UPON THIS ROCK A History of the Papacy From Peter To John Paul II

In these 14 lectures, Thomas Madden tackles a nearly impossible task-to tell the two-thousand-year history of the papacy in seven hours. Necessarily, Madden hits only the very high and very low points: the origin of the papacy, the crises, and the individuals' and the office's respondes to changes. Sometimes entire centuries get covered in a few minutes, making the lectures frustratingly thin. When Madden slows down, especially when he shares stories to illustrate a pope's character or spells out doctrinal reasoning, the content is rich and meaningful. The delivery also varies. At times, Madden seems hesitant, almost disconnected from his material, pausing often and speaking with limited emotion. Later, however, Madden's delivery loosens and gains more energy. G.T.B. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 07]