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Matt27 -> I need a book suggestion (4/24/2008 10:09:42 AM)

I wish that as a teenager I would have known to research the Mormon Church before I joined them. If I had read about things like the Book of Abraham papyrus, Joseph Smith's money-digging and necromaner activities, and other things I probably would have never joined the LDS Church. Now that I am out I am looking for another church and my journey is leading me into the Catholic Church.

But I am not going to walk blindly into Catholicism. I read a great book called "Triumph: The Power and Glory of the Catholic Church" which is a history of Christianity since the time that Jesus walked the earth until our present day. I have also read a couple of other pro-Catholic books which each demonstrate how their church was started by St. Peter and the apostolic succession of popes all the way to the present day.

So what I need is a book on Christian history from a non-Catholic perspective. If the Catholic Church was not started by St. Peter and passed down through time until Pope Benedict XVI, then when did the Catholic Church start? I'm not looking for a book on how to witness to Catholics or that compares Catholic doctrine to biblical doctrine. I just want a history book with a non-Catholic view.

Thanks for any suggestions.



CatholicCritter -> RE: I need a book suggestion (4/24/2008 1:43:25 PM)

When I was contemplating the same things you seem to be, I started with Eusebius' Church History at http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf201.iii.html

You can see certain Arian leanings in some of it, but he's universally acknowledged as historically credible.


What I noticed was not that Reformers and the like denied the apostolicity of the Catholic Church--they did not or they would invalidate large elements of their own theology--, but rather the assertion that, as Hus said, the Popes were immoral and so relinquished their authority and became representatives of Judas and not Peter.

p.s. I thought Triumph was a great read, but Crocker tries a bit hard to put the Church in its best possible light. For example, he puts a heavy gloss on the sack of Constantinople in the 4th crusade. Still, the history is spot on, just not some of the commentary, IMO.



CatholicCritter -> RE: I need a book suggestion (4/24/2008 2:08:06 PM)

I know you're looking for non-Catholic sources, but Warren Carroll's 'A History of Christendom' is very good as well.

Henry Chadwick's The Early Church made a good impression on me but it's been years since i read it.



brothertodd -> RE: I need a book suggestion (4/26/2008 3:36:46 PM)

I was a catholic, I dont follow the catholic teachings anymore. The reasons are too numerous, but one of the first reasons is that thrie traditions tend to overshadow the sound doctrins of the bible. Even the studies are directed more on the traditions than bible studies. I'm not saying they dont have sound teachings, they do, but more emphasis is on traditions. The same can go with many other churches, Penacostals often do to. I myself go to a Church of Christ and this Church is grounded in truth but that doesnt mean one by you will. (Dont confuse it with United Church of Christ[Obamas so called church diffrent ends of the spectrum]) The attribue of a healthy church is one which centers of the essential doctrins. Augustine wrote about the church that the church should be unified in essentials. (go to Christian Reserch Institute[CRI] website for a an in depth explanation on the essentals) Then the church should exhibit liberty in non-essentals (not to judge one church from another do to there traditions ans long as the essentials are the same{and a problem with many churches today make there non-essentals--essentals}) and also Augustine said tha the church in all things show charity.
Before you settle on a church, become familiar withGods given word to you. The bible. And hold all teachings in light of the word.
other than the CRI website here are a couple more;
Walter Martins Apologetics index- A good site for questions on teachers, authors and churches (has great info on mormonism)
Grace to You- John MacArthur's website and he is quite serious to bringing truth based studies and teachings.
Amazind Facts-by Doug Batchlor (although it is predominatly a Seventh day Adventist site his bible study and teachings bring some strong points, however he has made the mistake of saying they are the true church and as someone who once kinda followed the teachings of Joseph Smith can understand my point
My prayers are with you in your search
God Bless



Ganheim -> RE: I need a book suggestion (4/26/2008 3:51:05 PM)

Thanks for the link, I had been looking off-and-on for this and it's great to know that it's conveniently available online.



funny_girl -> RE: I need a book suggestion (4/26/2008 11:22:49 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Matt27

I wish that as a teenager I would have known to research the Mormon Church before I joined them. If I had read about things like the Book of Abraham papyrus, Joseph Smith's money-digging and necromaner activities, and other things I probably would have never joined the LDS Church. Now that I am out I am looking for another church and my journey is leading me into the Catholic Church.

But I am not going to walk blindly into Catholicism. I read a great book called "Triumph: The Power and Glory of the Catholic Church" which is a history of Christianity since the time that Jesus walked the earth until our present day. I have also read a couple of other pro-Catholic books which each demonstrate how their church was started by St. Peter and the apostolic succession of popes all the way to the present day.

So what I need is a book on Christian history from a non-Catholic perspective. If the Catholic Church was not started by St. Peter and passed down through time until Pope Benedict XVI, then when did the Catholic Church start? I'm not looking for a book on how to witness to Catholics or that compares Catholic doctrine to biblical doctrine. I just want a history book with a non-Catholic view.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Matt! May I encourage you to buy a New International Version Bible? I think you're going to be very disappointed with Catholicism. I get invited to sing at some of their events down here in Mexico and have the privilege of working with a lot of Christian denominations. We focus on a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ His Son. God loves and cares very much for us and I hope that you meet some friends that can answer your good questions! I don't consider myself 'religious'. The church that my husband is pastoring has people of many denominational backgrounds and we focus on what the Holy Bible says.

I pray that you have success in your journey for the truth!



brothertodd -> RE: I need a book suggestion (4/28/2008 12:50:45 AM)

I know a book that is a must or should be a must (under the Bible of course) is called the Portable Seminary Its a nice overview of the subjects required at most seminaries, and written so even a layman can understand. The best place to by it is Wal-Mart on line I got one 10$ cheaper (including tax and postage) that at Christian bookstores. And you can put $ on a wal-mart gift card and use that so you dont have to use a credit card. (I dont work for wally world just I find books cheaper there .) Also a good series is The Case For.... series by Lee Strobel They provide strong morter as we build our life on the biblical foundation



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