Pope Peter - Joe Heschmeyer - Defending the Church's Most Distinctive Doctrine in a Time of Crisis

Pope Peter: Defending the Church's Most Distinctive Doctrine in a Time of Crisis

Joe Heschmeyer 
Catholic Answers Press
ISBN 9781683571803

eISBN 9781683571827

ASIN B089WJRJYK

This book is an excellent read. Great for the lay person with an interest in going deeper. And great for the academic. I would have loved to have had this book when I did my Religious Studies Degree with a specialization in Roman Catholic Thought. It was a book that I took a little more time with. Often reading a chapter and waiting a day or 2 before moving on. Really thinking about that was presented and sometimes looking up the extensive references and digging into the chapter endnotes. I enjoyed this volume greatly and have recommended it to a few different friends. Friends that are Catholic and two who have shown an interest in Catholicism. The chapters in this volume are:

Introduction: The Pope Francis Problem

1. Getting Theology Right

2. I Will Build My Church

3. A City On A Hill

4. Servant Of The Servants Of God

5. The Good Shepherd Calls A Shepherd

6. Jesus Tethers Peter To Himself

7. The Fisher Pope

8. Peter And The Eleven

9. Upon This Rock

10. You Are Peter

11. Whatever You Bind On Earth

12. The Post-Petrine Papacy

And the description of the book is:

“The papacy is no stranger to controversy.

In many ways it’s Catholicism’s defining doctrine—but also its most divisive. From medieval pontiffs who acted like princes to a modern pope whose every casual statement sets off a social-media firestorm, there has been plenty for non-Catholics to criticize and for the faithful to feel anxious about.

We profess that Jesus made St. Peter the visible head of his Church on earth and that his successors throughout the ages are guided by the Holy Spirit to govern, teach, and sanctify it. How can we strengthen this belief in the papacy in the face of challenges (both outside the Church and within it) and so strengthen our faith in the One who instituted it?

In Pope Peter, Joe Heschmeyer says that papal flaws are an opportunity to understand what the papacy really means, not to abandon it (or the Church). Drawing deeply on the scriptural and historical witness, he offers a thorough but accessible defense of the papal office and an edifying picture of the extent—and limits—of its authority.

Jesus made Peter the Rock of the Church and promised that the gates of hell would not prevail against it. Pope Peter will confirm your faith in that promise and help you proclaim its truth to others.”

This book is an excellent read. We are told in the first section that:

“The idea for this book started nearly a decade ago, during the pontificate of Pope Benedict XVI. On my blog Shameless Popery, I wrote a series of five articles on the topic of “Pope Peter,” exploring the biblical basis for the idea that the papacy was established by Christ, with Simon Peter as the first pope. That seed would eventually flower into this book, but along the way, several things happened.”

The book is more of an academic work. But Joe has written it in such a way that any Catholic, Christian or really anyone could pick it up and read through it. It does a great job of defending the church and the seat of Peter. The writing is clear and concise. The sources extensive. 

This book was an engaging read. It is very well written. This was the first book by Joe that I have read. But I have already picked up his other one and know I will pick up any future offerings.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2020 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books by Joe Heschmeyer:

Pope Peter: Defending the Church's Most Distinctive Doctrine in a Time of Crisis

Who Am I, Lord? Finding Your Identity in Christ

…

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