Most Protestants believe that there s a great contrast between modern Catholicism and first-centuries Christianity. But in this exploration of history and early theological writings; Papandrea (a former Protestant minister) shows that there s actually a stunning similarity. In Handed Down: The Catholic Faith of the Early Christians; James L. Papandrea (Seven Revolutions) examines that most crucial era in the transmission of Christian truth: the time of the early Church. During those few centuries following the apostolic age; the brilliant and holy pastors; teachers; and writers known as the Church Fathers took the gospel they received and developed the doctrines and practices that defined the Christian religion. And that religion of the Fathers continues today faithfully kept; vibrant and alive in the Catholic Church. The essence of Christianity is this: we hold fast to what we were given by those who came before us. From Jesus and the apostles to believers throughout history; God s saving revelation has been proclaimed; preserved; and passed on; each generation not inventing the Faith for itself but staying true to the tradition it received. Papandrea demonstrates that the early Christians were decisively Catholic in how they acted and what they believed in; including: -The authority of the Church and Sacred Tradition in addition to Scripture -The sacraments; including the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist -An ecclesial hierarchy with priests; bishops; and a pope -A theology of salvation that included the importance of works and free will -Prayers and devotions to the saints and the Blessed Virgin Mary More than a compilation of Patristic prooftexts (important though these are); Handed Down offers a fascinating window into the life of the early Church and the lessons it holds for us today. It s perfect for history-conscious Protestants looking for a friendly defense of Catholic belief; as well as for Catholics who want to deepen their connection with our forefathers in the Faith.
#332246 in Books Thomas Jefferson 2012-01-10Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.02 x .50 x 5.98l; .85 #File Name: 1936583224146 pagesThe Jefferson Bible What Thomas Jefferson Selected as the Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Exactly as advertisedBy J. BristowThe Smithsonian's reproduction of TJ's remade bible is a welcome volume in my library of Founding Fathers' writings. Its deteriorated condition meant major conservation work--all carefully explained in the preface sections--and; assuming an accurate reproduction; now makes this work available to non scholars and interested readers.Unlike some in previous reviews; the source of printing did not bother me--it is the ideas presented that are the important work. I found the book to be sturdy and well printed. The introductory sections on the history of the book and the conservation efforts undertaken were interesting (to me) and worked well with an online course I was taking at the time of acquisition.The introductory remarks followed by a thorough reading of the abridged bible; give a unique look into Jefferson's very private and almost unshared views on his religious beliefs. This was a worthwhile purchase.Disclaimer: it is (apparently) the same physical size as TJ's original but I find the reproduced type very small for these older eyes. Needs to be read with a good light over the shoulder. While I do not really want a large print edition; one or two points of type size would have made this a "5".0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. beautiful addition to any libraryBy w109amazing to hold a facsimile of jefferson's work in my hands. the book itself is beautiful and inside you can actually see the time and work he took with this very personal project. an insight into his thinking/reasoning. i love all things old and historical and for that reason alone it would make this a great purchase; but it is also the smithsonian edition and that makes it even more special. a great addition to any library.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. ImpressiveBy Matt BarnettHere's what you need to know right up front:This is a magnificent facsimile edition of "The Jefferson Bible." Scholar; chuch-goer; believer; non-believer; layman .. this book is amazing and belongs on your shelf. The actual Jefferson Bible was disassembled and the pages photographed with a Hasselblad H4D-50; a 50 megapixel DSLR and a Zeiss 120mm macro lens. In other words; the actual pages were photographed at extremely high resolution and sharpness and have been reprinted in this volume. You will hold; in your hands; the closest replication of "The Jefferson Bible" yet produced.Now; there is a "History of the Jefferson Bible" where the curators give their opinion as to what Jefferson meant in assembling his Bible. I could do without that. There is enough material out there that we can read to form our own opinions of Jefferson and what his religious beliefs were or were not. Let's not get into that debate.Aside from that; there is also a section on the restoration of the Jefferson Bible which is interesting.Then you have the actual Jefferson Bible itself. I was literally stunned at the highly detailed the replication. Even more stunning is the price: $19 here on . I bought two.Some have a beef with it being printed in China. I don't but it's your call. My advice? Buy this book.
