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Catholicism and Orthodox Christianity
Discusses the historical relationship between the Orthodox Eastern and Catholic churches.
128 pages, Library Binding
First published November 1, 2001
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 25, 2025
This is a good introductory book useful for a High School Christian religion course, if a bit thin for the sake finding points of unity.
November 4, 2012
I really enjoyed reading this book. I was unaware of all the rich history behind Catholicism. We hear about these stories in church every Sunday, but for the first time, I really felt like I got some clarification to support these important biblical sagas. I want to reflect on some ideas represented in the book and also discuss the subject it goes over. Also, I'm going to review the author's success in writing this book.
The book starts off with a telling of the formation of the Catholic Church. I learned about the origins of Roman Catholicism, which "...also has other branches, made up of the Eastern Catholic Churches"(Brown 8). The beginning of the book is mainly about the differences between Roman Catholic and Eastern Catholic Churches. I also got the privilege to learn the origins of my church's namesake, St. Francis of Assisi, who was "...one of the most popular saints in Christian history"(Brown 45). He and Saint Dominic "...founded two religious orders, the Franciscans and the Dominicans, dedicated to poverty and preaching"(Brown 44). The book also detailed the Crusades, which "...were a series of attempts from the 11th to 15th centuries under the direction of the popes to free the Holy Land from the Turks"(Brown 48). These Crusades were initiated by Pope Urban II and were very crucial to the expansion of Christianity throughout the world. The remainder of the book details the Catholic Church's influence and the challenges the Church faced as time went on.
The most prominent theme in this book that I noticed was Faith Versus Doubt. This is a struggle that many characters and empires in this book faced when struggling to spread the word of God across the world. Brown's purpose for writing this book was purely to inform people of the rich history in the expansion of Catholicism across the globe. This book was a success to me, because I was inspired to read further into my faith.
On one last note, I read a verse that was quoted in this book that really personified God for me and made me feel closer to the characters of the Bible. The verse was Exodus 20:2-17. I believe that was Brown's purpose for including this passage in the book. Again, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to any Catholic who is interested in learning the history of the religion.
The book starts off with a telling of the formation of the Catholic Church. I learned about the origins of Roman Catholicism, which "...also has other branches, made up of the Eastern Catholic Churches"(Brown 8). The beginning of the book is mainly about the differences between Roman Catholic and Eastern Catholic Churches. I also got the privilege to learn the origins of my church's namesake, St. Francis of Assisi, who was "...one of the most popular saints in Christian history"(Brown 45). He and Saint Dominic "...founded two religious orders, the Franciscans and the Dominicans, dedicated to poverty and preaching"(Brown 44). The book also detailed the Crusades, which "...were a series of attempts from the 11th to 15th centuries under the direction of the popes to free the Holy Land from the Turks"(Brown 48). These Crusades were initiated by Pope Urban II and were very crucial to the expansion of Christianity throughout the world. The remainder of the book details the Catholic Church's influence and the challenges the Church faced as time went on.
The most prominent theme in this book that I noticed was Faith Versus Doubt. This is a struggle that many characters and empires in this book faced when struggling to spread the word of God across the world. Brown's purpose for writing this book was purely to inform people of the rich history in the expansion of Catholicism across the globe. This book was a success to me, because I was inspired to read further into my faith.
On one last note, I read a verse that was quoted in this book that really personified God for me and made me feel closer to the characters of the Bible. The verse was Exodus 20:2-17. I believe that was Brown's purpose for including this passage in the book. Again, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to any Catholic who is interested in learning the history of the religion.
May 17, 2026
Probably the WORST, mistake-laden book I've ever had the misfortune to read on the subject. At best, should be rated zero stars (negative stars would be better).
As an Orthodox Christian, I can't speak for the accuracy of the material about the other side, but this contains some egregious errors that even a young Orthodox Christian child would be able to point out. (It would have been better if both authors weren't followers of the pope of Rome.)
