
Popes and the Papacy: A History
Failed to add items
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
3 months free
Buy for $33.90
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
-
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 CoursesListeners also enjoyed...




















People who viewed this also viewed...


















The history of the Catholic Church and the papacy that I’ve been looking for
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Another great Great Courses lecture series
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Brilliant casting
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Excellent Series
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
And good reviews just because a book is a Great Courses.
Somehow boring
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Dr. Noble has a great knowledge of the subject matter and a clear speaking style that wastes few words. I'll be picking up more lectures by him if the topics are equally interesting.
CONTENT:
How can you cover a nearly-2,000-year-old idea and institution in a few hours? You can't, there are just too many popes and only a few are focused on in-depth. The selection criteria seem to be celebrity and influence of ideas, but quite a few non-famous popes are covered topically as well during the geopolitical sections. The beginning and end of the series focus on the idea of what the papacy actually is and how it develops, thankfully without leaning too heavily on a theological crutch. The "bad popes" are not glossed over and this seems to be a fair and mostly objective survey.
OVERALL:
I am not an expert on this subject and so cannot provide an advanced critique, but you can be assured that Dr. Noble has presented plenty of useful information and insight for the student of Catholic history. Highly recommended.
Great Overview, Skilled Professor
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
As a survey course, though, I was presented with an excellent overview of the Papacy as an institution and a good idea of how the Office has evolved through time and how it functions today. Given that, I am completely satisfied with the information presented in this course and suspect you will be as well.
Plus, Professor Noble is a tremendously gifted teacher (this is the first time I've experienced his teaching, but I say this unreservedly). He uses a conversational style that is reminiscent of being told stories around a fire, perhaps. But it is all very solid and, amazingly, there are very few times that he employs "ums", "ers", and the like. It is extremely casual yet learned and his expertise shines through brilliantly. You will enjoy your time with him!
Not what I'd anticipated, but excellent nonetheless
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Excelente curso introductorio
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?
YesWhat 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.Narrator of this book is Unbelievable
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
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 contextWhat about Professor Thomas F. X. Noble’s performance did you like?
He has an easy to listen to style.Great Course
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.