Gaume Jean

Gaume Jean, a Roman Catholic theologian of France. He was a prolific writer of the strictest ultramontane school, and in 1852, while vicar general of the diocese of Nevers, kindled a great literary controversy by his pamphlet Ver Rongeur, in which he condemned the study of the Latin and Greek classics, and advocated the substitution for them of the Church fathers in the course of classical education. The leading organ of the ultramontane party in France, the Univers, and several bishops, sided with Gaume; but many others declared against his views, and his own diocesan, the bishop of Nevers, censured him for the publication of the pamphlet. In consequence of this censure, Gaume resigned at the close of the year 1852. He died in 1869. Among his other numerous writings are, Du Catholicisme dans l'education (1835): — Manuel des Confesseurs (5th edit. 1842): — Catechisme de Perseverance (1838): — Tableaux de l'histoire de la religion: — Histoire de la Societe domestique (1844): — Credo ou refuge du Chretien dans les temps actuels (Paris, 1867). (A.J.S.)