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John Vidmar

The Catholic Church Through the Ages: A History Paperback – July 1, 2005

by John Vidmar (Author)

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The Catholic Church through the Ages is a one-volume survey of the history of the Catholic Church from its beginning until (and including) the pontificate of John Paul II. The book explains the Church's progress by using Christopher Dawson's division of the Church's history into six distinct "ages," or 350-400 year periods of time, each cycle beginning with great enthusiasm and advancement and ending in decline and loss. Writing with the experience of twenty years of teaching, the author has fashioned an ideal text that combines substance with readability.

Undergraduates, graduates, and interested lay people have given the author an idea of what topics should be emphasized. As a result, he has emphasized such areas monasticism, the Crusades, medieval theology, the Inquisition, Reformation, French Revolution, the nineteenth century, and the Church in the United States.

As a supplement to each chapter, the author has included an annotated list of reading and audio-visual materials.

Print length

384 pages
Language

English
Publisher

Paulist Pr
Publication date

July 1, 2005
Dimensions

6 x 0.5 x 9 inches
ISBN-10

0809142341
ISBN-13

978-0809142347
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About the Author

John Vidmar, OP, holds an STD from the Angelicum in Rome. He is the Provincial Archivist and associate professor of history at Providence College in Providence, RI.

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Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Paulist Pr; 34591st edition (July 1, 2005)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 384 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0809142341
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0809142347
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.14 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.5 x 9 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #1,325,524 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #7,530 in History of Christianity (Books)
- #8,134 in Christian Church History (Books)
- #12,857 in Catholicism (Books)

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John Vidmar

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My name is Fr. John Vidmar, OP, a Catholic priest in the St. Joseph Province (eastern USA) of the Dominican Fathers. I was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, and remain a staunch fan of the Indians and Browns, however penitential that allegiance has been. I was ordained in 1980 and have been teaching Church History ever since, first at Ohio Dominican College (now University) in Columbus, Ohio, then for 15 years at the Dominican House of Studies in Washington DC, and now (for the last 8 years) at Providence College. I have studied in Rome a total of 1 1/2 years and Edinburgh, Scotland, for 3 years -- wonderful experiences. Among my interests are, obviously, history, but I combine a number of different, somewhat disconnected, passions: bird-watching, ice-skating (with stick and puck), drawing in grey pastels, folk dancing (Scottish), opera and classical music, and cycling. Among my 'side-jobs' are Archivist for the Province of St. Joseph and the Faculty Representative to the NCAA. If I have a favorite quote it is GK Chesterton's line, "Whatever is worth doing is worth doing badly."

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Pat Quint

An excellent start

Reviewed in the United States on July 25, 2017

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This book is an excellent start to learning the history of the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostlic Church. After reading this overview of Church history, one may think how in the world did this institution founded by our Lord survive for just the first few centuries, much less for approaching 2000 years? "Founded by our Lord" is the key...."and the gates of hell will not prevail." I highly recommend this book as a "jumping off point." It only wetted my appetite for more. The author's list of suggested reading is worth the price of the book.

5 people found this helpful

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DB

The Catholic Church Through the Ages

Reviewed in the United States on August 17, 2007

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This book is great for all persons age twelve and above and persons of all faiths.

This book got me excited! In one location with an easy but well documented read, one can get a good overview of the history of the church, which ties together culture, politics, economics, and the spirituality of the times with the development of the Catholic Church.

The author also presents a foundation for the Reformation and the intent of Martin Luther. I found all the "people" (apostles, popes,saints,lay people) I thought to be important--and many more people that I had not heard of-- mentioned in this book.

This book is an excellent beginner book for church history and a slice of what one might find in a humanities course. The author writes in an easy-to-understand style and supplements the text with pictures, time-lines, charts, and lists. The author divides the history of Christianity into six ages, which helps to organize the information in a way that submerges the reader into a walk with history.

This book is appropriate for persons age 12 and beyond. It can easily be read in sections. A thorough list of supplemental materials is given.

My sister--who has shown little interest in books of this type--bought her own copy. I think she is more excited than I am!

D.B.

10 people found this helpful

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Susan Chrobak

Great Beginners Guide to Catholic Church History

Reviewed in the United States on January 19, 2007

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Easy to read beginners guide to Catholic Church History, from the time of Christ to today. Perfect for R.C.I.A. course, or just a pleasant read for anyone interested in how the Catholic Church came into being and progressed through the ages. Without placing blame on the churches actions throughout history, the author describes the churches movement through the ages, both good and bad.

Explains somewhat why Catholics do what they do, and how they differ from other Christian religions.

Chock full of advice on where to find further information at all levels, novice, intermediate and biblical scholar.

12 people found this helpful

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James E. Egolf

A Good Concise History Based on Christopher Dawson's Work

Reviewed in the United States on May 3, 2011

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John Vidmar, OP wrote a good summary of the History of the Catholic Church which helps readers who are interested to have a clear view of c. 2,000 years of Catholic History. Father Vidmar used Christopher Dawson's format of dividing Catholic History into six ages. Father Vidmar's book titled CATHOLIC HISTORY THROUGH the AGES is clearly written and is an honest attempt to give readers an honest history of Catholic Church History.

