People of God: The History of Catholic Christianity

Rating:
Summary: Highly recommended to all Christians
Review: 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

Rating:
Summary: Highly recommended to all Christians
Review: 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

Rating:
Summary: A fun, fair and accessible intro to Church history
Review: 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.