In 1979 the Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith withdrew Hans KUng's missio canonica. Pope Paul VI approved the censure saying, "We are obligated to declare that in his writings he fell short of integrity and the truth of the Catholic faith." Through a 1980 agreement with the Vatican, KUng is now permitted to teach, but only under secular auspices. In this acclaimed Modern Library Chronicle, KUng examines the Catholic Church through its many reformations, focusing on the people and events that have molded it into the largest and oldest Christian denomination in the world.
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"I like Kung. A Catholic priest who has faced harsh criticism from the church, still he does not shy away from presenting undesirable aspects of the church's history. He would've been excommunicated in an earlier time. I found this book interesting to read, and quite concise." — Ben (4 out of 5 stars)
"I like Kung. A Catholic priest who has faced harsh criticism from the church, still he does not shy away from presenting undesirable aspects of the church's history. He would've been excommunicated in an earlier time. I found this book interesting to read, and quite concise."
“This much-needed book tells the truth about the Catholic past for the sake of the church’s future.”
“Robert O’Keefe’s reading is clear and calmly rational, like that of a kindly professor instructing undergraduates. Modeling his presentation on Küng’s attempt at balanced objectivity, O’Keefe measures each expression, careful to avoid the appearance of passion or emotion, though the subject by its very nature is a painful critique fraught with both.”
" Great summary of Roman Catholic history with all its faults, but yet Kung remains optimistic about the future, and ecumenism. "
" Really concise and clear writing. Small book on a huge subject. Accomplishes what it sets out to admirably. Lots of extremely dignified papacy-bashing here. "
" This could make one feel either better or worse about being a Catholic... or a bit of both. This man has his eyes wide open. "
" I got drunk once and explained the contents of this book to a friend who had been raised Coptic. I will never forget his expression when he realized that 95% of the anti-Catholic propaganda he'd been exposed to as a kid was basically historical fact. "
" great concise history and exposure of the drivers behind the how the church came to be what it is (and isn't), but purely academic and difficult translation (very germanic writing style). "
" So dense. Some history books are interesting - not this one. The author could have better organized the events of the Catholic Church. "
" A history-based history of the Church that separates the myth and legends from fact in the hopes of giving a starting point for believers who know a reform of the hierarchy is past due. "
" Very quick, objective and comprehensive history of the good and the bad of the church. Loved it. "
" A love letter/reproof to the universal Church, in the form of history. Good history of ex cathedra infallibility and other dogmas. "
" No impramatur here! I'm not even supposed to have it in our library - but of course I do! "
" Absolutely fascinating book with a lot of insight into history and Christianity in general. Listened to the audiobook. Very worth my time. "
" Thorough but dry. "
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