A fellow apologist that I know highly recommended The Church and the Papacy by Trevor Jalland. Jalland was an Anglican scholar who lived in the 20th century. The more I do research, the more I realize that Anglicans in the 1800s and the early 1900s wrote some pretty amazing stuff. I’ve scoffed at Anglicans before but I honestly do want to take that back because they have a rich intellectual tradition. This book was originally published in 1942. I’ve typically only reviewed newer books on this website but I couldn’t let this one go. It’s out of print but used copies are available.
This book is absolutely amazing. It’s full of impressive historical facts. I did know of some of them but others were new to me. Jalland is an Anglican and therefore doesn’t accept the Catholic view of the papacy. Still, this was an impressive historical analysis. I know everyone is biased to a certain degree but this book is about as unbiased as one can get.
The first portion of the book deals with scripture as one would expect. This portion is very well done, however it betrays liberal trends that were floating around at the time. He also doesn’t think there is much evidence for the papacy in the pre-Nicene era. However, in the two centuries after the Council of Nicaea he provides much evidence.
Two of my favourite parts of the book deal with affairs in the 9th century. The first is the pseudo-Isidorian decretals. Although Popes did use these documents to bolster papal claims, he actually says which ones used them and which ones didn’t. He says that contrary to popular belief Pope Nicholas didn’t make any significant use of them, though his successor Adrian II did. He also gives the real reason why these documents were forged. It actually wasn’t to bolster papal claims though they were unfortunately used for that at times.
Another section that he covers well is the Photian Schism in the late 9th century. This little scuffle is a sore spot for both Catholics and Eastern Orthodox. When one side speaks of it, it’s unfortunately usually in a polemical tone. Jalland, being an Anglican has no dog in this race so he can look at it from a unique perspective. He actually gives a reading of the episode that neither Catholics or Eastern Orthodox would fully agree with though very interesting. It’s quite refreshing actually.
I’ll be honest, this is the best book on the papacy I’ve ever read. It’s very unbiased and does a good job dealing with the historical evidence. It’s a full 543 pages of detailed analysis, ending with the history of the First Vatican Council which I quite liked. The same apologist who recommended this book to me, also recommended The Papacy and the Orthodox by Siecienski. I’ll definitely be reading that one though I’m going to wait until it comes out in paperback so the price drops a little. Scholarly non-polemical books are extremely refreshing.
If you’ve read this book, feel free to share your opinions below. I’m interesting in hearing opinions from all sides; Catholic, Protestant, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, etc. If you haven’t read this book, share some of your favourite books on the papacy below whether it be for or against, biased or unbiased. Share below! God bless and I hope everyone is having a great 2021 so far.
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