Meaning: This quote is from John Henry Newman, a prominent 19th-century Anglican clergyman who later converted to Roman Catholicism and became a cardinal. The quote reflects Newman's deep commitment to dogma as the core principle of his religious belief. Dogma refers to the established principles or doctrines of a religious faith, which are considered to be authoritative and unchanging. In this quote, Newman emphasizes that dogma has been the fundamental principle of his religion since the age of fifteen, and he cannot conceive of any other form of religion.

Newman's emphasis on dogma as the foundation of his religious belief is significant in the context of his personal and intellectual journey. Born in 1801, Newman was raised in the Church of England and later became a leading figure in the Oxford Movement, a 19th-century religious revival within the Anglican Church that sought to emphasize its Catholic heritage. However, Newman's studies and spiritual exploration eventually led him to question his Anglican beliefs and to seek a deeper understanding of the nature of religious truth.

In his quest for truth, Newman grappled with the tensions between faith and reason, tradition and modernity, and authority and individual conscience. His writings, including his influential work "An Essay on the Development of Christian Doctrine," reflect his engagement with these complex issues and his evolving understanding of religious belief. Throughout his life, Newman was deeply concerned with the question of how to reconcile the demands of faith with the intellectual challenges of the modern world.

The quote also sheds light on Newman's rejection of religion as a mere sentiment or emotional inclination. For Newman, religion could not be reduced to a subjective feeling or personal preference; instead, it was rooted in the authoritative teachings and doctrines of the Christian faith. This stance reflects Newman's commitment to a robust and intellectually rigorous understanding of religious belief, one that was grounded in the firm foundation of dogma.

Newman's eventual conversion to Roman Catholicism in 1845 marked a significant turning point in his life and career. His embrace of Catholicism was driven by his conviction that the Catholic Church embodied the authentic continuity of apostolic tradition and the authoritative interpretation of Christian dogma. This decision caused a stir in the religious landscape of Victorian England and had profound implications for Newman's personal reputation and relationships.

After his conversion, Newman continued to engage in theological and philosophical reflection, producing a body of work that remains influential to this day. His writings on faith, reason, and the nature of religious belief continue to be studied and debated by scholars and religious thinkers. Newman's elevation to the rank of cardinal in the Catholic Church in 1879 affirmed his significance as a theologian and intellectual figure within the Catholic tradition.

In conclusion, John Henry Newman's quote about dogma as the fundamental principle of his religion offers a glimpse into his deep-seated convictions and the intellectual journey that shaped his religious beliefs. His emphasis on the authoritative doctrines of faith, his rejection of religion as mere sentiment, and his eventual conversion to Roman Catholicism all reflect the complex interplay of faith, reason, and tradition in Newman's life. His legacy as a theologian, thinker, and religious figure endures, and his exploration of the role of dogma in religious belief continues to resonate in contemporary discussions about faith and religious identity.