The Modern Scholar: The Catholic Church in the Modern Age

By: Thomas F. Madden

Narrated by: Thomas F. Madden

As the world entered the modern age, the Catholic Church faced new challenges to its authority, both from without and within. As one of the planet's oldest institutions, the Church had already survived 16 centuries, but as winds of change altered the global landscape, the Church's very existence would be called into question.

Professor Thomas F. Madden leads these compelling lectures, focusing on a Church both adapting to a world in flux and striving to exert its influence and power. Throughout modernity, the Church responded to - and weathered - a host of major world events: the Enlightenment, the French Revolution, colonization of the New World, and of course the World Wars that in large part defined the 20th century.

As the face of the Church, the popes affected Catholicism in ways that can only be truly understood from a careful examination of the past. And so the lives of the popes, along with major Church proceedings, wars, and other significant world events, are brought to bear in a comprehensive look at the Church in the modern age.

©2007 Thomas F. Madden (P)2007 Recorded Books

Excellent!

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

Since it is a lecture format, and is delivered by Prof. Madden, is is flawless in performance. Very engaging and easy to listen to.

Sure, why not?

By the end of lecture, the professor made a slip of tongue and said "first" instead of "second" but otherwise, a good lecture on the modern catholic church. It's also very informative if you are interested in Victorian history in Europe. I certain find the Italian history a bonus.

excellent lecture series; wonderful professor

I am a big fan of Prof. Madden and have listened to most (if not all) of his lectures. I originally put this one off since, as a non-Catholic, I wasn't sure it would have much relevance or interest for me. I was wrong! He shared fascinating stories as always, and I appreciate his calm speaking voice and lecture style. I learned a lot, as always.

Wonderful way to learn Catholic church history

Madden's voice is monotonious, but he does hold you with the history.
This audio should be approached more as the lectures they are and not as a continuous stream such as a novel. This allows you to overcome the voice deficit and concentrate on the material presented.

Insightful

Along with a fascinating history of the modern church, this was also an insightful overview of the events that shaped recent European history as seen from the perspective of the church leaders.