Father Vidmar began this book with a good explation of the early Church Fathers. He compared Tertullian (c.160-220) with St. Clement of Alexandria (c. 140-215) who held different views re Ancient Greek thought in that Tertullian opposed Greek thought while St. Clement argued that Ancient Greek thought was a blessing from God. Father Vidmar clearly explained the thinking of St. Augustine (354-430 AD), who wrote the CITY OF GOD, and St. Jerome (346-420) who translated the VULGATE BIBLE. Father Vidmar's explanation of St. Athanasius (296-373) and the Nicene Creed was well done. Later Church councils amplified the Creed. A good assessment of Catholic creeds was that the Catholic Church "did not make it up while it went along." The point was the creeds already in place were explained and defended once they were challenged.

Father Vidmar's explanation of early monasticism undermined the popular notions of early Medieval monks and nuns. He credited St. Pachomius (287-356)for pioneering monasticism which quickly spread in Ireland and the rest of Europe. St. Anothony (251-356)was also an early pioneer who venerated St. Athanasius. Father Vidmar included the disputes between the Byzantine Church and the Roman Latin Catholic Church. To "outiders,"these disputes appear trivial and confusing. However, Father Vidmar clearly explained the "fine points" of these disputes such as the veneration of the saints and icons.

Anyone familiar with Catholic Church History is aware of the political forces that threatened the Catholic Church. The Catholic Church barely survived the "barbarians," and when Clovis (480-52O) who ruled Gaul or modern France converted to the Catholic Faith in 496 AD, the Catholic Church was well rooted in Europe. Later, Charles Martel's (688-741)victory over the Moslems at the Battle of Tours (732)gave the Catholic Church a respite from Moslems.

Another problem the Catholic Church repeatedly faced was that of scandal such as simony, nepotism, and greed. The Cluniac Reform which began in 910 helped resolve these issues. Pope Leo IX (1049-1054)and Pope Gregory VII (1073-1085)both enhanced reform. As readers may know, Pope Gregory VII was chased out of Rome in 1083 and died a bitter disappointed man who did not realize that he started the Papal Revolution which helped the Catholic Church wrest independence from German rulers.

The Catholic Church also went on the offensive against Islam via the Crusades. Father Vidmar did a credible job explaining that the Crusades were of defensive military operations espeically when viewed by Islamic massacres of European pilgrams. While the European crusades ended in 1291 in defeat, the Europeans faced Turkish invasions when the Catholic authorties and some of the Europeans stopped them at the Battle of Lepanto in 1572 and again in 1683. There was also a tough battle at Malta in 1565.

The intellectual prowess of Catholics was enhanced beginning in the 11th. century (1000s). St. Anselm (1035-1109)revived reason as a means to explain the Faith. He was preceded by Erigena (815-877)who used reason as an explanation of the Catholic Faith. Some of the Catholic authorities were concerned that the revival would undermine the Faith rather than enhance it. For example, St. Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1053)had a bitter dispute with Peter Abelard (1043-1142)who wrote SIC ET NON which was a text which taught students to resolve apparent contradictions of the Bible, Church Fathers, etc. Father Vidmar's study of Peter Lombard (1100-1160) whose FOUR BOOKS OF SENTENCES was well done and was the standard text of Medieval theology students. The treatment of the Friars was well done, and Father Vidmar explained the difference between cloistered monks and nuns and travelling Friars such as the Franciscans and Dominicans. These friars were major influences in the Medieval universities such as St. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) and St. Bonaventure (1217-1274).

Father Vidmar then did a careful study of the Inquisition. St. John Chrysostom (349-407)argued that the execution of a heretic was a crime, and "the name of the game" was to convert or reintegrate heretics to the Faith. The Albigensians raised the ante in the early 13th. century (1200s)when the Albigensians murdered Catholics who tried to reconcile with them. Catholic authorities were senstive to the fact that secular rulers could pervert the Inquisition, and there were abuses. However, over zealous inquisitors were severely penalized for abuses, and these penalities included life prison sentences. Readers may be interested that in 1994, the BBC did a presentation that clearly explained the exaggerations and false assumptions of the Inquisition. Sadly a college history "teacher" who taught for the State University of New York tried to explain that no matter how much evidence there was to the contrary, he still wanted to believe the false exaggerations and lies because it confirmed his bias and the refusal to examine sources and documents.

Father Vidmar then clarified the History of the Catholic Church during the period of the Avignon Papacy (1314-1377) and Schism (1377-1417). Father Vidmar sorted "the players" and the issues to help readers to more clearly understand. These events overlapped the Renaissance History of the Catholic Church. Father Vidmar did not hide the character flaws and the flaws of some of the Renaissance Popes and authorities. Father Vidmar presented charts and tables of Popes during the Schims and the Renaissance to help readers know who were actually involved.

