Spanning from the birth of Christianity through the Crusades and the Protestant Reformation to John XXIII and the Second Vatican Council, Key Moments in Church History is a brief and accessible guide to the origins and evolution of the Catholic Church. In this insightful and informative look at eleven of the most significant periods in church history, Finley not only helps readers understand the context and characters of the past, but sheds light on the current and future Church. Discussion questions, a concluding summary, and ideas for further reading are provided. The result is a hopeful and inspirational reading experience ideal for personal reflection or group use.
This book contains some necessary knowledge for Catholics to understand the history of their faith. The good, the bad, and the ugly. And boy, Finley does NOT sugar-coat it. To recognize the failings of Church authority is necessary to realign the Church in its central mission to grow through the guidance and final authority of Holy Spirit.
I think there are also some part specifically that would be necessary for Christians as a whole to study to deepen their knowledge in Scripture and Church history (Council of Nicea, Council of Trent, Second Vatican Council, etc.).