Jesus, Peter & the Keys: A Scriptural Handbook on the Papacy

Rating:
Summary: A very good book. . .
Review: . . .with a few presentation flaws that prevent a fifth star.

This is an outstanding example of excellence in Catholic apologetics. It is also a compelling argument against those Protestants who believe, for some reason, that Catholic scholars can't, don't, or won't use Scripture.

The book provides a remarkable Scriptural exegesis for the Office of Peter, and supports that exegesis through citations from the Church Fathers (both East and West), from Reformation era Protestants, and even from Eastern Orthodox theologians.

I personally know two of the men who reviewed this book. One, a highly skilled professor of New Testament and Church History has since become a Catholic. (Please see my review of "Mighty in Word and Deed" by James Shelton).

I, myself, used this volume as a secondary source in the preparation of my Master's Thesis.

The minor downsides to this book are that the presentation is sometimes choppy. It's a difficult volume to actually sit and read through -- and this is something which could easily be changed, and that a few of the citations would have greatly benefited from some context.

Other than these minor items, I found this book extremely valuable.

I highly recommed this work.

Rating:
Summary: All beef with no bull!
Review: I was first attracted to this book because of the title--simple and direct, no flashy titles to make up for lack of content. That was about two years ago. Since, I have read other materials related to the topic as well as Protestant comments about the book. I just read it again and am thankful for the opportunity.( I just had to order another, I gave my first away) The authors--Deacon David Hess, Norman Dahlgren and Scott Butler have done a fine job in presenting the historical truth regarding the Papacy. I have met two of the authors and look forward to more of their work. I recommend reading this book twice, and read some works that try to refute this one between readings. You will soon find how sound this book really is, it is ALL meat.

Rating:
Summary: Fascinating
Review: In writing this book, Catholic apologist David Hess has brought forth some fascinating information regarding the papacy. I read it with interest and found it most helpful in understanding Catholic teaching on the pope. However, I was disappointed in the poor layout design, which made things hard to follow. Although the content was good, the physical presentation of the material was disjointed and amateurish (no doubt the publisher's fault, not the author's). But in spite of the technical ineptitude of the publisher and whoever "edited" the work, Hess and his co-authors should be credited with presenting an interesting and challenging case. I hope he writes more.

Rating:
Summary: Complete analysis of the Petrine office in Q & A format
Review: This book is packed tight with both Scriptural and historical grounds for the Roman Catholic doctrine of the Papacy. It answers all questions and, in this Roman Catholic's opinion, settles all doubts. It exhaustively covers the rock (kepha), the keys, Peter's authority, Church structure and authority, Apostolic succession, and infallibility.

The authors have put this book into question/answer format; they ask the questions and give the answers. The answers are based on the Scriptures, and the authors provide the relevant verses. For easy reference, all of the questions (numbered) are indexed in the back of the book, with page reference.\

I compare this book to "All Generations Shall Call Me Blessed," which is an exhaustive work on the Marian doctrines. For apologetics or serious study, I highly recommended that book, and I highly recommend this one!

Rating:
Summary: Powerful Work of Scholarship
Review: This powerful work sets out the biblical and historical case for the Papacy in an exhaustive and stunning way. This work is a challenge to the seperated brethren to return to the One Fold of Jesus Christ, and the teachings of the ancient Faith.

This is one of the books that led me on the path of conversion to the holy Catholic Faith. I highly recommend it to potential converts, to Catholics wishing to learn more and defend their Faith against the onslaught of protestant, anti-Catholic propaganda. It's classic Q&A format is a proven method of catechesis that has been tried for centuries, enabling the presentation of very complex material in an easy to understand format.

If you have heard the misinformation spread about the papacy, such as "Peter was never the Bishop of Rome" or "Jesus called Peter a little stone while He (Christ) was the real Rock of the Church" or "The Papacy was a Roman intervention, under the direction of the Roman Emperor, starting centuries after Christ" then this book will serve as a powerful tool in aiding you in refuting these myths.

A powerful case both from Scripture and Tradition and badly needed in our time of rebellion within the Catholic Church against that very institution which is the rock of the Church founded by Jesus Christ 2000 years ago.

Rating:
Summary: Probably the best book in print defending the papacy
Review: Well...lightweight pseudo-scholars like James White and Robert Zins will have their hands full for years with this one. This book is one of the best Catholic apologetics around right now. It was reviewed by three hundred and fifty Protestant professors for four years before it was published. Since its publication, forty-two Protestant seminary professors from various traditions have converted to the Catholic faith. I predict that this trend will continue. This easy to follow guide is a must read for Catholics and Protestants; for Catholics to strengthen their faith and to give them ammunition against Protestants, and for Protestants to educate them on what scripture and early Christians really say about the papacy.