A History of the Church in the Middle Ages (review)
James M. Powell
Reviewed by: A History of the Church in Middle Ages James M. Powell Ages. By F. Donald Logan. (London and New York: Routledge. 2002. Pp. xiv, 368. $22.95 paperback.) The success Da Vinci Code has a special meaning for historians Christianity. It points to importance history, even mythological legendary form, satisfy fundamental relationship between story human understanding. What is perhaps most interesting that considerable effort being devoted serious discussion this recent resurrection conspiracy theory. Still, we can take some consolation period witnessed modest increase courses church history number general works on topic. Also, field been undergoing quiet revolution, from an exclusive emphasis ecclesiastical governance doctrinal disputes interest as it touched lives people. Logan's work reflects trend. I have often thought best found "Acts Apostles" Epistles should serve model modern historians. delight see scholars moving direction. Of course, Logan gives ample space topics like conversion Constantine, Justinian, Pope Gregory Great, Carolingians, papacy, Great Schism, but he also sections popular devotion, Peter Abelard, universities, whole [End Page 293] chapter death purgatory. But tone his find effective use narrative eye illustrative detail apt quotations. seems important learn Alexander VI was knowledgeable about Greenland aware Christians there tried preserve their faith though they had no bishop or priest eighty years. similar more times told Japanese who survived long isolation. When tell Church, these episodes deserve examination. one strengths book capture flavor topic well facts. For him, Abelard Heloise very human. He contrasts passionate Heloise's letters with Abelard's reply. "How cold response must seemed when, reply, merely counselled her pray."On other hand, Innocent III, receives detailed treatment focusing relations secular rulers, crusade, Fourth Lateran Council, never comes life same way. This extensive any pope adherence conventional views. Given done III years image emerging, inevitably falls short. On papacy neglects new research provides much dynamic engaged pictures popes. An exception devotes Nicholas V's efforts restore Rome after neglect fourteenth fifteenth centuries founding Vatican Library, not appreciated by successor, Calixtus III. There merit volume, will prove useful both students teachers. edition provide opportunity revisions. One problem stands out. approaches northern European perspective. evident interpretations organization materials. Christianity was, however, Mediterranean religion. fact, Latin Church's ties Europe obscured reality degree, especially result Protestant Reformation. As moved away its eastern roots, become separated Churches. western up century remained conscious Churches than case suggest that...
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