I've been a (sedevacantist) traditional Catholic for nearly a decade.  Having come from a past of atheism, it was rather easy to dismiss protestantism and the Novus Ordo once I did a but of research.  However, I never seriously considered the claims of the Eastern Orthodox to being the true Church; claims which are not nearly so easy to dismiss.  Recently, due to a persistent nagging in my mind, I have decided that I need to pursue the truth of the matter by comparing the historical claims of each church.  Despite praying the act of faith many times a day, I find myself having serious doubts.

Now, I'm not so much interested in refutations of their doctrines.  The reason for this is that to me it all boils down to whether or not their claim to being the Church is true or not.  If they are the Church of Christ, all their doctrines must be followed.  If the Catholic Church (as I've believed for years) has the true claim, then all of Her doctrines must be followed. 

So I'm not looking for a defense against the errors of the Greeks per se, but a solid Catholic history dealing with the schism and the period leading up to it (perhaps also dealing with the union councils, etc.)  Particularly of interest is the disputed 8th ecuмenical council and Photius.  Much hinges on this disputed period.

I have spoken to my priest about this, and am earnestly trying to do God's will.  I don't doubt any of the dogmas of the Church as such, and yet by doubting whether it is in fact the Church, everything has been thrown into question in my mind.  Please send me any recommendations and keep me in your prayers. 

I have already watched a good deal of material on this including the Dimonds' various videos as well as a several part series on "the Meaning of Catholic" dealing with the topic.  At this point I need some solid books, and a good look at the sources, because frankly the history is hard to parse out.

They allow divorce a few times too so I've heard, which is against the gospel.

I've been a (sedevacantist) traditional Catholic for nearly a decade.  Having come from a past of atheism, it was rather easy to dismiss protestantism and the Novus Ordo once I did a but of research.  However, I never seriously considered the claims of the Eastern Orthodox to being the true Church; claims which are not nearly so easy to dismiss.  Recently, due to a persistent nagging in my mind, I have decided that I need to pursue the truth of the matter by comparing the historical claims of each church.  Despite praying the act of faith many times a day, I find myself having serious doubts.

Now, I'm not so much interested in refutations of their doctrines.  The reason for this is that to me it all boils down to whether or not their claim to being the Church is true or not.  If they are the Church of Christ, all their doctrines must be followed.  If the Catholic Church (as I've believed for years) has the true claim, then all of Her doctrines must be followed. 

So I'm not looking for a defense against the errors of the Greeks per se, but a solid Catholic history dealing with the schism and the period leading up to it (perhaps also dealing with the union councils, etc.)  Particularly of interest is the disputed 8th ecuмenical council and Photius.  Much hinges on this disputed period.

I have spoken to my priest about this, and am earnestly trying to do God's will.  I don't doubt any of the dogmas of the Church as such, and yet by doubting whether it is in fact the Church, everything has been thrown into question in my mind.  Please send me any recommendations and keep me in your prayers. 

I have already watched a good deal of material on this including the Dimonds' various videos as well as a several part series on "the Meaning of Catholic" dealing with the topic.  At this point I need some solid books, and a good look at the sources, because frankly the history is hard to parse out.

You are not obliged to investigate any false religions, by the way.

I recommend praying the 15 decades each day and trusting in God.