I finished this about a week ago but just now getting it logged in. So this means I will be working off memory a little more. My impression of the beginning of the book was this is very much like a history book. A lot of details about the early church and the infighting between the east--Constantinople and the west--Rome but also throw in a bunch of other places that were sort of fighting for their ideas. Rome was sort of seen as a seat but what they were thinking wasn't given anything additional over anyone else. Eventually Rome did sort of wrest the power away but at the expense of having to answer to Kings, etc from Germany, France, Spain, etc. Throw in the fact that corruption and just plain old crazy men getting elected or put into the papacy makes one wonder how all this survived to today.
Where I think this book really stepped it up was talking about Vatican II--both what was going on before, during and then afterwards. A really interesting time and also interesting where author thought the church got away from the good ideas of Vatican II and back slid missing out on what should have been accomplished or changed. Makes me wonder if the holy spirit at work or looking back at history of papacy, figure more likely the bad ideas of men. One of the reasons wanted to read this book is because the synodal meetings in Rome under Pope Francis--doesn't sound like much changing but maybe a framework for changes--best can hope for at this point I guess.
This was an interesting read if church history interests you. Does get into the weeds quite a bit so have to wade through to get to good stuff, if that makes sense.
I am keeping this book for now--it was one that came to me from a friend that we exchange books with so not sure if he wants back or if others in group would want to read.
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