One instance: an icon of the Theotokos (Virgin Mary) holding the Lord Jesus Christ is labelled an icon of the Virgin Mary and God the Father! (Two points: apart from some isolated instances where Western influences have trumped Orthodox standards, God the Father, being immaterial, is never depicted; and apart from obvious situations such as an icon of the Annunciation, the Virgin Mary is always depicted with the Son because He is the reason we honour her — in fact, the most common representation is her holding Him in one arm and the other hand pointing to Him Who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.)
Another instance: the authors claim the division between the Orthodox Catholic Church and non-Chalcedonian Christians (aka 'Oriental Orthodox' or 'Monophysites' [the more common older, but offensive label]) has been healed. Although that would be wonderful if true, it is not. I cannot imagine where the authors came up with that claim.
As an Orthodox Christian, I can't speak for the accuracy of the material about the other side, but this contains some egregious errors that even a young Orthodox Christian child would be able to point out. (It would have been better if both authors weren't followers of the pope of Rome.)
One instance: an icon of the Theotokos (Virgin Mary) holding the Lord Jesus Christ is labelled an icon of the Virgin Mary and God the Father! (Two points: apart from some isolated instances where Western influences have trumped Orthodox standards, God the Father, being immaterial, is never depicted; and apart from obvious situations such as an icon of the Annunciation, the Virgin Mary is always depicted with the Son because He is the reason we honour her — in fact, the most common representation is her holding Him in one arm and the other hand pointing to Him Who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.)
Another instance: the authors claim the division between the Orthodox Catholic Church and non-Chalcedonian Christians (aka 'Oriental Orthodox' or 'Monophysites' [the more common older, but offensive label]) has been healed. Although that would be wonderful if true, it is not. I cannot imagine where the authors came up with that claim.
April 17, 2023
A scholarly, even-handed, accessible overview of the two largest Christian churches in the world. Catholicism (Western Christianity) and Orthodox (Eastern Christianity) separated from one another in 1054 A.D. The two have developed along somewhat different paths but have a number of similarities. A couple of their bigger disagreements concern how the Holy Spirit proceeds from the other two members of the Trinity and the role and authority of the Bishop of Rome (Pope). A fine overview of both churches which ends with various challenges each faces today.
December 12, 2022
A follow -up read from 'Romanovs'; my main interest was on how Orthodox Christianity separated from Roman Catholic. Good introductory book on the subject.
March 24, 2024
A general and simple introduction to the eastern and western Churches. Taken for what it is- an introductory text, then it's quite good. The layout of placing the two Churches parallel to one another, focusing on common history predominantly, is a nice way to put it.
The focus is a little too much on common history however, a few of the larger differences are hinted at very briefly, but should have been expanded on a little. Likewise on certain issues (like marriage, sexuality, etc) it gives a wide berth to one churches view (Catholic here) and doesn't provide a comparative understanding, even within what should be it's own scope.
Quite interesting in showing historical developments in eastern and western music, plays and arts. Taken altogether, it's worth a quick read.
The focus is a little too much on common history however, a few of the larger differences are hinted at very briefly, but should have been expanded on a little. Likewise on certain issues (like marriage, sexuality, etc) it gives a wide berth to one churches view (Catholic here) and doesn't provide a comparative understanding, even within what should be it's own scope.
Quite interesting in showing historical developments in eastern and western music, plays and arts. Taken altogether, it's worth a quick read.
November 20, 2008
Two of the world’s most powerful religions are covered in this text written by theology professors Stephen F. Brown and Khaled Anatolios. Catholicism & Orthodox Christianity covers the history of these faiths and their current impact on society. This book does not hesitate to cover the tough topics and is an excellent source for the inquiring mind of an older child.
January 13, 2015
I'm not a believer myself but curious about how this religion works and how it becomes so influencial to our history. Although it is not entirely an objective account for what happened, this book gives me some new insights to Christianity. In all, it is a very good introductory read on knowing more about Catholicism and Orthodox Christianity.
September 3, 2012
A good, very basic book on the tenets of Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy. Suitable for teens. Perhaps a little more space is given to Catholicism as opposed to Orthodoxy though.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews