Church History : A Complete History of the Catholic Church to the Present Day Paperback – January 1, 1989

By way of background, I should record that it was my privilege to study history at a great American history during the early seventies of the last century. Sadly though, I much abused this great privilege and probably concentrated more on my sport, wrestling, and on other, shall we say, extracurricular activities, to the expense of the serious study of the very important discipline of history. Thankfully, this important volume provides a much needed corrective to lessons first neglected.The great Catholic historian, Hilaire Belloc, averred that "Europe is the Faith; and the Faith is Europe." On completing Father Laux's very important study, I can expand even on Belloc's proposition: Western Civilization is the Faith. And the Faith is best represented in Holy Church, the Mystical Body of Church. Father John's book is the history of Holy Church, and, therefore, it is truly the history of our civilization, writ large for all to see.The book is beautifully written, and thoroughly documented. Father Laux deals skillfully and, yes, even lovingly, with all of the great epics of Holy Church, from her very beginnings at Pentacost to the Age of the Martyrs, the Arian deception, the Schism with the East, the Great Western Schism, the Renaissance, the Reformation, the horror of the French Revolution, and on into modern times. The books ends in the early forties, during the pontificate of Pius XII and the terrible times of the second world war. All told, it is a story of glory and tragedy. Indeed, it is the story of our world.Father Laux ends by invoking the memory of the Pharisee who, in cautioning his compatriots relative to persecution of the early Church warned them that if this thing is of God, then whatever they strive to do to suppress it will be in vain. This Thing is the Mystical Body of Christ. And, as dark as things may seem from time to time, the gates of Hell shall surely not prevail against it.We are deeply grateful to Father Laux for this wonderful and very important book. And we are equally grateful to the wonderful folks at TAN books of Rockford, Illinois for making available in this beautiful format.

This book is absolutely necessary for anyone who wants to learn more about the growth of the church over the last 2000 years. It does include some, what appear to be, extraneous details about some minor European countries, mainly a page or two. It also only goes up the start of the pontificate of St. JPII so it is not up to date in that aspect, but however it does cover the entirety of the history of the Church and is worthwhile just for that.It is easy to read, very beginner friendly, and a must have for any Catholic out there

I love this book. It is rich with facts and details on Catholic history

Father Laux's Church History is both thorough and enjoyable to read. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a soup-to-nuts detailed introduction to the history of the Church.

Great read. Clear and compelling

I took a church history class at a parish and this book was required. Though a few spots get a tad Irish/English-centric, it covers a LOT and covers it well. This book greatly enriched my faith and appreciation for the One True Faith and all the stormy seas it has weathered over the past 2,000 years. Corruption, renewal, heresies that last centuries, saints, kings, wars, it has it all.Don't expect much about the 20th century; you need a good 50-100 years in the rearview mirror to get any worthwhile perspective.

Very informative. I would recommend it.

Really worth the time. I learned so much. Highly recommend.