Most Americans believe the United States had been an isolationist power until the twentieth century. This is wrong. In a riveting and brilliantly revisionist work of history; Robert Kagan; bestselling author of Of Paradise and Power; shows how Americans have in fact steadily been increasing their global power and influence from the beginning. Driven by commercial; territorial; and idealistic ambitions; the United States has always perceived itself; and been seen by other nations; as an international force. This is a book of great importance to our understanding of our nation’s history and its role in the global community.
#174919 in Books Elaine Pagels 2004-05-04 2004-05-04Ingredients: Example IngredientsOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.01 x .55 x 5.12l; .45 #File Name: 0375703160272 pagesBeyond Belief The Secret Gospel of Thomas
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Way OutBy Professor RogerI stasrted with a question as to how John Lennon and Nowhere Man were related to the non-canonical gospels. Pagels had a speaking engagement nearby and a local theologian recommended going (which I could not) or reading the first chapter of Beyond Belief. I ended up reading all of the book and it answered most of my questions but raised many more. She is a historian of religion and covers the period from the end of the New Testament through to Constantine when church and state were completely one. I will return to her work; especially on the Gospel of Thomas; where I really began chasing many rabbits down many holes.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. She is a fine and lucid writerBy Andrew DickosElaine Pagels is one of the true guideposts for spirtitual Christian exploration. As an accomplished religion scholar; her examination of early church history has been cogently applied to the personal experiences that have shaped her life and approach to faith. She is a fine and lucid writer; and I've learned much from her.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Founders of Organized ChristianityBy Heidi PaulMs. Pagels stirred in me a desire to learn more about the beginnings of organized Christianity and some of the organizational heroes such as Polycarp and Irenaeus. I enjoyed the way in which she inserted her own questions and doubts about her faith as a motivating force for her research.
