Off the Shelf 191 – Joe Heschmeyer
This week Joe Heschmeyer returns to discuss his book Pope Peter – Defending the Church’s Most Distinctive Doctrine in a Time of Crisis. We take a deep dive look at the papacy and how we can defend it and church hierarchy as the truth. Get Joe’s book here.
From the Publisher Catholic Answers Press
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.
Bio
Previously a litigator in Washington, D.C., and a seminarian for the Archdiocese of Kansas City, Joe Heschmeyer now works as an instructor for the Holy Family School of Faith Institute, helping people to grow in friendship with Jesus Christ and with one another through ongoing one-on-one discipleship, small gatherings, and large group formation. His writing has appeared in Catholic Answers Magazine, the Washington Times, Word on Fire, First Things, and Strange Notions. In 2014, he was named one of FOCUS’ “30 Under 30.” He cohosts The Catholic Podcast weekly and has run the blog Shameless Popery since 2009.
Where to find
I received a copy of this boom in exchange for an honest review and/or interview with the author. Read my complete archives at www.catholicbookblogger.com
