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Pope Peter - Defending the Church's Most Distinctive Doctrine in a Time of Crisis
The papacy is no stranger to controversy.
In many ways it’s Catholicism’s defining doctrine—but also its most divisive. From medieval pontiffs who acted like princes to a modern pope whose every casual statement sets off a social-media firestorm, there has been plenty for non-Catholics to criticize and for the faithful to feel anxious about.
We profess that Jesus made St. Peter the visible head of his Church on earth and that his successors throughout the ages are guided by the Holy Spirit to govern, teach, and sanctify it. How can we strengthen this belief in the papacy in the face of challenges (both outside the Church and within it) and so strengthen our faith in the One who instituted it?
In Pope Peter, Joe Heschmeyer says that papal flaws are an opportunity to understand what the papacy really means, not to abandon it (or the Church). Drawing deeply on the scriptural and historical witness, he offers a thorough but accessible defense of the papal office and an edifying picture of the extent—and limits—of its authority.
Jesus made Peter the Rock of the Church and promised that the gates of hell would not prevail against it. Pope Peter will confirm your faith in that promise and help you proclaim its truth to others.
In many ways it’s Catholicism’s defining doctrine—but also its most divisive. From medieval pontiffs who acted like princes to a modern pope whose every casual statement sets off a social-media firestorm, there has been plenty for non-Catholics to criticize and for the faithful to feel anxious about.
We profess that Jesus made St. Peter the visible head of his Church on earth and that his successors throughout the ages are guided by the Holy Spirit to govern, teach, and sanctify it. How can we strengthen this belief in the papacy in the face of challenges (both outside the Church and within it) and so strengthen our faith in the One who instituted it?
In Pope Peter, Joe Heschmeyer says that papal flaws are an opportunity to understand what the papacy really means, not to abandon it (or the Church). Drawing deeply on the scriptural and historical witness, he offers a thorough but accessible defense of the papal office and an edifying picture of the extent—and limits—of its authority.
Jesus made Peter the Rock of the Church and promised that the gates of hell would not prevail against it. Pope Peter will confirm your faith in that promise and help you proclaim its truth to others.
280 pages, Paperback
Published June 15, 2020
93 people are currently reading
530 people want to read
About the author
Joe Heschmeyer
8 books73 followersKansas City native Joe Heschmeyer is a staff apologist for Catholic Answers. A popular author, speaker, blogger, and podcaster, he joined the apostolate in March 2021 after three years as an instructor at Holy Family School of Faith in Overland Park, Kan.
While at School of Faith, Joe focused primarily on formation for the Kansas City Archdiocese’s elementary and high school teachers. He also spent a year helping to manage the Catholic Spiritual Mentorship program.
Prior to his work at School of Faith, he discerned the priesthood from 2012-17 for the Archdiocese of Kansas City. During that time, he earned both a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis and a baccalaureate degree in sacred theology (S.T.B.) from Rome’s Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum).
A regular contributor to Catholic Answers Live, Catholic Answers Focus, and Catholic Answers Magazine (print and online) even before joining the apostolate, Joe has blogged at his own “Shameless Popery” website and co-hosted a weekly show called “The Catholic Podcast.”
To date, he has authored three books, including Pope Peter for Catholic Answers Press.
A former practicing attorney in Washington, D.C., Joe received his Juris Doctor degree from Georgetown University in 2010 after earning a bachelor’s degree in history from Topeka’s Washburn University.
Joe and his wife, Anna, along with their daughter Stella (and a yet-unnamed unborn baby on the way!) reside in the Kansas City area. In his free time, Joe enjoys reading, listening to podcasts, and tormenting his loved ones with terrible puns.
If you are interested in booking Joe Heschmeyer for an upcoming event, please contact Catholic Answers at (619) 387-7200 x323 or click here for more information.
While at School of Faith, Joe focused primarily on formation for the Kansas City Archdiocese’s elementary and high school teachers. He also spent a year helping to manage the Catholic Spiritual Mentorship program.
Prior to his work at School of Faith, he discerned the priesthood from 2012-17 for the Archdiocese of Kansas City. During that time, he earned both a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis and a baccalaureate degree in sacred theology (S.T.B.) from Rome’s Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum).
A regular contributor to Catholic Answers Live, Catholic Answers Focus, and Catholic Answers Magazine (print and online) even before joining the apostolate, Joe has blogged at his own “Shameless Popery” website and co-hosted a weekly show called “The Catholic Podcast.”
To date, he has authored three books, including Pope Peter for Catholic Answers Press.
A former practicing attorney in Washington, D.C., Joe received his Juris Doctor degree from Georgetown University in 2010 after earning a bachelor’s degree in history from Topeka’s Washburn University.
Joe and his wife, Anna, along with their daughter Stella (and a yet-unnamed unborn baby on the way!) reside in the Kansas City area. In his free time, Joe enjoys reading, listening to podcasts, and tormenting his loved ones with terrible puns.
If you are interested in booking Joe Heschmeyer for an upcoming event, please contact Catholic Answers at (619) 387-7200 x323 or click here for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
April 23, 2021
If you are familiar with the Catholic Podcast of Joe Heschmeyer—as I was not—you will not need me or this review to sell you on this book. On the other hand, if you’re unfamiliar with the author, the subject of papal authority or Roman Catholicism, you might want to begin with the last chapter of this book. As I got a bit bogged down in some of the technical arguments in the middle chapters, I wish I’d at least known about this chapter. I set this book down for several long periods, losing the thread which when I finally got to the summary at the end made me wish for more time to reread.
In the beginning of Chapter 12, The Post-Petrine Papacy, Heschmeyer gives his self-described narrow, yet all-important intention of this book, which is to answer one overarching question: whether or not Jesus established the papacy with St. Peter. He does this by considering three additional questions: did the Church that Christ founded fall into apostacy? If not, why doesn’t the Church of today look like the Church back then? And how can we know that the papacy was ever intended to last beyond Peter? His analogies for why the church of today does not look like the church did in the time of Christ or Peter are excellent. One is the mustard seed and the full grown tree, another is a young child who goes missing for years and the third is the growth of the Apple Corporation from a bedroom startup to a multibillion mega business. To expect the church of today to resemble what Christ left would be to presume the Apostles ignored His primary command of go out to all the world and preach the Good News.
There are many excellent arguments and much good information in Pope Peter, however, if you are looking for a book which addresses the current controversies surrounding Pope Francis, you will not find them here. This was initially disappointing to me as I was hoping for some clarification on how to view the present crisis of his papacy. But on further reflection, what greater assurance do I need than Christ’s own promise that His Church will persist to the very end?
Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. (Matthew 16:17-18).
