There have been twenty-one universal gatherings 'ecumenical councils' of the Catholic Church. The first opened in 325, the last closed in 1965, and the names of many ring out in the history of the church: Nicea, Chalcedon, Trent, Vatican II. Though centuries separate the councils, each occurred when the church faced serious crises, sometimes with doctrinal matters, sometimes with moral or even political matters, and sometimes with discerning the church's relation to the world. The councils determined much of what the Catholic Church is and believes. Additionally, many councils impacted believers in other Christian traditions and even in other faiths. In this accessible, readable, and yet substantial account of the councils Joseph Kelly provides both the historical context for each council as well as an account of its proceedings. Readers will discover how the councils shaped the debate for the following decades and even centuries, and will appreciate the occasional portraits of important conciliar figures from Emperor Constantine to Pope John XXIII.

This unique work - no other work yet available in English treats this subject - illustrates the contribution of these Councils in the development and formulation of Christian beliefs. It then shows how their legacies lingered throughout the centuries to inspire - or haunt - every generation.

A succinct, up-to-date and chronological history of the 21 general councils, along with their major tasks, achievements and failures and their impact on their times.

In this remarkably clear text, Tanner offers the results of years of intensive study and teaching of the ecumenical councils, provides a comprehensive history of councilor teaching, extending from the early and medieval councils to the Second Vatican Council.

Traces the story of how Christians came to proclaim Jesus of Nazareth as both 'truly divine' and 'truly human'. This title examines the controversies that led up to the first seven ecumenical councils, the councils themselves, the decisions they made, the key theologians involved and the cities in which the councils were held.