Popes and the Papacy: A History

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

Narrated by: 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.

Good Overview

I waa expecting a lot more lurid details about the corruption of the papacy, especially during the Renaissance. but I'm pretty content with the information presented here.

Great Review of the Papacy

Wonderful narration and interesting review of the Papacy. As a Lutheran I learned a lot about our fellow Christians.

Engaging Professor - Easy listening

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

Yes. It offered a good history of the Papacy with an incredible amount of detail on many of the Popes. It also engaged the listener in areas of theology and church history.

Any additional comments?

A great presentation by an enthusiastic teacher. I was hoping for a neutral, scholarly perspective and was encouraged in the beginning when he raised the fact that there are questions of whether or not Peter was ever in Rome, let alone be its first bishop. But he seemed to become more and more of a "company man" as the teaching progressed. He kind of lost me when he tried to suggest that the Roman Catholic Church was not wealthy. He even suggested that the artwork was nothing the church would ever sell. I wanted to talk back to him and ask him one question: "What about all the real estate it owns around the world?" But don't let that deter you from listening to him. He does a great job even if his bias becomes very clear as time goes on in his teaching.

Excellent and Objective

Hearing the history of the Pope and the Papacy explained not by a religious leader or from a doctrinal standpoint made it better for me to fully understand and appreciate the work of the lecturer. He made his subject matter interesting and understandable.

A Solid Mainstream History of the Papacy

Professor Noble, who was a professor at Notre Dame and the University of Virginia, traces the history of the Papacy from its beginning through Benedict the 16th. The strength of this account is that it covers all the major developments and issues confronted by the Catholic Church throughout the centuries. His discussion of the Pius IX, Leo XIII and Pius XII is the best part of the account. Professor Noble, in my view, could have done a bit more to discuss the child abuse scandals that have shaken the foundations of the church in the last 30 years. He mentions but does not elaborate on why the Church took no action to discipline clergy when it was clear that they had handled sexual abuse so poorly.

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!

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.