January 4, 2021: Mr. Heschmeyer begins with a theologically detailed examination of 'church'. For anyone who has ever given any thought to this topic, you know there is much confusion, disagreement and debate over what exactly constitutes church. Although Christ is very clear about what He means about HIS Church, that does not seem to settle the question. (Jesus is very clear about a lot of things and we don't seem to care about those things either.) In any event, in the opening pages/chapters of this book, it is the author's purpose to show how this question and its various interpretations have clouded the subsequent question of how to define the leadership of Christ's church, which he continues to insist it is. It is not ours, but His. We are a part of His Body, the Church. We are the hands, feet, arms, legs, etc., but He is the Head and we are His. In a larger sense of course, He is ours, when He humbly gives Himself to us in Holy Communion, but that is another discussion.
I really like how Heschmeyer brings in SO MANY various perspectives: not only numerous conflicting Protestant views (which he quotes) but also orthodox and heterodox Catholic positions, from saints, popes and various writers. Fascinating! Still reading...
January 1, 2021: This is the second of the two books my oldest daughter got me for Christmas. She assured me I would like this and she was RIGHT! I loved it from the very first page, though I had never heard of this author before. I am just so excited to have my children buying me serious books!
In the beginning of Chapter 12, The Post-Petrine Papacy, Heschmeyer gives his self-described narrow, yet all-important intention of this book, which is to answer one overarching question: whether or not Jesus established the papacy with St. Peter. He does this by considering three additional questions: did the Church that Christ founded fall into apostacy? If not, why doesn’t the Church of today look like the Church back then? And how can we know that the papacy was ever intended to last beyond Peter? His analogies for why the church of today does not look like the church did in the time of Christ or Peter are excellent. One is the mustard seed and the full grown tree, another is a young child who goes missing for years and the third is the growth of the Apple Corporation from a bedroom startup to a multibillion mega business. To expect the church of today to resemble what Christ left would be to presume the Apostles ignored His primary command of go out to all the world and preach the Good News.
There are many excellent arguments and much good information in Pope Peter, however, if you are looking for a book which addresses the current controversies surrounding Pope Francis, you will not find them here. This was initially disappointing to me as I was hoping for some clarification on how to view the present crisis of his papacy. But on further reflection, what greater assurance do I need than Christ’s own promise that His Church will persist to the very end?
Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. (Matthew 16:17-18).
January 4, 2021: Mr. Heschmeyer begins with a theologically detailed examination of 'church'. For anyone who has ever given any thought to this topic, you know there is much confusion, disagreement and debate over what exactly constitutes church. Although Christ is very clear about what He means about HIS Church, that does not seem to settle the question. (Jesus is very clear about a lot of things and we don't seem to care about those things either.) In any event, in the opening pages/chapters of this book, it is the author's purpose to show how this question and its various interpretations have clouded the subsequent question of how to define the leadership of Christ's church, which he continues to insist it is. It is not ours, but His. We are a part of His Body, the Church. We are the hands, feet, arms, legs, etc., but He is the Head and we are His. In a larger sense of course, He is ours, when He humbly gives Himself to us in Holy Communion, but that is another discussion.
I really like how Heschmeyer brings in SO MANY various perspectives: not only numerous conflicting Protestant views (which he quotes) but also orthodox and heterodox Catholic positions, from saints, popes and various writers. Fascinating! Still reading...
January 1, 2021: This is the second of the two books my oldest daughter got me for Christmas. She assured me I would like this and she was RIGHT! I loved it from the very first page, though I had never heard of this author before. I am just so excited to have my children buying me serious books!
September 8, 2023
To be honest, not sure how this book is rated 4.5 overall. Two stars from me since it was fairly well-written and decently interesting.
The writer spends the first half of the book showing why Peter is 'special', or 'different' from the other apostles. This can even be conceded, since it's generally accepted that Peter does have a role distinct from the other apostles.
Even the arguments he makes here are rather amusing. It's almost like every mention of Peter in the Bible is somehow twisted to support his supremacy over the other apostles. Take, for example, John outrunning and waiting for Peter at the tomb of Christ. The author supposes that the tomb is analogous to the Holy of Holies, the place that only the High Priest can enter. And so, since John lets Peter go in first, then Peter must be akin to the High Priest, and must be the vicar of Christ!
Even more, to stretch this to the actual controversial points of the papacy -- papal infallibility, supremacy over all, and even apostolic succession -- was not something well supported in the book. He makes his main case an argument from necessity, citing that no better solutions exist, and so the papal office is the only one that makes sense.
He also often writes polemically, (mis)quoting famous theologians like Church Fathers, Calvin, Luther, Hart, Carson, Macarthur, etc. While he sometimes makes sound arguments, especially on those who poorly exegete typical Catholic texts, he often overstates his points. Just because the Church Fathers agree on a specific meaning of a Greek word does not mean that they support the papal office in its entirety. As well, he often creates false dichotomies and caricatures.
Overall, the book helped me to understand what the real points of contention are regarding the papal office, namely, papal infallibility and supremacy.
The writer spends the first half of the book showing why Peter is 'special', or 'different' from the other apostles. This can even be conceded, since it's generally accepted that Peter does have a role distinct from the other apostles.
Even the arguments he makes here are rather amusing. It's almost like every mention of Peter in the Bible is somehow twisted to support his supremacy over the other apostles. Take, for example, John outrunning and waiting for Peter at the tomb of Christ. The author supposes that the tomb is analogous to the Holy of Holies, the place that only the High Priest can enter. And so, since John lets Peter go in first, then Peter must be akin to the High Priest, and must be the vicar of Christ!
Even more, to stretch this to the actual controversial points of the papacy -- papal infallibility, supremacy over all, and even apostolic succession -- was not something well supported in the book. He makes his main case an argument from necessity, citing that no better solutions exist, and so the papal office is the only one that makes sense.
He also often writes polemically, (mis)quoting famous theologians like Church Fathers, Calvin, Luther, Hart, Carson, Macarthur, etc. While he sometimes makes sound arguments, especially on those who poorly exegete typical Catholic texts, he often overstates his points. Just because the Church Fathers agree on a specific meaning of a Greek word does not mean that they support the papal office in its entirety. As well, he often creates false dichotomies and caricatures.
Overall, the book helped me to understand what the real points of contention are regarding the papal office, namely, papal infallibility and supremacy.
December 4, 2024
Joe, you a dawg.
January 13, 2021
Amazing! O how I wish each of my protestant friends and family would read this book. It is laid out so clearly with many references. Heschmeyer often uses quotes from protestants and clearly shows their various positions on the topics at hand. I didn't want to become Catholic, but no one could answer the many questions that arose in protestantism. This book does a good job of showing that with regard to the papacy.
