People of God: The History of Catholic Christianity [Paperback]

Anthony E. Gilles (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 15, 2000

The history of Catholicism is the history of Christian faith. Anthony E. Gilles traces its development--from its beginnings in hushed gatherings within the Roman Empire to its current size and influence--in an accessible and enjoyable style. A revised and updated compilation of the history volumes from his best-selling People of God series, this book will help you understand how the Church developed in relation to, or in rebellion against, the larger culture. It details centuries of crucial turning points from the development of apostolic succession to the implementation of the reforms of Vatican II. Complete with maps, timelines and special "focus" sections on important events and issues, this valuable resource belongs in the collection of every student of Church history.

Editorial Reviews

Review

...an excellent introduction to Catholic Church history, even for the believer. --Catholic Library Association, September 2001

This compact book will hold your attention from cover-to-cover. --The Catechist's Connection

About the Author

ANTHONY E. GILLES is the author of eleven books, including the six-volume series The People of God and over 500 articles on Scripture, church history, Christian and eastern spirituality, and a frequent presenter across the country on Scripture and church history as well as centering prayer and meditation. A practicing attorney, he has present original jurisdiction cases before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Product Details

• Paperback: 251 pages
• Publisher: St. Anthony Messenger Press (June 15, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0867163631
• ISBN-13: 978-0867163636
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #474,427 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fun, fair and accessible intro to Church history, August 24, 2004

By 

Jean E. Pouliot (Newburyport, MA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: People of God: The History of Catholic Christianity (Paperback)

For people like me who get lost in the details, The People of God is a godsend. In simple, bold strokes, it tells the story of Roman Catholicism in a way that explores the 2000 year history of the institution without sugar-coating its problems or downplaying its triumphs. The book's style is somewhat reminiscent of the "Dummies" line of guides, including straightforward writing and sidebars to describe particular issues. The book is respectful and even-handed when describing Church crises, including the schism with the Eastern Church, the Reformation and the Inquisition. "Focus" pages help us see Catholicism from the point of view of its adherents, including a pastor of the Dark Ages and an unfortunate lay person summoned before the Inquisition. Saints and heroes get their due, from St. Francis to St. Thomas More to St. Teresa of Avila.

Believe it or not, I used this book as a reference when working toward my Masters in Catholic lay ministry. It's great for keeping straight the plethora of dates, characters and issues that have arisen in the last two millennia.

"People of God" is super for kids of middle school age and above, whether Catholic or not. It will answer many of their serious questions without alienating the Catholics among them from the sometimes all-too-human institution to which they belong.

25 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommended to all Christians, August 5, 2000

By 

[e-mail] (LI, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: People of God: The History of Catholic Christianity (Paperback)

Do not be deceived by this title. This book rocks. Never have I seen a more concise and clear history of the church ever. Even though the focus of this book is the history of the Roman Catholic Church, I recommend it to all Christians as it teaches a very easy to read walk through of history of the church. It includes everything of how church has evolved and the reasons for the many schisms within the church. No denomination bashing here. Gilles is both Catholic and a historian, but his writings are heavily researched, and includes many truths that all Christians especially Catholics should know. Papal heresies, battle for power and land, theological schisms, and much much more. I have read many books and never have I seen someone be willing to put so much historical truth about the church. Five Stars

20 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Disappointed..., August 23, 2006

By 

corrgc "corrgc" (Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: People of God: The History of Catholic Christianity (Paperback)

For me, this book was a big disappointment. I normally look for books on "history" to simply provide the facts and sources of those facts. To be an author of an effective history book is to be anonymous throughout. Unfortunately the author felt the need to express his opinions on ancient church movements or decisions (i.e his disagreement with papal infallibility, priestly celibacy and ordination of women). By the time I was done with the book, I had a bad taste in my mouth. The author seemed to gloat over the negative history of the Catholic Church, while downplay it's tremendous success or ignore it all together. The author frequently accuses the Church of "remaining in the middle ages" or averting modern growth, but only glances over the Church's tremendous accomplishment in science, law, education (universities), economics, architecture & the Arts. In fact I don't recall reading about it's greatest accomplishment - the discernment and canonization of scripture! Or the Church's magnificient accomplishment, with the guiding hand of the Holy Spirit, of preaching the gospel through every evil stumbling block the world has thrown at it.

I gave it one star for good readability and one for his "focus" features. But if you're looking for an unbiased history - look elsewhere (Compact History of the Catholic Church - Shreck, How the Catholic Church built Western Civilization - Woods or Warren Carroll's series). This one's headed for the recycle bin.