The Catholic Church through the Ages; now in its second edition; is a one-volume survey of the history of the Catholic Church from its beginning until (and including) the pontificate of Pope Francis. The book explains the Church's progress by using Christopher Dawson's division of the Church's history into six distinct "ages;" or 350-400 year periods of time; each cycle beginning with great enthusiasm and advancement and ending in decline and loss. Writing with the experience of thirty years of teaching; the author has fashioned an ideal text that combines substance with readability.Undergraduates; graduates; and interested lay people have given the author an idea of what topics should be emphasized. As a result; he has emphasized such areas monasticism; the Crusades; medieval theology; the Inquisition; Reformation; French Revolution; the nineteenth century; and the Church in the United States. And he has added material on the Oxford Movement; John Henry Newman s contributions to the Oxford Movement and to the Catholic intellectual tradition; and the Catholic literary revival that took place in several countries in the early twentieth century; as well as on the last three popes.As a supplement to each chapter; the author has included an updated the recommended readings and bibliography; as well as the audio-visual materials.
#179707 in Books Leslie William Barnard 1997Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.84 x .88 x 5.76l; .95 #File Name: 0809104725256 pagesSt Justin Martyr The First and Second Apologies
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy CustomerAdded to my collection.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Richard R. Zaborskegreat book.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Excellent for the open minded truth seekerBy Michael D RedmondSince Justin Martyr lived about 150 years after the birth of Christ; and only about 60 years after the death of John; the "memoirs" of the Apostles were still fresh in the minds of the few generations of Christians. Justin's defense of Christianity to Caesar was a brave and honorable act; and his knowledge of Old Testament scriptures as well as the teachings of Christ demonstrated his maturity in the word of God; as he used prophecy to prove that Christ is the Messiah and that Christianity should be accepted. His writings indicate that Christians are peace loving; not interested in overthrowing the government; and not "cannibals"; i.e. the eucharist. Justin's understanding of the importance of the eucharist and its weekly observance; the importance and purpose of baptism; the simplicity and purpose of Christian worship (on Sunday); and the gathering of disciples (rich and poor); who gave of their resources on a weekly basis (to care for needy); and the hope the early Christians shared in the resurrection and eternal life is a refreshing reinforcement of the simple teachings found in the Bible; before the centuries of additions and changes. Finally; JM was not perfect; and errors in his recollections were pointed out. JM was not an inspired writer; but a courageous early Christian.