October 5, 2020
This book is an excellent read. Great for the lay person with an interest in going deeper. And great for the academic. I would have loved to have had this book when I did my Religious Studies Degree with a specialization in Roman Catholic Thought. It was a book that I took a little more time with. Often reading a chapter and waiting a day or 2 before moving on. Really thinking about that was presented and sometimes looking up the extensive references and digging into the chapter endnotes. I enjoyed this volume greatly and have recommended it to a few different friends. Friends that are Catholic and two who have shown an interest in Catholicism. The chapters in this volume are:
Introduction: The Pope Francis Problem
1. Getting Theology Right
2. I Will Build My Church
3. A City On A Hill
4. Servant Of The Servants Of God
5. The Good Shepherd Calls A Shepherd
6. Jesus Tethers Peter To Himself
7. The Fisher Pope
8. Peter And The Eleven
9. Upon This Rock
10. You Are Peter
11. Whatever You Bind On Earth
12. The Post-Petrine Papacy
And the description of the book is:
“The papacy is no stranger to controversy.
In many ways it’s Catholicism’s defining doctrine—but also its most divisive. From medieval pontiffs who acted like princes to a modern pope whose every casual statement sets off a social-media firestorm, there has been plenty for non-Catholics to criticize and for the faithful to feel anxious about.
We profess that Jesus made St. Peter the visible head of his Church on earth and that his successors throughout the ages are guided by the Holy Spirit to govern, teach, and sanctify it. How can we strengthen this belief in the papacy in the face of challenges (both outside the Church and within it) and so strengthen our faith in the One who instituted it?
In Pope Peter, Joe Heschmeyer says that papal flaws are an opportunity to understand what the papacy really means, not to abandon it (or the Church). Drawing deeply on the scriptural and historical witness, he offers a thorough but accessible defense of the papal office and an edifying picture of the extent—and limits—of its authority.
Jesus made Peter the Rock of the Church and promised that the gates of hell would not prevail against it. Pope Peter will confirm your faith in that promise and help you proclaim its truth to others.”
This book is an excellent read. We are told in the first section that:
“The idea for this book started nearly a decade ago, during the pontificate of Pope Benedict XVI. On my blog Shameless Popery, I wrote a series of five articles on the topic of “Pope Peter,” exploring the biblical basis for the idea that the papacy was established by Christ, with Simon Peter as the first pope. That seed would eventually flower into this book, but along the way, several things happened.”
The book is more of an academic work. But Joe has written it in such a way that any Catholic, Christian or really anyone could pick it up and read through it. It does a great job of defending the church and the seat of Peter. The writing is clear and concise. The sources extensive.
This book was an engaging read. It is very well written. This was the first book by Joe that I have read. But I have already picked up his other one and know I will pick up any future offerings.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books from Catholic Answers.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2020 Catholic Reading Plan!
Introduction: The Pope Francis Problem
1. Getting Theology Right
2. I Will Build My Church
3. A City On A Hill
4. Servant Of The Servants Of God
5. The Good Shepherd Calls A Shepherd
6. Jesus Tethers Peter To Himself
7. The Fisher Pope
8. Peter And The Eleven
9. Upon This Rock
10. You Are Peter
11. Whatever You Bind On Earth
12. The Post-Petrine Papacy
And the description of the book is:
“The papacy is no stranger to controversy.
In many ways it’s Catholicism’s defining doctrine—but also its most divisive. From medieval pontiffs who acted like princes to a modern pope whose every casual statement sets off a social-media firestorm, there has been plenty for non-Catholics to criticize and for the faithful to feel anxious about.
We profess that Jesus made St. Peter the visible head of his Church on earth and that his successors throughout the ages are guided by the Holy Spirit to govern, teach, and sanctify it. How can we strengthen this belief in the papacy in the face of challenges (both outside the Church and within it) and so strengthen our faith in the One who instituted it?
In Pope Peter, Joe Heschmeyer says that papal flaws are an opportunity to understand what the papacy really means, not to abandon it (or the Church). Drawing deeply on the scriptural and historical witness, he offers a thorough but accessible defense of the papal office and an edifying picture of the extent—and limits—of its authority.
Jesus made Peter the Rock of the Church and promised that the gates of hell would not prevail against it. Pope Peter will confirm your faith in that promise and help you proclaim its truth to others.”
This book is an excellent read. We are told in the first section that:
“The idea for this book started nearly a decade ago, during the pontificate of Pope Benedict XVI. On my blog Shameless Popery, I wrote a series of five articles on the topic of “Pope Peter,” exploring the biblical basis for the idea that the papacy was established by Christ, with Simon Peter as the first pope. That seed would eventually flower into this book, but along the way, several things happened.”
The book is more of an academic work. But Joe has written it in such a way that any Catholic, Christian or really anyone could pick it up and read through it. It does a great job of defending the church and the seat of Peter. The writing is clear and concise. The sources extensive.
This book was an engaging read. It is very well written. This was the first book by Joe that I have read. But I have already picked up his other one and know I will pick up any future offerings.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books from Catholic Answers.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2020 Catholic Reading Plan!
August 29, 2025
Assuming my future self will read this - forgive the incredible amounts of naivety that the perspective of a budding catholic holds. Also brace for a heartfelt rant.
The papacy is in no way the most important doctrine of the church, that would (of course!) have to be the Eucharist for in it we truly behold, adore, and receive our Jesus in ways beyond our comprehension. But the papacy is the Church’s most distinctive doctrine, as no other has a visible head instituted by Jesus to protect and defend his Church against the degrading forces of time and heresy. Praise God!
While I thoroughly enjoyed this book, when my friend asked me if he should read it my gut response was “your time would be better spent elsewhere” for baptism, the Eucharist, Mary our holy mother, the lives of the saints, to name just a few far outweighs the papacy in beauty.
One thing I’ll share is a quote the author wrote about where a bishop responds to Napoleon during his conquests and says “Your Majesty, we Catholic clergy have done our best to destroy the Church for the last eighteen hundred years. We have not succeeded, and neither will you”. And a quote from Hilary Belloc, a British historian and writer, who said “The Catholic Church is an institution I am bound to hold divine—but for unbelievers, a proof of its divinity might be found in the fact that no merely human institution conducted with such knavish imbecility would have lasted a fortnight”. I think together these two quotes really encapsulate why I love the papacy. For all the papacy’s flaws which are numerous and painfully visible, Jesus Christ promised us that he would build his Church and that the gates of hell would not prevail over it.
Jesus gave us the Church then prayed for the unity of all future believers. That was the only prayer Jesus during his time on earth offered you and I, future Christians. And so with the utmost humility I can muster - I think it is infinitely worthy of our time to dwell deeply on what Christ Jesus thought was so important for us that he would pray for us. May the Lord bless you with grace, truth, beauty, mercy, and joy for he is worthy beyond our imagination.
