Popes and the Papacy: A History

De: Thomas F. X. Noble, The Great Courses

Narrado por: Thomas F. X. Noble

More than a billion Roman Catholics throughout the world today look to the pope for guidance and leadership. Despite the papacy's enormous influence, how much do you really know about this ancient and powerful institution?

Catholics and non-Catholics alike will enjoy these 24 illuminating lectures about this remarkable institution. Professor Noble gives you priceless insights into the dramatic history of the papal office and the lives of the men who represented it.

You'll follow four critical strands of papal history over 2,000 years: the history of the "Petrine" idea; the history of an institution; the history of popes and antipopes; the history of Western civilization; and you'll look inside the Vatican's doors and discover fresh views on the institution's people, ideas, traditions, and routines, as well as the important roles played by organizations like the Curia and the Secretariat of State. You'll investigate the mechanisms by which the church not only ministers to its worldwide flock but also deals with the practical realities of its administration.

Filled with interesting stories and remarkable insights, this course promises to educate, enlighten, and entertain you.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2006 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2006 The Great Courses

The history of the Catholic Church and the papacy that I’ve been looking for

Fascinating history covering the development of many institutions that I have wanted to understand better and that often provoke strong reactions from those who don’t fully comprehend them. I thought the performance was engaging and the content covered the broad strokes of all the major epochs of the papacy from classical antiquity to the present. I wouldn’t have minded some additional focus on the ecumenical councils and the various major theological issues the papacy has weighed in on over the years but I understand just as many traders would find that content to be rather dry and esoteric. Highly enjoyed this read and would recommend to anyone, catholic or not, wanting to develop a better grasp of how and why the church and the papacy function the way they do.

Another great Great Courses lecture series

I bought this series as part of ongoing research I am doing on Rome in the Renaissance. I had only planned to listen to the lectures that were closely related to that topic. But I enjoyed the teacher so much, I started back at the beginning and listened to the entire series. And I'm not even Catholic!

Brilliant casting

I dont know how they got Professor Frink to agree to narrate this book but he die an amazing job!

Excellent Series

As always Dr. Noble presents an excellent series of lectures. In this series he covers a large period of history and navigates the interesting and sometimes convoluted world of the Papacy. He does it with his usual skill and humor. He is able to make difficult topics understandable for the average person. This series is highly recommended for anyone interested in one of the most important and interesting subjects in Western History.

Somehow boring

How can anything about the Popes be borimg. I'm beginning to think readers give a lot of stars
And good reviews just because a book is a Great Courses.

Great Overview, Skilled Professor

THE LECTURER:
Dr. Noble has a great knowledge of the subject matter and a clear speaking style that wastes few words. I'll be picking up more lectures by him if the topics are equally interesting.

CONTENT:
How can you cover a nearly-2,000-year-old idea and institution in a few hours? You can't, there are just too many popes and only a few are focused on in-depth. The selection criteria seem to be celebrity and influence of ideas, but quite a few non-famous popes are covered topically as well during the geopolitical sections. The beginning and end of the series focus on the idea of what the papacy actually is and how it develops, thankfully without leaning too heavily on a theological crutch. The "bad popes" are not glossed over and this seems to be a fair and mostly objective survey.

OVERALL:
I am not an expert on this subject and so cannot provide an advanced critique, but you can be assured that Dr. Noble has presented plenty of useful information and insight for the student of Catholic history. Highly recommended.

Not what I'd anticipated, but excellent nonetheless

Right at the beginning Prof. Noble mentioned that he would not be able to devote time to many anecdotes and tales of the Papacy. Admittedly, that is essentially what I had been hoping for when I purchased the course.

As a survey course, though, I was presented with an excellent overview of the Papacy as an institution and a good idea of how the Office has evolved through time and how it functions today. Given that, I am completely satisfied with the information presented in this course and suspect you will be as well.

Plus, Professor Noble is a tremendously gifted teacher (this is the first time I've experienced his teaching, but I say this unreservedly). He uses a conversational style that is reminiscent of being told stories around a fire, perhaps. But it is all very solid and, amazingly, there are very few times that he employs "ums", "ers", and the like. It is extremely casual yet learned and his expertise shines through brilliantly. You will enjoy your time with him!

Excelente curso introductorio

Una manera muy amable de acercarse a una historia compleja y fascinante del mundo occidental, su cultura y su fe. A su vez, una manera interesante de entender la historia de la institución de la Iglesia.

Narrator of this book is Unbelievable

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes

What was one of the most memorable moments of Popes and the Papacy: A History?

I think when he discussed the move to Avignon.

What about Professor Thomas F. X. Noble’s performance did you like?

His lecture skills are truly amazing. The way Dr. Noble was able to take a large amount of content and explain in a way that was educational, informative and very very interesting. I've listened and been at many lectures and he is easily the best I have ever heard.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I think the Henry VIII Fiasco with trying to legitimatize a male heir was very entertaining.

Great Course

What did you love best about Popes and the Papacy: A History?

I found this an excellent survey of the papacy and helped in placing popes in their historical context

What about Professor Thomas F. X. Noble’s performance did you like?

He has an easy to listen to style.