ebooks God's Jury: The Inquisition and the Making of the Modern World by Cullen Murphy in History

Review

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great Read.By Bashar ElsbihiGreat book. The 2nd half does not make a strong case though as it seems more like the author is trying to make a comparison that is not there. The current communication age does make us all more vulnerable to government watch agencies; but it certainly is a far cry from what has taken place during the inquisition. We are all susceptible to government abuses without due process of the law; regardless of the time and place. However in today's Western world at least we have come too far to let clergy class ever again abuses our hard earned free thinking. But overall; the book is a great read for all so we can always be vigilant about the danger of religious fanaticism and always be on guard.2 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Fascinating history but some of the contemporary connections seem tenuous at bestBy W. V. BuckleyWith the relatively recent opening of the Vatican's archives on the Inquisition (or; more acurately; Inquisitions) it seemed only a matter of time before we'd see books about the Church's attempts to enforce strict adherence to its dictates and dogma. Cullen Murphy has done a great service by condensing 800 years of history and three separate Inquisitions into a readable and entertaining format.Most people think of the Inquisition in terms of the Spanish Inquisition that started under Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain to rid their nation of Jews and Muslims (and enrich the monarchy with confiscated property). But Murphy elightens readers with information on the Inquisitions that came before and after the Spanish Inquisition. In the Midieval Inquisition; the Church sought to stamp out heretics in the form of Cathars in France and in the Roman Inquisition the Church went after heretics not only in Roman; but around the world (including Mexico and other other New World locations).God's Jury: The Inquisition and the Making of the Modern World makes for a fascinating overview of such a pivotal era of history and Murphy has a gift for presenting the information in a clear and very readable style. The only problem I have with the book is the second half of its subtitle; "and the Making of the Modern World." I have a hard time forcing myself to go where Murphy goes in drawing connections between the Inquisitions and Guantanamo and the war on terror. While I can see his point and even sympathize with it; I just can't bring myself to make the leap of faith required to connect a religious inquisition with a secular one. Perhaps Murphy comes across a bit too heavy-handed for my taste.Granted; our move toward a surveillance state as a result of the war on terror makes for a dramatic modern background; but it's always seemed to me that America came must closer to its own Inquisition during the McCarthy era with its hearings and public denunciations. But the references for McCarthy in God's Jury - all made in passing - can be counted on one hand.Despite my personal opinions on the dangers of America's own "inquisitional instincts;" I still find myself wanting to recommend God's Jury to readers interested in the Inquisition and its impact on today's world.3 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Thanks.By B. CampbellOften I just think it's officious of me to pretend I am sufficiently knowledgeable to render a cogent comment about a book. Rarely I am just lost for words. Reading this book was like riding the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon in late spring (think about the sudden rapids for which you're unprepared) or like listening to Beethoven's Fifth; but with the full orchestral score in hand for the very first time. All I can do is thank the author; whom I have read before; for words that will not soon leave me.