The papacy is in no way the most important doctrine of the church, that would (of course!) have to be the Eucharist for in it we truly behold, adore, and receive our Jesus in ways beyond our comprehension. But the papacy is the Church’s most distinctive doctrine, as no other has a visible head instituted by Jesus to protect and defend his Church against the degrading forces of time and heresy. Praise God!
While I thoroughly enjoyed this book, when my friend asked me if he should read it my gut response was “your time would be better spent elsewhere” for baptism, the Eucharist, Mary our holy mother, the lives of the saints, to name just a few far outweighs the papacy in beauty.
One thing I’ll share is a quote the author wrote about where a bishop responds to Napoleon during his conquests and says “Your Majesty, we Catholic clergy have done our best to destroy the Church for the last eighteen hundred years. We have not succeeded, and neither will you”. And a quote from Hilary Belloc, a British historian and writer, who said “The Catholic Church is an institution I am bound to hold divine—but for unbelievers, a proof of its divinity might be found in the fact that no merely human institution conducted with such knavish imbecility would have lasted a fortnight”. I think together these two quotes really encapsulate why I love the papacy. For all the papacy’s flaws which are numerous and painfully visible, Jesus Christ promised us that he would build his Church and that the gates of hell would not prevail over it.
Jesus gave us the Church then prayed for the unity of all future believers. That was the only prayer Jesus during his time on earth offered you and I, future Christians. And so with the utmost humility I can muster - I think it is infinitely worthy of our time to dwell deeply on what Christ Jesus thought was so important for us that he would pray for us. May the Lord bless you with grace, truth, beauty, mercy, and joy for he is worthy beyond our imagination.
December 29, 2021
4.5 stars for me. I've been waiting to read this book for a long time and it did not disappoint.
Joe makes a compelling case for Peter having a special and authoritative role among the college of apostles by drawing on a range of scriptural passages, some expected but others I had not come across. He also includes some insightful discussion on the nature of the Church as an institution, the scriptural call for unity, and what that implies for both Peter's role and the continuation of his office. I also appreciated the engagement with Protestant objections, particularly theologians like Don Carson.
Where I felt the book falls a little short in being a comprehensive argument for the papal doctrines is its treatment of Church History. I see the slow development of the papacy in the early Church as being one of the strongest objections to the papacy. That is not to say that no evidence exists; indeed Joe references popular passages from Ignatius of Antioch and Irenaeus. However, Joe does not interact with objections and responses to these passages, for instance those arguing against a mono-episcopacy in Rome in the first century. I know Joe has views here based on his Shameless Popery blog so it would have been great to see these feature in the book.
A helpful and challenging read for any Protestant evaluating the claims of Catholicism.
Joe makes a compelling case for Peter having a special and authoritative role among the college of apostles by drawing on a range of scriptural passages, some expected but others I had not come across. He also includes some insightful discussion on the nature of the Church as an institution, the scriptural call for unity, and what that implies for both Peter's role and the continuation of his office. I also appreciated the engagement with Protestant objections, particularly theologians like Don Carson.
Where I felt the book falls a little short in being a comprehensive argument for the papal doctrines is its treatment of Church History. I see the slow development of the papacy in the early Church as being one of the strongest objections to the papacy. That is not to say that no evidence exists; indeed Joe references popular passages from Ignatius of Antioch and Irenaeus. However, Joe does not interact with objections and responses to these passages, for instance those arguing against a mono-episcopacy in Rome in the first century. I know Joe has views here based on his Shameless Popery blog so it would have been great to see these feature in the book.
A helpful and challenging read for any Protestant evaluating the claims of Catholicism.
May 20, 2025
A very approachable yet well written defense of the papacy. The tone of this book was very reminiscent of Joe’s YouTube videos on his channel Shameless Popery, and that’s a good thing! Joe employs a conversational tone that is nonetheless packed with intellectually rigorous theology and history.
The first portion of this book focuses on Peter’s preeminence over the other apostles, or as St. Iraneus called him “Prince of the apostles”. This case is done well, though I can see how some argue that even the smallest things are magnified in service of this point. Perhaps to a fault. However the main point is made very well and is tough to argue with even if you’re a dedicated Protestant.
The second (particularly final) portion of the book adeptly argues for the papacy both from the famous “on this rock…” biblical passage, as well as drawing parallels to the system of leadership that we see from genesis to revelation.
Overall this was a great book. If you’re already a highly educated Catholic then this may feel a bit “basic” in its argumentation, but if like me you are unfamiliar with the arguments for the papacy and Peter’s role in this ancient tradition, this is a great place to start. I must admit that I am now indeed, a shameless papist.
The first portion of this book focuses on Peter’s preeminence over the other apostles, or as St. Iraneus called him “Prince of the apostles”. This case is done well, though I can see how some argue that even the smallest things are magnified in service of this point. Perhaps to a fault. However the main point is made very well and is tough to argue with even if you’re a dedicated Protestant.
The second (particularly final) portion of the book adeptly argues for the papacy both from the famous “on this rock…” biblical passage, as well as drawing parallels to the system of leadership that we see from genesis to revelation.
Overall this was a great book. If you’re already a highly educated Catholic then this may feel a bit “basic” in its argumentation, but if like me you are unfamiliar with the arguments for the papacy and Peter’s role in this ancient tradition, this is a great place to start. I must admit that I am now indeed, a shameless papist.
January 13, 2025
As a Protestant, this was super helpful in understanding the Catholic pov for biblical arguments in support of Peter being the rock. The author did a great job breaking down fair arguments for Peter and in the end it’ll lead me to more books on succession. However, my only critique is that he did a “poor” job lining up the argument for apostolic succession. I say “poor” because while he did touch on what happenes after Peter and how it would support the claim for AS, he was very short in comparison to the rest of the books arguments and mainly based them on deducing information, instead of pointing to the text. To be fair though, this is a book about Peter, not his successors! So really this is deserves a 3.5 or 4/5!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2025
I listened to this one with my husband. We enjoy listening to Joe on YouTube and my husband is a Patreon subscriber to Joe.
🎧 Audiobook length: 6 hours 43 minutes
If you’ve ever questioned the legitimacy of the papacy, I definitely recommend checking this book out. Joe goes through different ways that the Bible supports and states that Jesus gave Peter the position of pope, and also how the Jewish customs of the time show how the seat is to be passed down.
👏🏼 Joe does a great job at being concise and not using technical jargon that will lose the reader’s interest.
💬 This novel was very enlightening! I’m glad that I listened to it and learned new evidence that supports the pope’s seat. With it being a quick listen/read - I highly recommend checking this out if you have any questions!
Connect with me on Instagram!
🎧 Audiobook length: 6 hours 43 minutes
If you’ve ever questioned the legitimacy of the papacy, I definitely recommend checking this book out. Joe goes through different ways that the Bible supports and states that Jesus gave Peter the position of pope, and also how the Jewish customs of the time show how the seat is to be passed down.
