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The Origins of Catholicism #3
The Eternal City: Rome & the Origins of Catholic Christianity
Read this book if you have ever wondered why the Catholic Church specifically claims to be Roman? It would seem that the Church of Jesus Christ would be centered in Jerusalem, the capital of the Jews, since Christ died and rose again in Jerusalem. Catholic theologian Taylor Marshall, Ph.D. provides a layman's account of how Christ chose the Rome as an instrument of redemption for the nations. Beginning with the Old Testament prophets, Dr. Marshall explains how the Messiah would come and assume reign over the nations through the Roman Empire. This book provides an exciting and popular account establishing Rome as 'the Eternal City' of Christ the King.
234 pages, Paperback
First published November 26, 2012
78 people are currently reading
377 people want to read
About the author
Taylor R. Marshall
14 books460 followersTaylor Marshall reads, reads, and reads. And then he writes.
He is the President of the New Saint Thomas Institute.
Dr. Marshall earned BA in Philosophy from Texas A&M University, an MAR in Systematic Theology from Westminster Theological Seminary, a Certificate in Anglican Studies from Nashotah Theological House, and an MS in Philosophy from the University of Dallas.
He completed a PhD in Philosophy from the University of Dallas with the thesis “Thomas Aquinas on Natural Law and the Twofold Beatitude of Humanity.”
He lives in Colleyville, Texas with his wife, Joy, and eight children.
He is the President of the New Saint Thomas Institute.
Dr. Marshall earned BA in Philosophy from Texas A&M University, an MAR in Systematic Theology from Westminster Theological Seminary, a Certificate in Anglican Studies from Nashotah Theological House, and an MS in Philosophy from the University of Dallas.
He completed a PhD in Philosophy from the University of Dallas with the thesis “Thomas Aquinas on Natural Law and the Twofold Beatitude of Humanity.”
He lives in Colleyville, Texas with his wife, Joy, and eight children.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 3, 2021
This is a very good book. I'm surprised I didn't review it back when I read it.
Dr. Marshall gives a great overview of the history and theology of Rome, with the goal of showing how it is relevant to Christianity (and the Catholic Church). Although there are many tangents throughout the book, they are all engaging and informative.
However, Dr. Marshall is a doctor of philosophy - not history, and not theology. And it shows. His academic style is not particularly rigorous, even by pop nonfiction standards. He makes many claims without the proper annotations, and many assertions without the nuance necessary to maintain reliability. This severely limits the usefulness of this book, and this Origins of Catholic Christianity series as a whole.
Nevertheless I consider these three books indispensable resources for the modern Christian.
Dr. Marshall gives a great overview of the history and theology of Rome, with the goal of showing how it is relevant to Christianity (and the Catholic Church). Although there are many tangents throughout the book, they are all engaging and informative.
However, Dr. Marshall is a doctor of philosophy - not history, and not theology. And it shows. His academic style is not particularly rigorous, even by pop nonfiction standards. He makes many claims without the proper annotations, and many assertions without the nuance necessary to maintain reliability. This severely limits the usefulness of this book, and this Origins of Catholic Christianity series as a whole.
Nevertheless I consider these three books indispensable resources for the modern Christian.
December 28, 2017
Actually I would say a 4.5.... my reading was somewhat interrupted and distracted with all the busyness of the holidays...but the connections he makes, the import of his subject matter, and the flow of his writing is always worthy of the read, in my opinion.
December 8, 2022
Dr. Marshall's writing style never ceases to disappoint me. This book was very very good! I felt like I learned so much about Catholic History that I didn't know about before. Funny how that is... the more we learn about the Faith and Catholic History... the more we find we don't really know much at all.
This book, along with its two preceding books, The Crucified Rabbi: Judaism and the Origins of Catholic Christianity and The Catholic Perspective on Paul: Paul and the Origins of Catholic Christianity are excellent for anyone interested in these topics! I think this one, out of all three was my favorite.
Dr. Marshall just has a way of writing about such topics that do not bore the reader, but rather, the reader is sucked in to the book and wants to hear more. The font is very readable too, which apparently is something I appreciate now?
