The Maronites: The Origins of an Antiochene Church (Cistercian Studies Series) (Volume 243)

Whether one agrees with the thesis of this book or not, it is a rigorous work of academic history. For that reason it is a very dry book that gets into the details in way that is important in an academic history, but maybe not so important or seemingly relevant--much less interesting --for non-specialist readers.I personally wouldn't take any negative review of this book seriously that didn't respond with an articulated argument to where they believe the author failed to adequately support his thesis. Fallacious quips, obviously, would not constitute such an articulated argument.

I liked the thoroughness of the author and the large amount of information in the book. What I didn’t like so much was the fact that he didn’t give the modern names (or the closest modern city) of the ancient locations mentioned in the text, so that the reader can visualize the flow of events overlaid on a modern map. But overall a highly recommended book for anyone interested in this subject.

This is an important work by an influential contemporary Lebanese Maronite cleric. All too often we see the Middle East,and even the Christians of the Middle East, through the lens of our prejudice and preconceived notions. It is important to read and understand Kaslik and Bkerke in their own original and unvarnished voices, as they protray themselves.

This book is full of the typical status quo revisionism that has permeated the Maronite Church in the last century from Kaslik. The author does not substantiate claims, like all revisionist historians, about (for instance) the "Monophysite" ambush of the 350 martyred Maronite monks or that Maronites was always Chalcedonian. Citations are limited to vague phrases that do not support claims.If you want a proper ontology of the Maronite Church, this is a run-of-the-mill revisionist account that you can simply Google.

Recommended to anyone with an interest in early Church history, the distinct identity of eastern rite Catholic Churches, and the relationship between the Christological debates of early Christianity and their historical and cultural contexts. Also a very edifying glance at the efforts and sacrifice of Saint Maron and the monks inspired by his example and of the inspired heroism of Theodoret of Cyr and his fundamental role in the formation of the Maronite Church as a living and articulated community whose very origins are inseparable from its fidelity to Rome.Clearly and concisely written. No hyperbole, and never falls short of the demands of modern historical criticism.