The problems of the Catholic Church and the Renaissance scholarship served as a good background. Father Vidmar informed readers of the political factors and religious disputes that led to the Reformation. He gave a good precise of the origins of the Reformation in Germany. He exlained the concepts of Luther (1483-1546) and Calvin (1509-1564). Father Vidmar treated the events in England re Henry VIII (1509-1547), Edward (1547-1553), Mary (1553-1558),and Elizabeth (1558-1603).

Father Vidmar further explained the success of the Catholic Counter Reformation beginning with the Council(s) of Trent (1545-1563). The reaffirmation of the Faith and the reforms were long overdue, and Father Vidmar dissects these reforms. He also gave readers the rise of the new religious orders such as the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) started by St. Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556). The Counter Reformation expanded into new missionary zeal which extended to the Americas, Asia, and parts of Africa. The success of the Catholic Counter Reformation showed that careful planning and zeal paid dividends.

The last section of this book dealt with the "Sixth Age" of Catholic Church History beginning with the French Revolution. Father Vidmar explained why Catholic clergy were massacred in 1792 because of their refusal to adhere to the Civil Constitution of the Clergy (1790). Napolean (1769-1821)used the conflict between the Catholic Church and civil authorities to his own political advantage which was clear. These events were followed by the Revolutions of 1830 and the big European revolutions of 1848. These revolutions were often violent and destructive which alarmed Catholic authorities. Some historians have critisized the Syllabus of Errors (1864), Father Vidmar explained that the Syllabus was meant for specific situtations, but the apparent universal character of the document made Pope Pius IX (1846-1878)and other Catholics looked reactionary and, at times, rediculous.

The advent of Pope Leo XIII (1878-1903)made changes in spite of his concept of Papal Infallibility which was misunderstood. The concept only applied to "Matters of Faith and Morals." Pope Leo XIII also revived Thomism or the revival of Scholastic Philosophy and reason as the buttress for the Faith. Pope Pius X (1903-1914)and Pope Benedict XV (1914-1922)both tried to prevent W.W. I. The effects of W.W. I was viewed by Catholic authorities as a disaster which led to the rise of Fascism and Big Communism.

Father Vidmar had a good section of Catholcism in the U.S. He cited St. Katharine Drexel (1858-1955)who did outstanding work in helping the poor attend school and learn. Father Vidmar also hadhigh praise of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini (1850-1917) who was the first American to be canonized as a saint and who also did outstanding work re teaching/learning among the poor. Dorothy Day (1897-1980)started the publication of THE CATHOLIC WORKER on behalf of the working poor.

Father Vidmar concluded this book with a brief but effective history of the heroic efforts of Catholics before, during, and after W.W. II. He explained the changes via Vatican II (1962-1965). Those who are confused by recent changes re the Catholic Church will benefit from the latter parts of this book.

Father Vidmar wrote a readable account and a solid concise history. The book has a solid bibliography which can help readers "fill the gaps" in this book. Father Vidmar wrote a good book which gives careful balance of the History and ideas of the Catholic Church. The book is useful to those not familiar with Catholic Histroy and is a useful guide for those more knowledgeable about Catholic History.

James E. Egolf

May 2, 2011

18 people found this helpful

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kfrederick

This is the book to read if you're interested in Church history

Reviewed in the United States on December 13, 2010

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This book was recommended to me by someone who was already well versed in the Catholic Church. I am using it along with a Catholic Church History course I'm taking. I've since recommended the book to the rest of the class. I am NOT a history buff; in fact, history was the only class I disliked in high school and in college. The author prefaces the book by explaining his resources, his audience, and his approach in writing the book. He organized the information logically and writes clearly and is easy to read. The information tracks closely with the course materials and with another church history book I am using for the course. I find this is the book I reach for whenever I want to reference something we are discussing in class. It provides the right level of detail for someone who wants an overview of 2000 years of church history but is not preparing to write a thesis on the subject. Definitely worthwhile reading whether you are taking a course or not. The Catholic Church through the Ages: A History

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Ettamarie Peterson

How Interesting the Catholic Church made it through the centuries!

Reviewed in the United States on May 10, 2017

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Very interesting. I enjoyed seeing this author's view of the Catholic Church's history. I think he was trying to be fair and non-judgemental.

2 people found this helpful

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Mr. P. J. Morton

Good, but often brief or superficial

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 10, 2014

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The book is pretty good with a huge amount of content but sometimes it seems a bit brief on some topics or slightly too superficial to the extent that it doesn't always get to grips with all of the negative details and can feel a bit biased. However, contrary to that other comment, his covering of the Inquisition and Galileo is good and reflects a lot of what other modern scholars are starting to discover through revisionist study.

Sr. Teresita Kambeitz

Pleased

Reviewed in Canada on April 7, 2014

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I am looking for a church history textbook that highlights the teaching ministry of the church. This book meets that approach quite well.

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