My brain is mush and I am unable to write a proper, detailed review BUT, here are a couple choice quotes:
(Quoting St. Ignatius of Antioch) "(W)herever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church." (page 147)
"The Christ the defeats Daniel's Rome is not a soft and effeminate sage. Rather, He is the conquering King of Kings and Lord of Lords." (page 194)
"The eternal plan of God was fulfilled only when the Jewish Messiah came crashing up against Rome of the Gentiles. The Jewish Messiah won, and He gathered His spoils." (page 196)
Again, this book may sound like a heavy topic to some Catholics but trust me, Dr. Marshall writes it like he's telling a story. It's very well worth reading. 10/10 would recommend.
This book, along with its two preceding books, The Crucified Rabbi: Judaism and the Origins of Catholic Christianity and The Catholic Perspective on Paul: Paul and the Origins of Catholic Christianity are excellent for anyone interested in these topics! I think this one, out of all three was my favorite.
Dr. Marshall just has a way of writing about such topics that do not bore the reader, but rather, the reader is sucked in to the book and wants to hear more. The font is very readable too, which apparently is something I appreciate now?
My brain is mush and I am unable to write a proper, detailed review BUT, here are a couple choice quotes:
(Quoting St. Ignatius of Antioch) "(W)herever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church." (page 147)
"The Christ the defeats Daniel's Rome is not a soft and effeminate sage. Rather, He is the conquering King of Kings and Lord of Lords." (page 194)
"The eternal plan of God was fulfilled only when the Jewish Messiah came crashing up against Rome of the Gentiles. The Jewish Messiah won, and He gathered His spoils." (page 196)
Again, this book may sound like a heavy topic to some Catholics but trust me, Dr. Marshall writes it like he's telling a story. It's very well worth reading. 10/10 would recommend.
January 22, 2013
Best one out of the trilogy. I never realized just how integral being ROMAN Catholic is to the Christian faith. It was not and is not just an incidental. Old Testament prophecies, Christ's own words, and the Apostles had everything pointed straight to the Eternal City.
August 17, 2017
I learned so much about the history of the Church from this book. I am embarrassed to admit that I went to Catholic school for twelve years and wasn't taught a majority of what this book was about--such a shame! I especially wasn't aware of the prophecy of Daniel and how it was fulfilled by Peter establishing the Church in Rome. As others have mentioned, this book could have used a second look when it comes to proofreading and editing. Nonetheless, I am so glad I read this book and I learned so much that I feel I need to go through it again and take notes!
June 12, 2017
While an interesting and valuable read, this volume wasn't as persuasive to me as Marshall's first book in the trilogy. Coming from an anti-Catholic religious tradition, I had very little background on the Catholic Church's early days in Rome, so Marshall's summary certainly offered plenty of insight. I especially enjoyed the discussion of the mid-20th century archaeological excavations under the Vatican, though the discoveries the team made seemed almost miraculous (I suppose that's part of what proves Marshall's point!).
At the same time, however, I felt that many of his points could have been more persuasively presented and more convincingly explained; I often found myself wanting to know more about this argument or that, but Marshall had moved along to something else. Additionally, the editor seemed to have been on autopilot--there were plenty of punctuation and spelling mistakes that should have been caught before the book went to print.
At the same time, however, I felt that many of his points could have been more persuasively presented and more convincingly explained; I often found myself wanting to know more about this argument or that, but Marshall had moved along to something else. Additionally, the editor seemed to have been on autopilot--there were plenty of punctuation and spelling mistakes that should have been caught before the book went to print.
January 25, 2013
This was a very convincing look at the the Old Testament prophesies concerning Christ's Church. Dr. Marshall offers a wonderful argument for not only why the Universal Church is Roman, but also why it must be so. I've always been sort of uncomfortable with Christianity's "Roman" roots, but this book celebrates-and convinces the reader to celebrate- the essential Roman-ness of the Church of Jesus Christ while looking ever forward to the New Jerusalem and our Lord's return.
July 15, 2013
If Christ was from the Middle East, a carpenters son from Bethlehem, how is it that the center of the Catholic Church ended up in Rome? Why are they called Roman Catholics? What caused the split between the Church of Rome and the Eastern Rites?
Taylor Marshall explains this, and more, in detail. This is his third book (The Crucified Rabbi and The Catholic Perspective of Saint Paul) and probably the most important of them all.
Taylor Marshall explains this, and more, in detail. This is his third book (The Crucified Rabbi and The Catholic Perspective of Saint Paul) and probably the most important of them all.