👏🏼 Joe does a great job at being concise and not using technical jargon that will lose the reader’s interest.
💬 This novel was very enlightening! I’m glad that I listened to it and learned new evidence that supports the pope’s seat. With it being a quick listen/read - I highly recommend checking this out if you have any questions!
Connect with me on Instagram!
March 3, 2021
“Pope Peter” is one of the latest new Catholic Answers apologetics books to cover the topic of the papacy. The author Joe Heschmeyer, has written extensively on this topic in his blog in the past in his blog, Shameless Popery. This book is an update of the Catholic defense of the Papacy. Here, he takes into account the new conditions that have come about as a result of the pontificate of Pope Francis, and contextualizes Catholic theology regarding the Church and the pope’s role in it in light of that.
The book is divided into twelve chapters. Chapter 1, “Getting Theology Right,” lays the groundwork for the rest of the book. Heschmeyer discusses general ecclesiology, and how one’s view of the church affects how one looks at doctrinal issues in general, such as whether the Church can authoritatively define doctrine and interpret Scripture. Chapter 2, “I Will Build my Church” argues from that that the Church was always meant to be a visible institution. The chapter critiques the Protestant visible/invisible Church distinction, and shows that such a concept cannot be found in Scripture. Chapter 3, “A City on a Hill,” goes into further depth on the visibility of the Church, using Jesus ‘City on a Hill’ saying as its basis, and critiques more modern conceptions of ecclesiology such as Dispensationalism.
Chapter 4, “Servant of the Servants of God,” is an exegesis of Luke 22, with a focus on verses 31-32. It argues that Peter’s charge to strengthen his brethren shows that he had a special role among the Apostles. Chapter 5, “The Good Shepherd Calls a Shepherd,” exegetes John 21:15-17, and refutes the notion that Jesus was merely restoring Peter to the apostolic office because he had lost it. Chapter 6, “Jesus Tethers Peter to Himself,” looks at a relatively obscure incident recorded in Matthew 17:22-27, and shows how asking Peter to pay the temple tax for both of them shows how Jesus closely associated Peter to Himself. Chapter 7, “The Fisher Pope,” explores the symbolism behind the catching of the fish in Luke 5:1-11, Matthew 17:24-27, and John 21:1-14. It shows that seemingly incidental details such as Jesus telling Peter in the singular that he would be a fisher of men, and the nets not being torn in the third catch, all have deeper spiritual meaning. Chapter 8, “Peter and the Eleven,” calls attention to curious detail that Peter is always listed first among the Apostles, and frequently acts as a spokesperson for the whole band. Special attention is given to the Patristic term “coryphaeus,” which was used to describe Peter’s role as both leader and spokesperson for the Apostles.
The next three chapters focus on Matthew 16 and its significance for the topic of the Papacy. Chapter 9, “Upon this Rock,” focuses what the “rock” in verse 18 means, and establishes that it undoubtedly refers to Peter. Chapter 10, “You are Peter,” expands on this and explains what it means for Peter to be the rock. It shows why the Church needs to have a single person as its head (as opposed to both Protestant and Eastern Orthodox models), and how that model can function even if the head is less than perfect. Chapter 11, “Whatever You Bind on Earth,” focuses on the “keys” in verse 19, and shows, using parallels in the Old Testament and Second Temple Jewish Literature, how the keys signify representative authority.
Finally, chapter 12, “The Post-Petrine Papacy,” wraps up the discussion of the doctrine of the Papacy by addressing three key questions: 1) Did the Church fall into apostasy?, 2) if not, why doesn’t the Church today look like the Church back then?, and 3) was the Papacy ever intended to last beyond Peter? Heschmeyer answers these questions by showing that an apostasy cannot be substantiated from Scripture or from church history. He further shows that the developments that have happened to the Church since the first century are all natural developments of the original deposit of faith in response to changing circumstances, and have not changed the substance of it. Finally, he shows from church history how the bishop of Rome was seen historically as having inherited Peter’s position of leadership.
Even though this book is relatively brief, Heschmeyer presents a breadth of information to the reader on the most substantive issues relevant to the Papacy. The book is heavy on Scriptural exegesis, with the relevant passages explored in great detail. Historical issues such as what the early church fathers and Protestant reformers taught are also brought up at key junctures in order to shed further light. Perhaps the most valuable part of this book is how he deals with Protestant objections in every chapter. Heschmeyer presents the best arguments, both from the reformers and from more contemporary Protestant theologians and apologists, making sure not to strawman their positions.
As a primer on the Papacy, Heschmeyer’s book makes a great starting point, both for its conciseness and its lack of technical terminology. Even for more those more experienced in Catholic-Protestant debates, this book is sure to help as it provides more up to date information, and responds to the more common objections raised by Protestants. Overall, I would definitely recommend it.
The book is divided into twelve chapters. Chapter 1, “Getting Theology Right,” lays the groundwork for the rest of the book. Heschmeyer discusses general ecclesiology, and how one’s view of the church affects how one looks at doctrinal issues in general, such as whether the Church can authoritatively define doctrine and interpret Scripture. Chapter 2, “I Will Build my Church” argues from that that the Church was always meant to be a visible institution. The chapter critiques the Protestant visible/invisible Church distinction, and shows that such a concept cannot be found in Scripture. Chapter 3, “A City on a Hill,” goes into further depth on the visibility of the Church, using Jesus ‘City on a Hill’ saying as its basis, and critiques more modern conceptions of ecclesiology such as Dispensationalism.
Chapter 4, “Servant of the Servants of God,” is an exegesis of Luke 22, with a focus on verses 31-32. It argues that Peter’s charge to strengthen his brethren shows that he had a special role among the Apostles. Chapter 5, “The Good Shepherd Calls a Shepherd,” exegetes John 21:15-17, and refutes the notion that Jesus was merely restoring Peter to the apostolic office because he had lost it. Chapter 6, “Jesus Tethers Peter to Himself,” looks at a relatively obscure incident recorded in Matthew 17:22-27, and shows how asking Peter to pay the temple tax for both of them shows how Jesus closely associated Peter to Himself. Chapter 7, “The Fisher Pope,” explores the symbolism behind the catching of the fish in Luke 5:1-11, Matthew 17:24-27, and John 21:1-14. It shows that seemingly incidental details such as Jesus telling Peter in the singular that he would be a fisher of men, and the nets not being torn in the third catch, all have deeper spiritual meaning. Chapter 8, “Peter and the Eleven,” calls attention to curious detail that Peter is always listed first among the Apostles, and frequently acts as a spokesperson for the whole band. Special attention is given to the Patristic term “coryphaeus,” which was used to describe Peter’s role as both leader and spokesperson for the Apostles.
