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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Good Read, A Better Reference,
By
This review is from: Keepers of the Keys: A History of the Popes from St. Peter to John Paul II (Hardcover)
In "Keepers of the Keys" Nicholas Cheetham gives the reader an overview of each and every Pope. Necessarily superficial, it does give the reader a general knowledge of highlights and trends in the history of the Papacy. Besides the history of the Papacy, this book provides the reader with a glimpse into European history as it intersects with the story of the Church.There were several concepts which were interesting to me. Among them were the competition in the early Church for primacy between the Sees of Rome and Constantinople. The various justifications advanced for the primacy of Rome, based primarily on succession to St. Peter, are explained. The changing roles of the Papacy as the Church emerged from its beginnings as an oppressed minority to its reign as the Religion of the Empire and beyond, mirror the evolving political organizations through the centuries. The sections dealing with the suppression of the Jesuits and the responses of Popes Pius XI and Pius XII to the Nazis were presented from angles which I had not previously encountered.. The suggestion that Hitler may have arrested Pius XII and taken him to Germany, as Napoleon's underlings had taken Pius VII to France in continuation of the all too traditional fate of many prior popes, creates an interesting "What if?" There were some things that I questioned about this book. I had head that, for some Popes, very little is known beyond their names. Cheetham sees to have known something about each one, but I will give him the benefit of the doubt. During much of he book, it seems that the main interests of the Popes were political. Even many of the heresies seemed to be intertwined with political and dynastic rivalries. I wondered if the Popes ever dealt with religious issues until I got to the sections on more modern Popes. Again, giving Cheetham the benefit of the doubt, perhaps the early Popes were more occupied by earthly, rather than spiritual, concerns. This book is an interesting read. I caution readers to stick with it, as I found it to improve toward the end, as it dealt with modern Popes with whom we are more familiar. After reading it through I plan to keep it handy for reference. I found this book to be an enjoyable read and a valuable resource as will, I trust, anyone with an interest I the development of the Papacy.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very servicable short history.,
A very servicable, highly readable short political history of the Roman Catholic Church, as outlined in the careers of its popes. The author maintains a commendable objectivity concerning the merits and failings of the various members of this group, among them saints, dullards, libertines, and tyrants. Highly recommended for those who want a solid, well-balanced overview.
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