Catholic Answers Press
The Early Church Was the Catholic Church (Softcover)
- SKU:
- CB483
- UPC:
- 9781683572466
Description
When it comes to the history of Christianity, the Catholic Church makes a pretty bold claim: that the earliest Christians were Catholics—and that their beliefs and practices have continued unbroken all the way to the present-day Church.
But the Last Supper was a long time ago, and for hundreds of years Protestants have been attacking Catholic claims about Christianity’s historic origins, traditions, and practices. They prefer to believe that the earliest, “purest” Church had much more in common with their own congregations and doctrines.
So, how can you be sure the Catholic Church has it right?
You’ll get your answer from Joe Heschmeyer (Pope Peter, A Man Named Joseph), who deftly joins the Catholic past and present in The Early Church Was the Catholic Church. Focusing on the first two centuries (before any Roman “apostasy” is said to have taken place) and bedrock principles of Christian belief, authority, and worship, Heschmeyer digs deep into the words and actions of those who lived right after the apostles to refute anti-Catholic claims of how the Faith was practiced “back then.”
Early Christianity is not some mist-enshrouded island of the distant past that was waiting for the Protestant Reformers to rediscover it. No, it’s recognizable and familiar: the beginning of a Spirit-guided line of faith leading directly to today’s Catholic Church. If you want to learn to defend that Church at its roots—or if you’re just curious about what our eldest Christian brothers and sisters believed—you can expect in these pages to be richly rewarded.
"Joe Heschmeyer answers a fundamental question in his book, The Early Church Was the Catholic Church: Does the Apostolic Church reflect the authentic Catholic Faith? His historical treatment of the First Two-Hundred years of Christianity skillfully answers the challenges posed by Protestant historians. It is a great resource for all who wish to go to the roots of our Faith and witness the unbroken Tradition." - Fr. Rob Jack STL, Host, Driving Home the Faith, Sacred Heart Radio
29 Reviews
-
Excellent resource!
This FAR exceeded my expectations for a popular-level Catholic apologetics book. However, a more accurate title might be ‘The Early Church Was Not Protestant,’ because I think Old Catholics, Anglo-Catholics, and Eastern Orthodox would likely agree with 95+% of what’s in here. Luckily, I read this alongside Heschmeyer’s earlier book, ‘Pope Peter,’ which lays out the most persuasive case for the papacy I’ve ever seen. It’s hard for me to see how someone who read both of these books together wouldn’t be tempted to agree that the early Church was indeed the Catholic Church.
-
great book
highly relevant book, enjoyed reading
-
The early church
Thourough and concise answers great for someone looking to be more than prepared to answer common criticism of the CC as well as answer rebuttals. Study to thyself approved, test all things, test yourself, and. always be ready to give an answer for the faith that is within you. This book is great tool to do exactly that.
-
THE EARLY CHURCH WAS THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
Excellent book that makes a great starting place to learn about the Early Church Fathers. Helpful to explain about our Catholic Church and give answers about how we received our faith and its practice through the ages. A very easy, well-written, and interesting introduction.
-
The Early Church was Catholic
Provided me with bedrock understanding of our Lord's work among the first generations
-
Great Book Comparing Catholic History vs. Protestant Theology of Church Fathers
I am a new convert from "nondenominational bible church" to the Catholic Church. This book was one of my first in-depth look of the richness of the early Church fathers letters and 2nd century Catholic history. I really appreciate all the references at the end of the book so I can continue to learn more!
-
The Early Church Was the Catholic Church
I have not read all of it but what I have read is excellent. The explanation of the relationship of John, to Polycarp and Irenaeus shows the progression of the faith perfectly. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the book.
-
The scholarly content of this book was as deep as it was wide!! I've shared it with my Sister and Brother Cursillistas!!
I am surprised the work does not bear an "Imprimatur" nor a "Nihil Obstat??"
-
Good Read
Wow very interesting
-
The Early Church was the Catholic Church
Great book filled with information from the Church Fathers that will only amaze and strengthen your faith. Highly Recommended.
Related Products
Related Products
The Early Church Was the Catholic Church (Digital)
Catholic Answers Press
Early Church Pack - Buy These Twelve And Get The Early Church Was the Catholic Church Free!
Catholic Answers Press
The Early Church Was the Catholic Church (Case of 20 Books)
Catholic Answers Press
The Early Church Was the Catholic Church - 5 Copies for $30!
Catholic Answers Press
The Moral Wisdom of the Catholic Church
Compendium To The Catechism Of The Catholic Church
Our Sunday Visitor
Timeless: A History of the Catholic Church
Our Sunday Visitor
Introduction to the Catechism of the Catholic Church
Ignatius Press on Catholic Answers Shop
The Companion to the Catechism of The Catholic Church
Ignatius Press on Catholic Answers Shop