The General Councils: History of 21 Church Councils from Nicaea to Vatican II

The story of the Catholic Church's 21 general councils is one of the best ways to learn about the 2,000-year course of Christianity, affirms church historian Christopher Bellitto. In his book, a sister volume to his acclaimed Renewing Christianity, Bellitto offers readers a succinct history of these 21 general councils, beginning with the First Council of Nicaea in 325 and ending with the Second Vatican Council in the 1960s. The councils are organized into four parts: the councils of the early church, of the Middle Ages, of the Reformation, and of modern times (Vatican I and II). Bellitto introduces readers to the historical contexts, major tasks, achievements, and failures of the councils, as well as their impact on their respective eras.

The General Councils is an ideal companion volume for Renewing Christianity, as described by Library Journal as "Brilliant." Written in accessible, non-technical language, the book provides a fast-paced read for undergraduates and general readers.

The First Council of Nicaea in 325 marked the beginning of the general councils, which played a crucial role in shaping the course of Christianity over the centuries. Bellitto's comprehensive overview of these councils offers valuable insights into the evolution of the Catholic Church and its response to various challenges throughout history.

The councils of the early church, such as Nicaea, Ephesus, and Chalcedon, grappled with fundamental theological issues, including the nature of Christ and the authority of the church. The Middle Ages witnessed councils that addressed concerns about church reform, heresy, and the relationship between the papacy and temporal powers.

During the Reformation era, councils like Trent sought to counter the spread of Protestantism and reaffirm Catholic doctrine. In more modern times, the First Vatican Council in the 19th century and the Second Vatican Council in the 1960s tackled issues of papal infallibility, liturgical reform, and the role of the church in the modern world.

Bellitto's careful analysis of the general councils illuminates the dynamic and complex history of the Catholic Church. The book provides readers with a deeper understanding of the church's response to the theological, political, and social challenges it has faced over the centuries. As a succinct and accessible resource, The General Councils is an invaluable tool for both students and general readers interested in the rich tapestry of Christian history.

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