Development of doctrine
Development of doctrine is a term used by philosopher John Henry Newman and other theologians influenced by him to describe the way Christian teaching has become more detailed and explicit over the centuries, while later statements of doctrine remain consistent with earlier statements. == Precursors == In the 16th century, Erasmus controversially suggested, from historical evidence, the reality of the development of doctrine in some important areas: examples being papal supremacy ("I have never doubted about the sovereignty of the Pope, but whether this supremacy was recognised in the time of St.