Matthew Murray

Who was the first Pope-and what do we really know about him? The origins of the Catholic Church are as vast and shadowed as the ancient vaults of the Vatican itself. With over a billion followers worldwide, the Church traces its papal lineage back nearly 2,000 years to Jesus Christ and his apostle, St. Peter. But what happened after Peter's death? Who picked up the mantle-and how clearly can we see the truth? Tradition holds that Pope Linus succeeded Peter as the second Bishop of Rome. But outside of that belief, details become murky. Was Linus truly the first pope after Peter? What role did he play in shaping the early Church? And how much of what we think we know is supported by history versus tradition? In this concise yet thoughtful exploration, we examine the life and legacy of Pope Linus and the earliest days of the Church. Drawing on historical records, Church tradition, and scholarly interpretations, this book offers a window into a period that remains both foundational and mysterious. Whether you're a student of history, a curious Catholic, or someone fascinated by religious origins, this book offers an accessible starting point for understanding the earliest days of the papacy.

They are known as the Sons of Thunder; they are perhaps the best known brothers who ever lived; collectively, they converted more people to the gospel than few others. There are, of course, accounts of the brothers in the Bible, but they tell us little about who they actually were. This book investigates the historical evidence out there and gives a rare glimpse into the lives of the famous brothers. LifeCaps is an imprint of BookCaps(TM) Study Guides. With each book, a lesser known or sometimes forgotten life is recapped. We publish a wide array of topics (from baseball and music to literature and philosophy), so check our growing catalogue regularly to see our newest books.

Leading national experts examine the importance of sales tax as a revenue source in the U. S. and describe key factors that will determine its role in government revenue structures of the 21st century. This book offers a timely analysis of cutting-edge issues that affect both the private and the public sector, including reform, emerging technologies, interstate dimensions, auditing techniques, federal policy and more. Policymakers, tax administrators, analysts, and business professionals will find this work of great value.