We are a recently established (2008) non-profit organization—tax-exempt under IRS section 501(c)(3)—committed to the dissemination of the works of Francis William Newman (1805-1897) and to the advancement of critical thought regarding his works and life. We are also a literary society (and member of the ALS). Professor Newman was a polymath whose vocation was that of a classicist and historian. We hope that the wide range of subjects represented in Newman’s writings—religious, philosophical, philanthropic, political, historical, philological, orthographic, mathematical, economical, and dietary—will be reflected in the diversity of interests that our members bring to the FWNS. Nevertheless, Newman’s paramount interest was in religious studies, particularly within the Judaeo-Christian tradition, and it is Newman's exemplary practice of bringing all of his intellect to bear upon the study of religion that establishes the precedent for this Society and determines its emphasis.

A CATHOLIC UNION

Theism is the heart and basis of religious faith. As such, it is inclusive rather than exclusive, catholic rather than sectarian. F. W. Newman respected the religious sentiment wherever he found it. Since truth and goodness are of the essence of God, Newman encouraged honest enquiry, welcomed every advancement in science, and embraced in fellowship every lover of goodness, even self-defined “atheists.” What Newman disparaged was the confounding of credulity with faith, of history with religion, of human propositions with religious truth, of the love of reward and the fear of punishment with the love of goodness for its own sake. One of the missions of the FWNS is to make known the simple moral Theism which was the life-long advocacy of Newman, the most reverent of Victorian iconoclasts.

A WORD ON HERO-MAKING

Professor Newman knew not how to compromise his devotion to truth. His sincerity, both intellectual and moral, was noted by all who knew him. He gave unselfishly of his talent and energy to the advocacy of any truth that strongly recommended itself, and he bravely stood against that which opposed the truth as he understood it. We honor him for his uncompromising devotion to high ideals. Those of us who have found Newman's religious and moral guidance of great value may even esteem him as a friend and elder brother. Even so, we cannot prostrate our minds and souls before him as though he were an infallible arbiter in matters intellectual or moral; nor can we regard his writings as authoritative merely because they are his. Amicus Plato, amicus Socrates, sed magis amica veritas. As Newman himself observed from the pulpit, "It is an evil thing to call ourselves a man's followers, to express devotion to him, and blazon forth his name. Every teacher is largely the product of his age: whatever light and truth he imparts, the glory of it is due to the Father of Lights alone, from whom cometh down every good and perfect gift" ("Against Religious Hero-Making").

MEMBERSHIP

Membership will soon be available to both individuals and institutions, and will include access to FWNS publications. For details, please see our Membership Application.

PUBLICATIONS

The publication projects of the FWNS consists, at this time, of The Works of Francis William Newman on Religion: A Critical Edition, in 10 volumes, a bi-annual scholarly journal, Intellectus ante Fidem, and Letters of Francis William Newman, Chiefly on Religion: The Braithwaite Correspondence, 1868-1897. The Works and Letters will become available early in the year 2009, and the first issue of the journal is tentatively scheduled for September. The first Newsletter will be published in March 2009, at our first anniversary, and will be published quarterly thereafter.

EVENTS

The FWNS will have its first annual meeting for members at the end of 2009, at the time and place of the AAR or MLA Convention (TBA).

Governing Committee and By-Laws

 

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