points of belief before reading chapter by chapter.
Keep a notebook and record, stage by stage, the author's positions, reasons for doubt, and final stance.
When encountering unfamiliar denominations or historical background, look them up and add notes to avoid misreading.
Read alongside other Victorian autobiographies to observe similarities and differences in narrative approach.

About the publisher

Project Gutenberg United States · Founded in 1971

Project Gutenberg is a digital publishing project focused on public-domain ebooks. Its publishing direction centers on classic literary works whose copyright has expired, covering genres such as poetry, drama, fiction, and epic. Representative books include Lyrical Ballads by Wordsworth and Coleridge, Proust's Du côté de chez Swann, Shakespeare's Macbeth and The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, Homer's The Iliad, Dante's La Divina Comèdia: Purgatòri, Cervantes's The History of Don Quixote, Volume 2, and Grahame's The Wind in the Willows. Its author resources consist mainly of classic Western writers such as Wordsworth, Proust, Shakespeare, Homer, Dante, Cervantes, Grahame, and Tolstoy. Its publishing feature is the provision of freely accessible ebooks in EPUB and Kindle formats; it is not a traditional publisher, and publicly available information is limited.

FAQ

Is this book a novel or an autobiography?

It is a spiritual autobiography written in the first person, recording the stage-by-stage changes in the author's personal beliefs; it is not a work of fiction. Read it as a record of an intellectual journey, focusing on how the author describes doubt, reflection, and change rather than looking for plot conflict.

Can I understand it without a religious background?

Yes, but it requires some patience. The book involves nineteenth-century British denominations and theological debates, so it helps to learn some basic background first or look up key terms as you read. Focus on how the author examines himself and argues rather than memorizing doctrinal details, and it will be easier to follow.

How difficult is the original English edition?

The language belongs to nineteenth-century argumentative and autobiographical prose, with long sentences and many abstract words, making it moderately to considerably difficult. Annotated digital editions are recommended; read a chapter through first, then revisit difficult sentences. A translation or introductory guide can also help.

Is it suitable for classroom or reading group use?

Yes. The stages of belief change are clearly delineated, making it easy to discuss chapter by chapter. Questions can be designed around topics such as "how beliefs are formed" and "whether reason and faith conflict," inviting members to respond from their own experience, though they should be reminded to respect different positions and avoid turning it into a doctrinal debate.

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About the author

Newman, Francis William, 1805-1897 Author · British · 1805–1897

Francis William Newman (1805–1897) was a British classical scholar and religious thinker. His writings span theology and political commentary, and he often examined questions of faith in a rational and candid tone. His representative work, Phases of Faith Or, Passages from the History of My Creed, has the character of an intellectual autobiography, recording the evolution of his personal beliefs; it exerted a certain influence on nineteenth-century British discussions of religious thought. Besides theological writing, he also worked in classical scholarship and expressed his social views in political commentary. Public information is currently limited, and few details of his life and academic career are recorded, but on the evidence of his surviving works he was skilled at combining personal religious experience with the currents of his age, writing clearly and arguing rigorously. His work offers some inspiration to later liberal religious thought and deserves to be read in the context of nineteenth-century British intellectual history, as the sustained exploration of one classical scholar between faith and reason.