Roman Catholic opposition to Papal Infallibility

"Roman Catholic Opposition to Papal Infallibility" by W. J. Sparrow-Simpson is a historical and theological study written in the early 20th century. It examines how significant numbers of Roman Catholic bishops, clergy, and laity struggled with, resisted, and ultimately were pressed to accept the doctrine of Papal Infallibility, especially around the First Vatican Council. Drawing almost entirely on Roman Catholic sources, it traces arguments across countries and centuries and emphasizes the inner history of the opposition rather than a full chronicle of Vatican I. The opening of the work sets out its aim: to narrate, from Roman Catholic evidence, the intellectual and moral difficulties many Catholics faced in assenting to Papal Infallibility, deliberately excluding Protestant critiques. The preface highlights newly available letters and biographies, notes the pressures shaping Ultramontane biographies, mentions the Indexing of Turmel’s book, and acknowledges scholarly assistance, before listing extensive authorities and a contents roadmap. The first chapter tests the scriptural cornerstone (Luke 22:32), arguing that Christ’s words to Peter do not establish papal inerrancy: the prayer is exclusive and conditional; “faith” concerns personal devotion rather than guaranteed utterances; “strengthen thy brethren” denotes moral support and a command, not an infallible promise; and successors are not implied.

Roman Catholic opposition to Papal Infallibility, by W. J. Sparrow-Simpson. Republished by OpenStories from Project Gutenberg eBook #77157.