The next three chapters focus on Matthew 16 and its significance for the topic of the Papacy. Chapter 9, “Upon this Rock,” focuses what the “rock” in verse 18 means, and establishes that it undoubtedly refers to Peter. Chapter 10, “You are Peter,” expands on this and explains what it means for Peter to be the rock. It shows why the Church needs to have a single person as its head (as opposed to both Protestant and Eastern Orthodox models), and how that model can function even if the head is less than perfect. Chapter 11, “Whatever You Bind on Earth,” focuses on the “keys” in verse 19, and shows, using parallels in the Old Testament and Second Temple Jewish Literature, how the keys signify representative authority.
Finally, chapter 12, “The Post-Petrine Papacy,” wraps up the discussion of the doctrine of the Papacy by addressing three key questions: 1) Did the Church fall into apostasy?, 2) if not, why doesn’t the Church today look like the Church back then?, and 3) was the Papacy ever intended to last beyond Peter? Heschmeyer answers these questions by showing that an apostasy cannot be substantiated from Scripture or from church history. He further shows that the developments that have happened to the Church since the first century are all natural developments of the original deposit of faith in response to changing circumstances, and have not changed the substance of it. Finally, he shows from church history how the bishop of Rome was seen historically as having inherited Peter’s position of leadership.
Even though this book is relatively brief, Heschmeyer presents a breadth of information to the reader on the most substantive issues relevant to the Papacy. The book is heavy on Scriptural exegesis, with the relevant passages explored in great detail. Historical issues such as what the early church fathers and Protestant reformers taught are also brought up at key junctures in order to shed further light. Perhaps the most valuable part of this book is how he deals with Protestant objections in every chapter. Heschmeyer presents the best arguments, both from the reformers and from more contemporary Protestant theologians and apologists, making sure not to strawman their positions.
As a primer on the Papacy, Heschmeyer’s book makes a great starting point, both for its conciseness and its lack of technical terminology. Even for more those more experienced in Catholic-Protestant debates, this book is sure to help as it provides more up to date information, and responds to the more common objections raised by Protestants. Overall, I would definitely recommend it.
January 5, 2021
I loved this book. It supports the obvious establishment of the papacy through St. Peter.
Great job.
Great job.
January 16, 2025
I haven’t annotated this much in a book in a long time. It was an enjoyable read! If you are struggling to understand the papacy, I highly recommend.
July 25, 2025
Likely need to read this 1-3 more times to retain it all, but a well researched book.
October 24, 2021
Definitely a compelling book for proving the papacy. Was easy to follow and referenced to Greek biblical translation to confirm the meaning of terms and the Church’s position. Heschmeyer goes deeply into an exegesis of verses that make mention of Peter’s name and his interactions. The book was targeted more toward a Protestant rather than Orthodox audience (like myself). Yet it definitely left me in less doubt about papal supremacy. However I did find the book lacking in fully defending Peter’s papal infallibility since it fell short in examining church history and the early church fathers on the subject of the papacy as a whole. Great book to start with when examining the doctrine though, as a basis for studying the validity of the Catholic faith.
March 31, 2025
I think it’s really good. A great book, especially for Protestants that are not tied to a more historic Protestant position. My one complaint is that I wish he had spent more time unraveling the Protestant view of the invisible church. I’m an ex-Protestant and I think a little more could be explained. There are definitely some that hold to the view he espouses, but like I said, the book seems better suited for Protestants in less theologically rigorous camps. But other than that it’s very good. I think it clearly shows Peters significance, why the papacy is necessary, why a unified Church is necessary, and why Protestantism fails and often is forced to ignore Scripture. Also I enjoy his writing style.
May 1, 2022
Utfordrende bok som treffer på mye av det viktigste.
Som man skjønner fra tittelen er dette ment til å være katolsk apologetikk.
Premisset for boken er at katolisismen er den eneste religiøse retningen som holder troen på at paven har en legitim autoritet når det kommer til å bestemme lære. Siden katolisismen er unik på dette punktet er det med dette utgangspunktet enkelt å avgjøre om man burde være katolikk eller ikke.
Hvis du mener at paven har en legitim autoritet når det kommer til lære, så burde du ikke være protestant, jøde, ortodoks eller muslim. Du burde være katolikk, og helst bøye deg for pavens dømmekraft på OFFISIELL lære.
Metodikken er veldig enkel:
Heschmeyer jobber seg gjennom Matteus 16, 18-19:
18Jeg sier deg at du er Peter*, og på denne klippen vil jeg bygge min kirke, og dødsrikets porter skal ikke få makt over den. 19Jeg vil gi deg nøklene til himlenes rike, og det du binder på jorden, skal være bundet i himmelen, og det du løser på jorden, skal være løst i himmelen.
Heschmeyer presenterer hvert kapittel med et utklipp fra disse versene, feks heter et kapittel: I will build my church.
For hvert kapittel presenterer han det katolske synet. Så har han en seksjon som heter: How might a protestant respond? I denne delen presenterer han populære protestantiske tolkningsalternativer før han forklarer hvorfor han mener disse er feil.
Det Heschmeyer gjør svært bra er presentasjonen av det katolske synet. Jeg tror jeg hadde likt bedre å lese bare det, før jeg evt leste de delene med motargument som jeg opplever som mer interessant. Grunnen til det er at strukturen i boka er litt slitsom. Det er litt som å lese gjennom en debatt hvor én person presenterer begge syn - i 12 seksjoner. Det blir ikke nødvendigvis en upresis presentasjon av protestantismen, men det blir presentert i en merkbar partisk tone.
Et annet problem, og Heschmeyer kvalifiserer dette, er at Protestantisme finnes ikke som sådan. Protestantisk teologi er utrolig fragmentert da det ikke finnes en protestantisk pave som bestemmer ufeilbarlig lære. Det gjør at man som protestant ikke føler seg truffet av alle karakteristikkene av protestantiske tolkninger. Man finner kanskje ikke en gang sitt eget syn blant dem som blir kritisert. Heldigvis blir det tydelig at det er viktig å ha et syn på dette da det er mye som står på spill. Katolisismen hevder jo tross alt at Jesus har grunnlagt den katolske kirke, og hvis det er sant er det jo viktig å være med.
Selv om jeg ikke kjenner meg igjen i all kritikken i de protestantiske tolkningene Heschmeyer kritiserer, må jeg likevel innrømme at jeg føler meg svært truffet av karakteriseringen av protestantismen i seg selv. Mange av problemene Heschmeyer drar frem virker å være rimelige karakteriseringer, men og svært betydningsfulle. Det er utfordringer med historie, kirkepolitikk, teologi, men først og fremst ENHET.
