Reprint of the original, first published in 1873.

A landmark short history of the Catholic Church by the world's greatest living Christian theologian and historian. Hans Kung describes the history of the Roman Catholic Church from its origins in St Paul's Rome, through the disputes of the medieval era to the modern world. He examines the historic tension in the Church between pluralism and exclusivity; how the role of the Pope has changed; the motivations of the great reforming pontiffs; the evolving functions of the bishops and cardinals; the church's enthusiasm for missionary activity; the origins of the Marian cult; and how the shock waves of the Reformation and Counter-Reformation can still be felt today. The book concludes with a searching assessment of how the Catholic faith confronts the immense challenges - from science, from the empowerment of women, from those seeking reform of the Church's strictures against abortion and contraception - in the new millennium. 'The sweep is vast and the tale told with pace and passion' Financial Times

Expanded and updated for the new millennium. Covering the life of Christ, the election of Pope Benedict XVI, and everything in between, A Concise History of the Catholic Church has been one of the bestselling religious histories of the past two decades and a mainstay for scholars, students, and others looking for a definitive, accessible history of Catholicism. With a clarity that will appeal to any reader, Thomas Bokenkotter divides his study into five parts that correspond to the major historical and epochal developments in Catholicism. His authoritative, thorough approach takes readers from the Church’s triumph over paganism, through "the sound and fury of renewal," to a new section devoted to such topics as dissent and current developments in the ecumenical movement. Informative illustrations throughout the book, new to this edition, enrich the reader's experience, and the addition of a wide-ranging bibliography increases its value as a sourcebook.

This revised edition of a one volume history of the Roman Catholic church includes a final chapter giving an impressionistic account of some of the issues facing the Church as it nears the third millennium of its existence. It also covers the Christian history of the first two millennia, from the origins of the Church in New Testament times through to the year 2000.

Roman Catholicism may have been around for over 1,600 years now, but it is one of the most deceptive ongoing religious cults on the planet. Not only are they not Christian, but they lead people away from true Biblical Christianity, and frankly, straight into hell. Therefore, this book, Roman Catholicism & the Coming One World Religion, gives you the reader an in-depth understanding into the history, background, and false teachings of Roman Catholicism and their dastardly plans to create a global religion across the planet. Here you will uncover many powerful insights into such mind-blowing questions as: Is Catholicism Really Christian? Do Catholics Follow Doctrines of Demons? Is Catholicism a Cult? Do Catholics Follow False Doctrine? Is Catholicism Demonic? Do Catholics Teach a False Salvation? Is Catholicism the Great Harlot? Do Catholics Worship Mary? Can Catholicism & Christianity Coexist? Do Catholics Worship Saints? Will Catholicism Persecute True Christians? Do Catholics Need to be Witnessed To?

This revised edition of a one volume history of the Roman Catholic church includes a final chapter giving an impressionistic account of some of the issues facing the Church as it nears the third millennium of its existence. It also covers the Christian history of the first two millennia, from the origins of the Church in New Testament times through to the year 2000.

This book is a popular overview and study guide to the history of the Catholic Church. Written for non-scholarly readers with little historical background, it includes descriptions of society in different historical eras in order to make the history of the Church more understandable. The book explains important doctrinal, spiritual, and historical questions and developments. It identifies many popular saints and includes interesting historical characters. Catholics seeking a deeper spiritual life and a closer relationship with God will find many helpful ideas to trust God's love and care for them. The story of how the Church survived earlier trials will encourage people struggling with current challenges in the Church or discouraged by difficulties in their own lives. This book is useful in RCIA and religious education classes, for personal study, Catholic high school or college classes, or discussion groups.