Saint Peter
Flawed, Forgiven, and Faithful
by Stephen J. Binz
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Pub Date Sep 01 2015 | Archive Date Dec 06 2016
Description
In Saint Peter: Flawed, Forgiven, and Faithful, biblical scholar Stephen Binz takes readers on a pilgrimage from Galilee to Rome—from the spot where Peter first dropped his nets to follow Jesus to the place where he gave his life out of love for his Lord. Through sound scholarship, first-hand experiences at places of pilgrimage, and spiritual reflection, Binz helps us embrace the reality that God works through broken human beings to accomplish truly beautiful things.
Ultimately, Saint Peter: Flawed, Forgiven, and Faithful reminds us that the papacy—from Peter to the present day—has always been filled by imperfect people and, mysteriously and wonderfully, that’s exactly the type of person through whom God advances the Church!
Advance Praise
- James Martin, SJ, editor at large at America Media, author of Jesus: A Pilgrimage
"This isn’t just a good book. It’s a pilgrimage beside the great Apostle, the blustery friend of Jesus, the first pope. By the end of it, I felt he was my friend, too. We’d been together, after all, from Galilee to Rome, from sin to repentance, from the mountaintop to the cross. Peter is repeatedly confronted with his weakness and raised up through mercy. So are those of us who have the privilege of reading Stephen Binz’s book."
- Scott Hahn, president at St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, author
Jesus' choice of Peter-- "a shuffler, a coward, and a snob--in a word, a man" was the crowning pastoral gift he gave to his Church. It assured for all time that the Church would be a safe haven for losers, oddballs, failures, and factory rejects: in short, sinners like you and me. That is why I will love Peter till the day I die and why I am grateful to Stephen J. Binz for bringing to life this splendid saint in his life and times for the rest of us. If you are a sinner in need of grace and mercy, Peter is the guy who will put his hand on your shoulder and say, "Jesus forgave me. He will surely forgive you too. Don't be afraid."
- Mark P. Shea, author and blogger
If you've ever doubted your capacity to serve as a witness to Christ's love or as a servant leader within the Church, let Saint Peter: Flawed, Forgiven, and Faithful by Stephen J. Binz help you to rediscover the life and potent intercessory friendship of Saint Peter. Equal parts literary pilgrimage, well-researched biography and inspirational spiritual guide, this book will reignite your interest in a spiritual giant who faced so many of the same trials and hurdles you and I do today. Stephen J. Binz and this saintly bridge-builder hold the keys to helping us prayerfully discern our own path of witness and service.
- Lisa M. Hendey, author, founder of CatholicMom.com
"I've never stopped to ask myself what Peter personally experienced every step of the way with Jesus. Or to wonder what he learned as he went on "alone" after the Ascension. I'll certainly never think of Peter the same way now that Stephen Binz's book made him and his amazing journey come alive. You need to read this book!"
- Julie Davis, author and blogger
Available Editions
| EDITION | Paperback |
| ISBN | 9780829442601 |
| PRICE | $14.95 (USD) |
Average rating from 1 member
Featured Reviews
Janet P, Reviewer
This lovely book takes an unusual but enlightening take on the gospels. Instead of focusing on Christ, the book looks at St. Peter. Through chapters that are focused on a particular site, we learn about the stories from the gospels and from Acts where Peter plays a significant part.
Following the exposition of the stories each chapter delves more deeply into Peter's character, what it means, and, finally what it means in each of our lives.
While we often see Peter's virtues and flaws in the readings at Mass, how often do we really think about him and how often do we see how like us he is?
I liked that Binz has been to these locations often and can speak to us about them with real knowledge. I also liked that he brought his extensive theological training to the book without ever seeming too unapproachable.
While much of the book focuses of Jerusalem and Galilee, as it should, it begins and ends in Rome. The first chapter, probably the weakest in the book, looks at St. Peter's basilica.
I really loved the last two chapters. The last chapter focuses on the history of worship at St. Peter's tomb and the research that has uncovered it. This history is little known, but well worth learning.
The chapter previous to this is concerned with Peter's activities in Rome and his martyrdom. I loved that it melded the history of the Emperors' persecution of Christians so well into the story of this particular Christian.
It's a very worthwhile book.