Dette er jo tematikk som ofte brukes på protestantisk side til å kritisere katolisismen. Den samme pekefingeren protestanter gjerne bruker mot katolikker er relevant begge veier. Heschmeyer mener at dette koker ned til en konflikt mellom to kirkelige verdier: enhet og sannhet. Protestanter holder Sannhet med stor S, og enhet mindre viktig. Protestanter ville sagt at katolikker holder enhet, men går på kompromiss med sannhet.
Heschmeyer mener selvfølgelig ikke at den protestantiske kritikken stemmer. Han mener at katolisismen har den fulle sannheten. Han peker og på at Jesus ber for at kirken skal ha enhet. I tillegg poengterer han at Jesus sier at "...dødsrikets porter skal ikke få makt over den [(eller) kirken]".
For å ende en for lang anmeldelse: Dette er en svært utfordrende bok, men ikke feilfri. Den har og en del gull fra kirkefedrene, og jeg kan garantere at å lese en bok som dette, for en ignorant protestant som meg selv, øker horisonten betraktelig. Jeg tenker stadig på John Henry Newman som sa "To be steeped in church history is to cease to be a protestant". Det føles defintivt som at det er noe i det, selv om noen av kirkefedrene hadde protestantiske syn på enkeltspørsmål. Kirkehistorien utfordrer protestantismen på flere måter. En av disse kommer fram i denne boken. Er Peter den første av en lang rekke paver?
Avslutter med et sitat fra boken:
St. Jerome warned the heretics of his
day not to "flatter themselves if they think they have Scripture authority for their assertions, since the devil himself
quoted Scripture, and the essence of the scriptures is not
the letter, but the meaning."
Som man skjønner fra tittelen er dette ment til å være katolsk apologetikk.
Premisset for boken er at katolisismen er den eneste religiøse retningen som holder troen på at paven har en legitim autoritet når det kommer til å bestemme lære. Siden katolisismen er unik på dette punktet er det med dette utgangspunktet enkelt å avgjøre om man burde være katolikk eller ikke.
Hvis du mener at paven har en legitim autoritet når det kommer til lære, så burde du ikke være protestant, jøde, ortodoks eller muslim. Du burde være katolikk, og helst bøye deg for pavens dømmekraft på OFFISIELL lære.
Metodikken er veldig enkel:
Heschmeyer jobber seg gjennom Matteus 16, 18-19:
18Jeg sier deg at du er Peter*, og på denne klippen vil jeg bygge min kirke, og dødsrikets porter skal ikke få makt over den. 19Jeg vil gi deg nøklene til himlenes rike, og det du binder på jorden, skal være bundet i himmelen, og det du løser på jorden, skal være løst i himmelen.
Heschmeyer presenterer hvert kapittel med et utklipp fra disse versene, feks heter et kapittel: I will build my church.
For hvert kapittel presenterer han det katolske synet. Så har han en seksjon som heter: How might a protestant respond? I denne delen presenterer han populære protestantiske tolkningsalternativer før han forklarer hvorfor han mener disse er feil.
Det Heschmeyer gjør svært bra er presentasjonen av det katolske synet. Jeg tror jeg hadde likt bedre å lese bare det, før jeg evt leste de delene med motargument som jeg opplever som mer interessant. Grunnen til det er at strukturen i boka er litt slitsom. Det er litt som å lese gjennom en debatt hvor én person presenterer begge syn - i 12 seksjoner. Det blir ikke nødvendigvis en upresis presentasjon av protestantismen, men det blir presentert i en merkbar partisk tone.
Et annet problem, og Heschmeyer kvalifiserer dette, er at Protestantisme finnes ikke som sådan. Protestantisk teologi er utrolig fragmentert da det ikke finnes en protestantisk pave som bestemmer ufeilbarlig lære. Det gjør at man som protestant ikke føler seg truffet av alle karakteristikkene av protestantiske tolkninger. Man finner kanskje ikke en gang sitt eget syn blant dem som blir kritisert. Heldigvis blir det tydelig at det er viktig å ha et syn på dette da det er mye som står på spill. Katolisismen hevder jo tross alt at Jesus har grunnlagt den katolske kirke, og hvis det er sant er det jo viktig å være med.
Selv om jeg ikke kjenner meg igjen i all kritikken i de protestantiske tolkningene Heschmeyer kritiserer, må jeg likevel innrømme at jeg føler meg svært truffet av karakteriseringen av protestantismen i seg selv. Mange av problemene Heschmeyer drar frem virker å være rimelige karakteriseringer, men og svært betydningsfulle. Det er utfordringer med historie, kirkepolitikk, teologi, men først og fremst ENHET.
Dette er jo tematikk som ofte brukes på protestantisk side til å kritisere katolisismen. Den samme pekefingeren protestanter gjerne bruker mot katolikker er relevant begge veier. Heschmeyer mener at dette koker ned til en konflikt mellom to kirkelige verdier: enhet og sannhet. Protestanter holder Sannhet med stor S, og enhet mindre viktig. Protestanter ville sagt at katolikker holder enhet, men går på kompromiss med sannhet.
Heschmeyer mener selvfølgelig ikke at den protestantiske kritikken stemmer. Han mener at katolisismen har den fulle sannheten. Han peker og på at Jesus ber for at kirken skal ha enhet. I tillegg poengterer han at Jesus sier at "...dødsrikets porter skal ikke få makt over den [(eller) kirken]".
For å ende en for lang anmeldelse: Dette er en svært utfordrende bok, men ikke feilfri. Den har og en del gull fra kirkefedrene, og jeg kan garantere at å lese en bok som dette, for en ignorant protestant som meg selv, øker horisonten betraktelig. Jeg tenker stadig på John Henry Newman som sa "To be steeped in church history is to cease to be a protestant". Det føles defintivt som at det er noe i det, selv om noen av kirkefedrene hadde protestantiske syn på enkeltspørsmål. Kirkehistorien utfordrer protestantismen på flere måter. En av disse kommer fram i denne boken. Er Peter den første av en lang rekke paver?
Avslutter med et sitat fra boken:
St. Jerome warned the heretics of his
day not to "flatter themselves if they think they have Scripture authority for their assertions, since the devil himself
quoted Scripture, and the essence of the scriptures is not
the letter, but the meaning."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2024
I picked this up after hearing Matt Fradd make reference of this book in a podcast. It was a fun, quick read and a lot of good points were made.
While recognizing it is a book primarily about Peter, I wish he would have done more to connect Peter’s primacy/supremacy to the objection as to the same continuing in Peter’s successors (as this argument has to follow to evidence the papal claims).
As he noted in various portions of exegesis on passages relating to Peter, honest Protestant scholars readily accept Peter as uniquely chief among the apostles (DA Carson, RT France, etc). But given that the book was trying to clarify Peter as first pope, he should have done more arguing from early sources like 1st Clement as well connecting the basic logic behind such a role continuing, once instituted.
While making mention of a few of the early fathers on the role of Peter, he didn’t flesh the connections out nearly enough for someone who’s really in doubt of Catholic claims.
