The entire book is availbe free online, here.



http://www.religion-online.org/showbook.asp?title=1553

While the book is fairly well written, it must be noted that it is not without bias. The sections subtitled "Christian Theology in India" [under Chapter 7] is clearly hostile to the Pope and varies considerably from the Catholic perspective on the events. However, it is not an encyclopedic or historic text and bias can be expected.

I had trouble accessing the interior links to that page.

Terry here are the chapter urls that you can copy and paste in http.


http://www.religion-online.org/showchapter.asp?title=1553&C=1359

http://www.religion-online.org/showchapter.asp?title=1553&C=1360

http://www.religion-online.org/showchapter.asp?title=1553&C=1361


http://www.religion-online.org/showchapter.asp?title=1553&C=1367

http://www.religion-online.org/showchapter.asp?title=1553&C=1362

http://www.religion-online.org/showchapter.asp?title=1553&C=1363

http://www.religion-online.org/showchapter.asp?title=1553&C=1364


http://www.religion-online.org/showchapter.asp?title=1553&C=1366

http://www.religion-online.org/showchapter.asp?title=1553&C=1365

http://www.religion-online.org/showchapter.asp?title=1553&C=1368

Yes that is true. But its hard to argue with free (unless the document is a complete hatchet job or propaganda tract).

The common criticism of the document I've seen has been more of the pro-Nestorian end. I think the writer is a most likely a Protestant who is interested in Church history around the world. But I would note he cites recognized sources, besides Church fathers he cites more modern ones some of which are Catholic like Danielou of "The Bible and the Liturgy"


Probably one of the most interested Criticism of the book came on Orthodoxchristianity.net in regards to the claim of Nestorian Christianity reaching Japan. The critic was quiet knowledgeable and debunked that section of Chapter 8 (The Nestorian headstones found in Japan were brought over from China during the 1800s and not native to Japan).

I could understand a "pro-Nestorian slant". The heresy was historically influential in the Middle and Far East. A good read of Marco Polo makes that obvious; though more research than that simple work would be required to understand its influences in Japan, that's the first time I heard that claim.

How well does he use his sources?

Terry

"How well does he use his sources?" He uses some of the big names in Syriac studies like Moffet and Voobus, besides quoting from the Classical writtings. He doesn't seem to use much new scholarship looking at copy writings in the footnotes. But I think he does an affective job for the most part.


As far as his bias goes

"T. V. Philip, born in India and a lay member of the Mar Thoma Church, has worked and taught in India, Europe, USA and Australia. He is a church historian, and a former Professor at the United Theological College, Bangalore, India." Mar Thomas being Protestantized Syriac Orthodox would explain a lot...

"Protestantized Syriac Orthodox" could explain his narrative and the objectives which compelled him to write. With his bias in mind, I look forward to the read.

Do you know of studies which would complement the read?

Terry

Mar Thomas was not protestantized Syriac Orthodox, the Marthoma Church is