A History of Christian Missions traces the expansion of Christianity from its origins in the Middle East to Rome; the rest of Europe and the colonial world; and assesses its position as a major religious force worldwide. Many of the world’s religions have not actively sought converts; largely because they have been too regional in character. Buddhism; Islam and Christianity; however; are the three chief exceptions to this; and Christianity in particular has found a home in almost every country in the world. Professor Stephen Neill’s comprehensive and authoritative survey examines centuries of missionary activity; beginning with Christ and working through the Crusades and the colonization of Asia and Africa up to the present day; concluding with a shrewd look ahead to what the future may hold for the Christian Church.
#212548 in Books 1988-10-04 1988-10-04Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 7.73 x .88 x 5.01l; .85 #File Name: 0140114068368 pages
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Four Commanders and their MethodsBy Cody CarlsonJohn Keegan's penetrating look at four military commanders; "The Mask of Command" is a wonderful examination of war; strategy; and generalship. One of our finest military historians; Keegan brilliantly examines the role leadership has historically played in ancient and modern warfare. His case studies include Alexander the Great; whose daring; even reckless disregard for danger earned him the respect and devotion of his Macedonian force and its Greek 'allies'. Keegan's careful breakdown of Alexander's force; the strategies it employed; and Alexander's overall flamboyance on the battlefield contribute to a greater understanding of the period and military realities of the day. The second study; the Duke of Wellington; offers a more detached; though still fully engaged mind. Keegan describes Wellington as the anti-hero; in contrast to Alexander's heroics. A British aristocrat well aware of his station; Wellington employed all of his resources and cunning to win; but did so without Alexander's dramatics. Third; Keegan explores U.S. Grant during the US Civil War. Grant is the democratic soldier; committed to the republican ideal. He is engaged in prosecuting the war and always keenly aware that war itself lifted him out of obscurity and placed him in the critical leadership role. Finally; Keegan explores the twisted; though occasionally militarily brilliant mind of Adolf Hitler. Hitler commanded far behind the lines and continually inserted himself further and further down the chain of command. His justification for his own military judgment was his experience in the trenches of World War I. Hitler's growing disconnect with military reality as the war progressed spelled ultimate doom for Germany.Concise and well written; "The Mask of Command" offers fascinating insights into military leadership over the ages. Keegan is always worth reading and this work is one of his best.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. A Brilliant Case Study of Wartime LeadershipBy Michael HillJohn Keegan; one of the premier military historians of the 20th century ( and early 21st); wrote this as a comparative study of wartime leadership through various epochs of history; studying Alexander the Great; The Duke of Wellington; Grant; and Hitler. While I would have liked to read about some heroes from the Middle Ages (a noticeable gap in this is the only flaw I can think of) but it serves to ask very important questions about the cultural impact on leadership. The introduction; and this is key; emphasises that he is not seeking a universal or general idea of leadership but rather a number of examples of how leadership and wartime actions are a function of culture and society as much as of individual will. In this way; he distances himself from the social sciences (even if he does use their ideas in theories in many of his books) and makes it clear that in no way was Alexander's command style universal in his time for example; even if it was the expectation of warrior cultures as well as number of other factors.As other reviewers have stated perhaps the most interesting narrative was Hitler's. My area of interest does not usually fall to the World Wars; as I much prefer to learn about antiquity; but I found his to be the most enlightening and informative. It was refreshing also to learn about Hitler in his downtime; something I know is studied but have not really come across myself; and how he commanded the military of Germany. The idea that culture affects military actions is not an entirely new concept; even at the publishing of this book several decades ago; but it is one that many non-historians don't often think about. Getting specific examples of this is very enlightening. Also; I felt that of Keegan's books that I have read (Face of Battle and History of Warfare with plans to read many more) this is the most accesible and perhaps useful to those who arn't military buffs.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Leadership Profiles: Separate but Close.By MFY"The Mask of Command" is a very commendable reading for different audiences: those interested in specific military topics; those interested in history (as myself); those who research on leadership and more; much more; because John Keegan writes with a dynamic and fluent style and expose his ideas very engagingly.Four historical figures are chosen as examples for this study; we may dissent with the choice. I'm sure every reader will have a different list; if forced to select four characters among the enormous list of suitable candidates.Each Commander is presented in his historical background: political and social circumstances; his staff and soldiers; his ideals and goals; his methods and resources.Then each one is compared and confronted with the other subjects.Here is where Mr. Keegan displays a very imaginative and didactical approach.A deep insight into the commandeering skills of these forceful characters; separated in time and space; but very close to each other in the quests they have to solve.A great book to be sure!Reviewed by Max Yofre.
