Conflict has been an inescapable facet of religion from its very beginnings. This volume offers insight into the mechanisms at play in the centuries from the Jesus-movement's first attempts to define itself over and against Judaism to the beginnings of Islam. Profiling research by scholars of the Centre for Early Christian Studies at Australian Catholic University; the essays document inter- and intra-religious conflict from a variety of angles. Topics relevant to the early centuries range from religious conflict between different parts of the Christian canon; types of conflict; the origins of conflict; strategies for winning; for conflict resolution; and the emergence of a language of conflict. For the fourth to seventh centuries case studies from Asia Minor; Syria; Constantinople; Gaul; Arabia and Egypt are presented. The volume closes with examinations of the Christian and Jewish response to Islam; and of Islam's response to Christianity. Given the political and religious tensions in the world today; this volume is well positioned to find relevance and meaning in societies still grappling with the monotheistic religions of Judaism; Christianity; and Islam.
#683323 in Books 2008-09-09Original language:English 9.00 x 1.53 x 6.00l; 1.95 #File Name: 1944339043612 pages
Review
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. A Critical "Must Read" Foundation for the New EvangelizationBy Jack Preston KingIn the opening chapter of Puritan's Empire: A Catholic Perspective on American History; the author writes:History is the key to understanding men-whether as nations; families; or individuals. For Catholics; history has an even higher purpose beside. For them; history is the unfolding of God's Will in time; and the attempts of men either to conform themselves to or to resist that Will. But American Catholic historians have generally refrained from exploring their own national history with these principles; preferring instead to adopt the analysis of their non-Catholic colleagues; save when looking at purely Catholic topics (and sometimes not then). It is vital then; for Catholics; especially young Catholics; to have a good and proper understanding of their country's history. To exercise their patriotism; they must work for the conversion of the United States; to do this effectively; they must understand the forces and events which brought forth not only the religion of Americanism and the country itself; but also the sort of Catholicism which; in 300 years; failed so dismally to bring this conversion about. This book attempts to reinterpret the better known episodes of our history in accordance with the Faith; and to point up lesser-known details which will give factual proof of the truth of this reinterpretation.We 21st Century American Catholics have been called; by two Popes and a new one on the way as I write these word; to commit ourselves to a New Evangelization; not only; or even primarily; in the "non-Christian world;" but right here at home; in the USA. Not only has America fallen away from any semblance of being a "Catholic Country;" current events like the Obama Administration's present fight to impose its insidious HHS mandate on Catholic institutions demonstrates that the USA has become an increasing anti-Catholic nation; as well. The New Evangelization is so desperately needed; because the "Old Evangelization" has so dramatically failed in our time. It is up to us; the 21st Century faithful Catholic in the pews; to turn things around...And we'll never accomplish that goal if we fail to study and understand the history of how we got to this dark and difficult time. Charles Coulombe's Puritan's Empire: A Catholic Perspective on American History is an essential manual for acquiring this understanding. This is a MUST READ for every American Catholic!9 of 9 people found the following review helpful. A Different PerspectiveBy Mark LueckenhoffThis book presents a refreshing perspective on American History. It interprets early American history as a contest between mostly English Protestants and mostly Spanish and French Catholics. If you're inclined to dismiss this in our modern multi-cultural present as just another perspective; consider that this was the perspective that prevailed at the time.While we view our early history as the beginning of our country; they viewed it through the experience of the Reformation and Counter-Reformation. The author sees his pro-Catholic bias as a counterweight to the traditional interpretations glorifying the eventual victors in this struggle. Essential reading for those who profess that our country was founded upon freedom of religion.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. American history from Catholic perspectiveBy CustomerGood overview of American history from Catholic perspective. When I read broad stroke history books I typically am happy when I am provided sources to dive deeper into specific periods. This work provided Botha good overview of the true American history and many sources to read.One criticism - when setting up his interpretation of certain period he rambles a bit ...... but that is a common issue with all historical writings ..... as detail is needed but not always entertaining :)Overall very good read especially for anyone wanting to see the TRUE AMERICAN history .........