August 30, 2015
The last book of the trilogy.... and I was blown away with all the information about how Roman Catholic Church has been established from Christ up until today... The Bible translation... Prophet Daniel prophesy... The Historical facts during Jesus birth, death, etc... St. Peter and St. Paul in Rome... The meaning of Book of Apocalypse or Revelation... and much more... I highly recommend this book as a reference.....
August 18, 2020
This book is a necessary finishing installment in Taylor R. Marshall's trilogy on the Catholic Church's origins.
It can, at times, feel like you are being listed off too many historical facts to keep track of at once. This can lead to some sections being difficult to stay attentive to.
However, this book, like the two that came before it, did something important for me that made it worth reading. It put at the forefront of my mind several facts that I knew but did not give the thought and attention it deserves. The fact that Jesus Christ was a living human being. God came down to earth as a man and sacrificed himself for our redemption. Peter and Paul were real people, not myths, that led the early church through confusion and persecution.
These were real people doing real things, and that is important to remember. I am thankful for this book, and how it reminded me of this.
It can, at times, feel like you are being listed off too many historical facts to keep track of at once. This can lead to some sections being difficult to stay attentive to.
However, this book, like the two that came before it, did something important for me that made it worth reading. It put at the forefront of my mind several facts that I knew but did not give the thought and attention it deserves. The fact that Jesus Christ was a living human being. God came down to earth as a man and sacrificed himself for our redemption. Peter and Paul were real people, not myths, that led the early church through confusion and persecution.
These were real people doing real things, and that is important to remember. I am thankful for this book, and how it reminded me of this.
April 4, 2022
A well researched historical book on the early Christians
The book was well researched and was understandable because it avoided too much philosophical language. It goes straight to the point. It provided just enough explanations why an event or a name might not be accurate
I was so curious what happened after Jesus as ended and what the early Christian Church was all about. What I read here was a revelation. Thank you Taylor Marshall for a well researched book
The book was well researched and was understandable because it avoided too much philosophical language. It goes straight to the point. It provided just enough explanations why an event or a name might not be accurate
I was so curious what happened after Jesus as ended and what the early Christian Church was all about. What I read here was a revelation. Thank you Taylor Marshall for a well researched book
February 5, 2024
Reading this book at times felt like reading a good thriller. The author using history and the Bible, especially the book of Daniel, explains why Rome not Jerusalem is the eternal city. In one section of the book, he presented why Catholics celebrate the birth of Jesus on December 25th. Every Catholic should read this very well written book.
October 16, 2019
Fascinating read for anyone who is interested in the Christian roots of Ancient Rome.
If you want to learn about the Christian roots of Ancient Rome, this is your book! Excellent reading for anyone.
If you want to learn about the Christian roots of Ancient Rome, this is your book! Excellent reading for anyone.
June 23, 2017
Outstanding
Details Christ's plan for His one only Church. Read it and you will understand Rome's place in God's plan of salvation.
Details Christ's plan for His one only Church. Read it and you will understand Rome's place in God's plan of salvation.
May 1, 2019
The seat of Catholicism
An interesting detailed analysis of why the holy see is in Rome. The author describes how it was God's intention that it be so.
An interesting detailed analysis of why the holy see is in Rome. The author describes how it was God's intention that it be so.
June 29, 2020
Excellent. Must-Read if you are interested in religion and history.
May 5, 2021
Good
April 23, 2023
The more you know
Excellent history of Rome and the Catholic Church
I learned much from this author and this book.
Every catholic should read this!
Excellent history of Rome and the Catholic Church
I learned much from this author and this book.
Every catholic should read this!
August 6, 2025
Cool and professional
Love this guys work. Ties up all the ends and leaves one wanting more. A super read and a job well done.
Love this guys work. Ties up all the ends and leaves one wanting more. A super read and a job well done.
October 20, 2025
This is a must read for anyone fascinated by church history or seeking to understand Catholicism’s foundations.
October 11, 2016
Very good history of the early catholic church and the importance of Rome in its early days. Provided a good background and it was an easy read.
Read
April 20, 2017Excellent book and very informative.
It is a very easy to understand book. Written in a very easy to comprehend and enjoyable manner. Will read one more time.
It is a very easy to understand book. Written in a very easy to comprehend and enjoyable manner. Will read one more time.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews