In this age of knowledge at our fingertips, the bloody history of that venerable institution known as the Roman Catholic Church (or Holy Mother Church) is probably not surprising to anyone who reads much at all. Most will have heard of the Crusades and the Inquisitions and many will be aware that some of those who've worn the ring of St Peter were not by far the holiest of people. But what most may not know is just how many of these Holy Fathers missed the mark and by how far.
Dr Martin, as I expected he would, relates a myriad of fascinating (and blood-chilling) facts that I only wish were "incredible"; however, I consider this man a master storyteller, and a very credible one, and he does confirm much that I have read by others.
When the persecuted Christians of the fourth century welcomed Constantine's offer of protection, little did they dream they were making a deal with the devil himself! They could not have foreseen how their cherished beliefs, now in the hands of the Romans, would evolve into the greatest and longest-lasting "scam" of recorded history. Finally, after many centuries of skirmishes, not to mention much bloodshed, over minor and spiritually meaningless points of doctrine between Eastern and Western churches, and continual spying, stalking, skullduggery, back-stabbing, torturing, maiming and murdering by popes, princes of the Church, clerics, monks and their secular collaborators -- emperors, queens, knights and nobility -- against any who opposed them, this once corrupt entity is actually emerging from its 1700-year nightmare of general mayhem to rediscover its beginnings and to preach the messages of its Founder! The Church always did have its luminaries -- Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross et al., those amazing souls who managed by the Grace of God to apprehend spiritual truth despite the darkness surrounding them. And surely, as Dr Martin says, there have been countless monks, nuns and others who lived quiet, contemplative lives of prayer and good works whose names will remain forever unknown.
These were times when the prize of the papacy was so coveted that even blood ties must not stand in its way and the atrocious deeds described in these pages, perpetrated by the "holy ones" upon upon their peers can scarcely be rivaled in any grim and gruesome thriller of a novel. This book is probably not for the faint of heart! That said, it is not entirely without its lighter moments as some of the antics, shenanigans and machinations of its characters are quite laughable! As the author himself concedes, some of his material would have made good fodder for Gilbert and Sullivan! All in all, it is a great read!
Is this what Jesus meant when he said that he had not come to bring peace, but a sword? Did he actually see what would happen once he was gone? He may indeed have known that the only way his teachings could be preserved for future generations would be to have the strongest worldly ally/protector possible -- the Holy Roman Empire.
Unlike the author, whose radio interviews I have always enjoyed, and whom I have admired greatly for his vast knowledge of many subjects, I tend to hold a more optimistic view of our future and that of the Catholic Church. I just cannot go along with his gloomy prognostications about "the Man of Destiny" and such. I do not know that Dr Martin ever claimed to have prophetic visions, so I have to assume that he was working only with his human knowledge and I hope and pray that he will be proved wrong!
It seems to me that some of the popes have made some very good and needed changes and that many others are being and will be made. I certainly agree with Dr Martin that this church needs a great spiritual awakening and I believe it is coming!
We have now been gifted with a true Representative of Christ upon this Earth -- at last, a servant of the people! May Pope Francis live long!!!
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
About the author
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews. Please reload the page.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 31, 2004
- Reviewed in the United States on April 7, 2024
- Reviewed in the United States on December 6, 2016
- Reviewed in the United States on July 23, 2015
Top reviews from other countries
- karon AReviewed in the United Kingdom on May 4, 2018
Fantastic read that also helps you understand the Roman Church and its place in world affairs!
- Amazon CustomerReviewed in the United Kingdom on December 3, 2016
No stickers PLEASE!