While recognizing it is a book primarily about Peter, I wish he would have done more to connect Peter’s primacy/supremacy to the objection as to the same continuing in Peter’s successors (as this argument has to follow to evidence the papal claims).
As he noted in various portions of exegesis on passages relating to Peter, honest Protestant scholars readily accept Peter as uniquely chief among the apostles (DA Carson, RT France, etc). But given that the book was trying to clarify Peter as first pope, he should have done more arguing from early sources like 1st Clement as well connecting the basic logic behind such a role continuing, once instituted.
While making mention of a few of the early fathers on the role of Peter, he didn’t flesh the connections out nearly enough for someone who’s really in doubt of Catholic claims.
July 16, 2025
Great popular-level introduction to the arguments for the Papacy and the contentions surrounding it.
“… we do put to confusion all those who, in whatever manner, whether by an evil self-pleasing, by vainglory, or by blindness and perverse opinion, assemble in unauthorized meetings; [we do this, I say,] by indicating that tradition derived from the apostles, of the very great, the very ancient, and universally known Church founded and organized at Rome by the two most glorious apostles, Peter and Paul; as also [by pointing out] the faith preached to men, which comes down to our time by means of the successions of the bishops. For it is a matter of necessity that every Church should agree with this Church, on account of its preeminent authority” [St. Irenaeus, ‘Against Heresies’, Book III, Ch. 3.2 (c. A.D. 180)].
“… we do put to confusion all those who, in whatever manner, whether by an evil self-pleasing, by vainglory, or by blindness and perverse opinion, assemble in unauthorized meetings; [we do this, I say,] by indicating that tradition derived from the apostles, of the very great, the very ancient, and universally known Church founded and organized at Rome by the two most glorious apostles, Peter and Paul; as also [by pointing out] the faith preached to men, which comes down to our time by means of the successions of the bishops. For it is a matter of necessity that every Church should agree with this Church, on account of its preeminent authority” [St. Irenaeus, ‘Against Heresies’, Book III, Ch. 3.2 (c. A.D. 180)].
December 3, 2020
This was really interesting. The book presented a range of scriptural arguments for the papacy and Peter being the first pope and really dug into the verses including the background of interpretation and Protestant and Orthodox responses (which I really appreciated, it seemed like a honest effort to address objections).
Also, out of 12 chapters, 2 were devoted to Matthew 16:18 (where Simon is called Peter) and they were held to last which helped to demonstrate that Mt 16:18 isn't the whole basis of the argument for the papacy and the book dug into more than just the debate over what the rock that Jesus said he would build his Church on was. Overall, there was just a lot more here than I was expecting.
Also, out of 12 chapters, 2 were devoted to Matthew 16:18 (where Simon is called Peter) and they were held to last which helped to demonstrate that Mt 16:18 isn't the whole basis of the argument for the papacy and the book dug into more than just the debate over what the rock that Jesus said he would build his Church on was. Overall, there was just a lot more here than I was expecting.
March 15, 2022
What was Luther thinking??!!
The more information and research I consume, the more confident I am in my decision to become Catholic (despite how the poorly the Church is faring these days). This is one of the rare books that doesn't just teach you something new, but actually blows your mind. It's accessible, well-organized, and gives full weight to the most compelling counterarguments. But I don't know how you could read this and not be absolutely devastated by the case he makes for the papacy. Props to Mr. Heschmeyer.
The more information and research I consume, the more confident I am in my decision to become Catholic (despite how the poorly the Church is faring these days). This is one of the rare books that doesn't just teach you something new, but actually blows your mind. It's accessible, well-organized, and gives full weight to the most compelling counterarguments. But I don't know how you could read this and not be absolutely devastated by the case he makes for the papacy. Props to Mr. Heschmeyer.
August 31, 2021
I learned so much in reading this book and it only scratches the surface on why we should all be "shameless papists." It is soundly argued all the way through, and he cites Protestant theologians directly to avoid straw-manning their positions. This may well be my favorite book I've read this year. I'll have to reread and take notes! "To be deep in history is to cease to be a Protestant." -St. John Henry Newman
April 23, 2022
The book does some beautiful exegesis and is well researched. Written with a pleasant to-the-pointedness. The result gives glory to God through clear illumination of Peter's unique appointment as fisherman, shepherd, and rock, despite his setting clear precedent for far-from-perfect popes. It affirms Christ's vital promise to preserve his Church from error, while soundly refuting protestant ecclesiology.
August 7, 2022
clear, concise, and compelling!
Joe Heschmayer doesn’t flinch in the face of current issues in Rome. Nor does he take a triumphalist or ultramontane approach. He patiently and forthrightly addresses the arguments for and against the papacy. If you’re a Protestant looking to better understand the papacy and want to hear respectful critiques of Protestant arguments, look no further. If you are a Catholic struggling with Pope Francis, you should read this book.
Joe Heschmayer doesn’t flinch in the face of current issues in Rome. Nor does he take a triumphalist or ultramontane approach. He patiently and forthrightly addresses the arguments for and against the papacy. If you’re a Protestant looking to better understand the papacy and want to hear respectful critiques of Protestant arguments, look no further. If you are a Catholic struggling with Pope Francis, you should read this book.
June 28, 2021
This is a fantastic book! I highly recommend it to Catholics and challenge Protestants to read it. There is unfortunately a large misunderstanding that exists in regards to what the papacy is and what it is not, from both Catholics and Protestants. And to those Protestants that might be open to reading this book... Be ready to come home!
May 12, 2022
70% of this was about Peter and building a case for a preeminent role among the Apostles, and I thought it was in some part convincing. I did want more on apostolic succession though (he wrote nothing on it), because that's what this hinges on if someone accepts that Peter has this preeminent role (nuances aside).
I like Joe though. He's cool.
I like Joe though. He's cool.
March 24, 2025
Another great book from Joe Heschmeyer. I love how he lays out an argument and builds a case. Very comprehensive and thorough. The biblical and historical argument for the papacy is undeniable. The last chapter where he addresses the Orthodox Church blew me away. Great read and one I’m sure to come back to.
February 6, 2021
Excellent description of the Papacy. What it is, what it is not. Provides the evidence based on facts and handles well many arguments proposed against. Enjoyable and informative especially during this time of crisis in the Church.
February 19, 2021
This book is beneficial with a clear understanding by a vast misunderstanding of Catholic teaching regarding the term Pope. Especially about Peter as our Pope. It helps me to unravel the problem. Must be read for every Catholic and especially by non-Catholics.
February 25, 2022
This book is compact and informative for learning about the Catholic positions and support for Pope Peter. However, it can be uncharitable towards opposition in its arguments. Thus, the arguments aren't as bulletproof as they are put out to be, but are very strong nonetheless.
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