The Holy Father and the Papacy

Pope Fiction

Answers to 30 Myths and Miconceptions about the Papacy
Book cover: Pope Fiction
Author(s): 
Patrick Madrid
Number of pages: 
338 pages
Copyright: 
1999
ISBN: 
978-0964261006
Publisher: 
Basilica Press
Binding: 
Softcover
Sample Pages
Subject(s): 
Church History
The Holy Father and the Papacy
Grade / Age level: 
High School
Adults
Review: 

This is a wonderful, very readable, book on history and apologetics that takes readers (chronologically) through 30 myths about the papacy and provides very clear answers. The myths cover topics such as: that Peter wasn't really a pope (because he refered to himself as a "fellow presbyter", that the Rock referred to in Matthew 16:10 was not really Peter, that Peter wasn't the ultimate authority in the Church because he was rebuked by St. Paul, that the papacy is merely a medieval Roman invention, that the existence of bad popes disqualifies the papacy as being part of Christ's plan for His Church, that Pope Pius XII was the last validly elected pope (the sedevacantist argument) and that Pope Pius XII was silent in the face of Nazi atrocities against the Jews during World War II.

In the tradition of St. Thomas Aquinas' Summa Theologica, Patrick Madrid argues against some fairly compelling beliefs of "the other side" in order to help readers more fully understand Catholic doctrine and tradition, as well as be prepared to answer difficult questions posed by non-Catholics and confused Catholics.

Anecdotes and well-chosen quotes really help to illustrate the fallacies of the arguments and make the counter-arguments quite memorable. These responses include quite a bit of pertinent historical details, references to the Bible and the Catechism of the Catholic Church and lots of apologetics "ammunition" for conversations with those who stand against the Pope and the Catholic Church.

Suitable for high school and adult reading.

Reviewed by: 
Alicia Van Hecke
First reviewed: 
4-17-01

The History of the Papacy

Subject(s): 
Church History
The Holy Father and the Papacy
Resource Type: 
CD ROM
Review: 

This CD ROM provides a complete and orthodox look at the History of the Papacy in a professional and attractive interactive format. Each of the Popes from St. Peter through Pope John Paul II are presented with a short biography (from one or two paragraphs to one or two pages each - the text is taken from The Popes Through the Ages by Joseph S. Brusher, S.J. - 1959), numerous images (portraits, coins, commemorative stamps, statuary) and the coat of arms. In addition, several video clips each are offered for most of the Popes of the 20th century (most are without audio) and separate audio clips are offered for several 20th century popes as well.

The history presented is very Catholic and very balanced (for example, both St. Pius X and Pope John Paul II are greatly admired and favorably presented). Vatican II is presented as orthodox, but frequently misinterpreted and even abused in its application.

An appendix includes several histories. First - a history of the Crusades. This text is taken from the Catholic Encyclopedia (1908) and includes several traditional images. Second - a history of the Ecumenical Councils with a brief description of each, illustrations of a number of the councils and a video clip from Vatican II. Finally - a listing of the anti-Popes (false claimants to the Papacy).

This is a really nice resource and history supplement. It's nice to have one that is so beautiful and orthodox.

Reviewed by: 
Alicia Van Hecke
First reviewed: 
2-3-01