The Modern Scholar: Upon This Rock: A History of the Papacy from Peter to John Paul II cover art

The Modern Scholar: Upon This Rock: A History of the Papacy from Peter to John Paul II

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The Modern Scholar: Upon This Rock: A History of the Papacy from Peter to John Paul II

By: Thomas F. Madden
Narrated by: Thomas F. Madden
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About this listen

 In this compelling series of lectures, widely esteemed author and professor Thomas F. Madden illustrates how the papacy, the world's oldest institution, gave birth to the West.

Since Jesus Christ instructed the foremost of his Apostles, Peter, that he would be the rock upon which Christ would build his church, the papacy has survived the rise and fall of empires while continuing to assert an undeniable influence on world events. The men who have served as pope are a fascinating collection of larger-than-life personages who have touched millions of lives, changed the course of history, and even launched crusades that have altered the balance of global politics.

With a learned approach and incisive analysis, Professor Madden not only provides a history of the papacy, but sheds light on the personalities of the popes and the flavor of their pontificates. At the same time, Madden demonstrates how the papacy has survived the tumultuous cauldron of history and offers a studied commentary on the future of this resilient institution.

©2006 Thomas F. Madden (P)2006 Recorded Books, LLC Christianity World Pope

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A few years ago I listened to the reading of John Julius Norwich's book "The Popes: A History" (read by Michael Jayston, on audible). It is a long (21 hours) and very detailed account, going through almost all of the popes with a mini biography, and it was very interesting. But at the same time it was frustrating because it focussed on the individual popes and gave limited information about the relevant historical background, and (even more frustrating) limited insight into the evolution of the papacy as an institution. Professor Madden's course, though much shorter, does cover both of these areas and I recommend it very highly. There is plenty of information on many key popes, but many more are not mentioned. Instead Madden explains the role played by the papacy as both a secular and religious office over the centuries. The story is made easy to follow and is very clear. Madden himself has a somewhat downbeat style but and some reviewers of his courses have complained about this -- definitely he is not in the class of the Modern Scholar lecturer Drout for example, but he is clear and concise, and makes his points well. If you want to know about the papacy I recommend starting with this course; if you want to know more then go with Norwich's book, but only after listening to this course.

Great clarity on a complicated topic

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clear, honest, helpful and unpatronising. This audio book answered so many questions relating to very humen men in a divine office.

Fascinating and full of information

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What did you like most about The Modern Scholar?

It was terrific to hear a scholarly account of the papacy told with conviction. So much of the published word is anti catholic and many are so indoctrinated to believe in the falsehoods promulgated by less learned men and the popular media of the times.
The Barque of Peter is surely able to survive the roughest seas past, present and future and it seems the great heresies continue along with the misguidance of those who do not seek the truth.

Have you listened to any of the narrator’s other performances? How does this one compare?

Always a good speaker even to us less academic.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Not really. Too much to take in and considr.

Any additional comments?

Listen to the truth.

Steady as a Rock

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