Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review.

 

I originally had this review scheduled for a week or two out, but then I realized that today is the feast day of Saints Peter & Paul. What better day to share about St. Peter’s Bones: How the Relics of the First Pope Were Lost and Found . . . and Then Lost and Found Again?

Written by Thomas J Craughwell (who also wrote Saints Preserved), St. Peter’s Bones is the fascinating story of the bones of St. Peter, the first Catholic Pope & friend of Jesus. This book is part history, part story and part bible study. And interesting in its entirety.

For those unfamiliar with the story, oral tradition has told us that the body of Saint Peter is under the altar of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Funny thing, though — no one had checked for over 1000 years. Early on, they had built a church over Saint Peter. Constantine built a better one over the old one in 360, and the building there now was completed in 1626. The old one was completely dismantled.

In the course of some other repairs during WWII, workmen were given permission to investigate an area under the Basilica. They found an underground burial city of sorts and clues that led them to believe that St. Peter may be nearby. The Pope authorized work on the conditions that it not disturb the use of the church, nor would the public be told.

St. Peter’s Bones is an interesting story to read. He alternates between church history, world history, and the archeological expedition. Craughwell does a skillful job of transitioning from one to another and presenting them in a logical, yet still interesting way. It’s my favorite way to learn, honestly.

If you like archeology, legends, church history, or ancient history, this book will have something to interest you. If you are a Protestant, it may not be so interesting. But if you are interested in the early church, he does a great job painting the life and history. I recommend St. Peter’s Bones: How the Relics of the First Pope Were Lost and Found . . . and Then Lost and Found Again to anyone who likes to learn about the Church’s history & ancient history but doesn’t have a lot of time.

Sound interesting?  You can read the first chapter here.

 

Jen S.

 

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