Thomas Becket:
Defender of the Church
ISBN 9781681925820
eISBN 9781681925837
ASIN B08KC5RL7Q
This is the sixth volume from Father john Hogan that I have read. And it is the second of his on Thomas Becket, the first was Devotions to St Thomas Becket, which was an excellent read. In fact, I have given this book and then other five I have read by Father Hogan 5/5 stars. And each time I find out about a new volume I eagerly await the release. This is bar far the longest book that Father Hogan has written. The print edition comes in at 544 pages. It is the length of all his previous works combined. It was through Hogan’s writings in the Saints of the Isles series and his work A Book of Martyrs: Devotions to the Martyrs of England, Scotland and Wales, that I started taking a look at English saints. Due to bias instilled by Irish and Scottish grandparents I never even really considered the English saints. Now that is not to say that I was completely unaware of them, and especially Becket. But I never had an interest in learning about them. Father Hogan’s works played a major roll in that. And this book goes much deeper than any I have read on an English saint. The description of the volume is:
“Thomas Becket: Defender of the Church reintroduces this enigmatic saint and invites us to consider his background, his influences, his progress in ambition and office, and his personal struggle for holiness. This biography reveals the relevance Thomas's life and struggle have to our own day. As secularism seeks to destroy faith, Catholics can turn to Saint Thomas for help. His is the story of every Christian; though the time and circumstances may differ, the struggle remains the same. Nine hundred years after his death, Saint Thomas Becket remains a man and a saint for our times.”
And the chapters are:
Introduction
Prologue
Part I: Ambition’s Servant
1. The Ship
2. A Boy from London
3. Our Friend Richer
4. The Anarchy
5. Paris
6. Return of the Wastrel
7. Theobald
8. Archiepiscopal Servant
9. Peace
10. Archdeacon
Part II: The King’s Servant
11. Henry
12. Royal Chancellor
13. The Trappings of Power
14. Master and Servant
15. Thomas the Warrior
16. Thomas of Canterbury
Part III: The Church’s Servant
17. Of Scepters and Croziers
18. Anselm
19. Father
20. Zeal
21. Alexander
22. Woodstock
23. The Council at Westminster
24. A Very Public Quarrel
25. The Clarendon Affair
26. The Darkest Hour
27. Crisis at Northampton
28. The Archbishop Goes to War
29. Exile Part
IV: Servant of Christ
30. Pontigny
31. Vézelay
32. The Legates
33. The Two Kings
34. Ad Honorem Dei
35. Patience and Impatience
36. Montmartre
37. The Crown Affair
38. Return
39. Christmas
40. Alfege
41. Vespers
42. The Saint and the Penitent
43. A Solitary End Epilogue
Epilogue
Arca Sancti Thomae
Acknowledgments
Notes
Select Bibliography
This book is a deep read. It goes into the history, politics and theology involved in these events. It does not whitewash Becket. It presents a very clear well researched and honest biography of this saint. A saint that we could use much in these times. There is more depth in the material in this volume than many books I have read about specific saints.
Becket was a man who changed, he changed because of God, and chose to try and live a holier life. He wanted his actions to live up to his calling. The extent of his piety and devotion only came to light after his martyrdom. And his cult has remained strong.
His example is one all of us can try to emulate. To have our actions live up to our theology. To have a quiet, devotional, piety, that many may not see. To live for God, no matter the cost. And to be honest the church could use more bishops, archbishops, and cardinals like Thomas. Especially in the days and times we find ourselves in.
This is an excellent biography, and wonderful example of hagiography. It nether aggrandizes or whitewashes. It presents a man who was much aware of his own faults, especially as time went on. But also, a man who tried to make amends. A man who love d God, loved his flock, and did everything he could for them.
I think this is a book that any Catholic, any Christian would benefit from reading. It is masterfully written. I am sure you will be challenged in your faith. So, I strongly encourage you to pick it up and give it a try!
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2020 Catholic Reading Plan!
Reviews of other books about Thomas Becket:
Devotions to St Thomas Becket - John S. Hogan...
Books by John S. Hogan:
Edmund Arrowsmith (Saints of the Isles)
A Book of Martyrs: Devotions to the Martyrs of England, Scotland and Wales
Devotions to St Thomas Becket
Thomas Becket Defender of the Church
Books by John S. Hogan:
Edmund Arrowsmith (Saints of the Isles)
A Book of Martyrs: Devotions to the Martyrs of England, Scotland and Wales
Devotions to St Thomas Becket
Thomas Becket Defender of the Church
…
Books in the Living Fruitfully Series:
Self-Control
Generosity
…
Author profile and interview with father John S. Hogan.
Books in the Living Fruitfully Series:
Self-Control
Generosity
…
Author profile and interview with father John S. Hogan.
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