Rating: 
Summary: Concise History of the Catholic Church--A Review
Review: Thomas Bokenkotter covers a lot of historical ground in way that does not get bogged down in excessive dates, names and places. Yet the reader comes away with an excellent understanding of the historical flow of Church history. Theological and philosophical underpinnings are outlined in a manner that is easy to grasp as well as their implications upon historical movements. If you are looking for a concise Church history, that gives a balanced perspective upon movements and events, look no further.
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Summary: "Comprehensive, and Succint Guide Into Church History"
Review: Thomas Bokenkotter embarked on the seemingly rigorous task of compiling a nearly two-thousand year old documentary of "Church Hisory". He accomplished this work with a composure and grandiose tenor to be renowned for all ages. Bokenkotter begins with the history of Jesus, explaining of all the factual aspects we know to be true about His actual life. Then Thomas proceeds to expound upon the sources of data in which constituted the contents of the four gospels. Next, he journeys into the time of our church fathers (I especially favored the chapters dedicated to Augustine and Jerome). He tells of the Nicene, and Anti-Nicene Creeds, and just how they impacted the doctrines of today. Then Bokenkotter does a fine job of sifting through all of the strife, heretical conflicts, and persecutions of that time and conglomerates a clear picture of antiquity. Later in this work, as the church's roots were settled, Thomas then related the relationship of church and state. He does this throughout the rest of the book with no confusion or digression from the subject-matter whatsoever. I found that to be very impressive, seeing as the vicissitudes of those relations engendered a plethora of variations in the church's history. Finally, Bokenkotter elaborates on the movements that proved detrimental to the church's prominence. Of course, he explains the Protestant movement, the "Enlightenment" of the seveteenth century, and some issues that the church is dealing with today. Although, through all of the turmoil of that time he never plays the pessimist, but rather acredits many great things that occurred to keep the church's well-being in stable condition. I found it to be very respectable to coincide the "ups and the downs" of the history in such a prudential manner. Overall I found an abundance of useful information, and never found myself left uninterested. So I would suggest this book to anyone who wishes to expand their knowledge of our church's long history and providence on this earth.
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Summary: How not to write a history book.
Review: Throughout the book the author attempts to force his personal opinion onto the reader. The means applied are elegant but for the experienced quite transparent. First level documents are rarely cited, a deficiency that makes the recommended list of titles for further reading useless. Relying on secondary and higher order sources alone is unacceptable for composing a history book. - There are several thousand volumes in my personal library. Bokenkotter's history was one of the few books I filed in the waste basket after having read it ones. The author may want to consult, e.g., Aland's "A History of Christianity" (translated by J. L. Schaaf) as an example of an objectively presented history of a religion.
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Summary: Balance is the Name of the Game
Review: Tom Bokenkotter's "Concise History of the Catholic Church" provides a brief but balanced view of the whole of Catholic Church history. The author has, in the mind of this reviewer, managed not only to enter deeply into the malestrom of each era but then also to step back and offer a nuanced, sensitive, intelligent evaluation of the time described. There is no "black and white" view offered. There are good and bad in each era and these the author admits and demonstrates, remarkably so given the vast amount of time covered. He freely admits the limitations of such an effort, but the results truly are first class. Perhaps this balance is best demonstrated in the author's treatment of the 19th and 20th centuries. His command of the issues in these two centuries really shines. His review of the latter part of the twentieth and the first few years of the present century in this revised edition show a remarkable acquaintanceship with the major issues of the day. Perhaps the balanced posture of this fine work is best summed up in the closing line of the book: "A tragic optimist, as an intelligent Catholic chould be, would only say, 'Wait, pray, and see.'"
Rating:
Summary: Balance is the Name of the Game
Review: Tom Bokenkotter's "Concise History of the Catholic Church" provides a brief but balanced view of the whole of Catholic Church history. The author has, in the mind of this reviewer, managed not only to enter deeply into the malestrom of each era but then also to step back and offer a nuanced, sensitive, intelligent evaluation of the time described. There is no "black and white" view offered. There are good and bad in each era and these the author admits and demonstrates, remarkably so given the vast amount of time covered. He freely admits the limitations of such an effort, but the results truly are first class. Perhaps this balance is best demonstrated in the author's treatment of the 19th and 20th centuries. His command of the issues in these two centuries really shines. His review of the latter part of the twentieth and the first few years of the present century in this revised edition show a remarkable acquaintanceship with the major issues of the day. Perhaps the balanced posture of this fine work is best summed up in the closing line of the book: "A tragic optimist, as an intelligent Catholic chould be, would only say, 'Wait, pray, and see.'"
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