I have enjoyed the "Church in History" series from St. Vladimir's Seminary Press since it was first started by Fr. John Meyendorff with Volume II: "Imperial Unity" back in the early 90's. I have read Vols II, III, and IV and enjoyed them all immensely. However, I have just read (or, more accurately, attempted to read) Volume I, Part 1: "Formation And Struggles: the Birth of the Church Ad 33-200", and I found it extremely disappointing. To be honest, I wasn't even able to finish it as it was so bad.

To put it bluntly, I see nothing "Orthodox" about this volume. He simply parrots the prevailing (mostly liberal Protestant) theories about how the Church was formed, and seems to tolerate even the most egregious ideas about the first Christian community (for example, he only faintly criticizes the radical Jesus Seminar, while spending over a page and a half discussing their now-discredited ideas). Throughout the book he goes out of his way to diminish or deny any traditional view of the early Church, always giving sympathetic time to modern, skeptical theories.

For example, he claims that there was not a single ruling bishop of Rome during the 1st century (such as Clement), but instead a number of bishops who presided concurrently. This has been a popular theory originated by Protestants trying to tone-down the "Catholic" aspects of the early Church (they really don't know what to do with Ignatius, however), but it has little actual support. Mr. Kesich simply states it without any support nor any mention of competing theories.

This is especially disappointing to me, as I felt that a strong Orthodox contribution to a study of the earliest formation of the Church was sorely needed. I am sad to see such a poor contribution to what has otherwise been a great series of books. I'd advise people to avoid it; I wish I could get a refund for my own purchase. Hopefully Mr. Kesich will not be writing Volume I, Part 2.

francis:

Why not call and ask what the procedure is for sending it back for a refund and include this review?

BOB

I think Theophan has made an excellent suggestion. However, rather than phoning I suggest an e-mail or written letter with your review.
In your comments you brought up points that I was not aware of and was grateful to learn.

I notice that Dr. Veselin Kesich's field of expertise is Biblical: New Testament Studies. (See-http://www.svots.edu/Faculty/Veselin-Kesich/index.html/ )

Although he has published on St. Peter and Primacy in the New Testament ("Peter's Primacy in the New Testament and Early Tradition" in J. Meyendorff, ed., The Primacy of Peter, (Crestwood: SVS Press, 2d ed. 1992)Pp. 35-66.), perhaps writing Church History in general is not his strong point. Could this account for the weaknesses you pointed out? This can happen when a scholar strays beyond his chosen field.

Thanks for bringing your thoughts on this book to our attention.

Funny, I never thought of actually asking for a refund. Do publishers actually give refunds?



I wondered that as well. Unfortunately, scriptural studies today are so replete with skepticism that it is almost impossible to be in that field without it seeping into one's own outlook. Perhaps this has happened with Dr. Kesich, and he doesn't even realize it (or thinks it is the proper attitude to have towards these studies).

francis:

Maybe I'm just the one dumb cluck bold enough to do this kind of thing. I had a book I didn't like once and thought I was told that there were no refunds, I sent it back and wrote a letter to tell them I would make every effort to let everyone I could think of know what a stinker it was. I got a check back. Maybe the threat of bad publicity did it. All I know is that they got their book back and I got my money back.

BOB