Return of the Gods
Introduction
This week, I read Dominion: How the Christian Revolution Remade the World by Tom Holland. Although it was a huge book, it was an interesting read. Holland explains that his book explores what made Christianity so “subversive and disruptive” and how it saturated the West so that many of its “good and ill instincts remain – thoroughly Christian.” [1]
Background
The author discussed his early fascination with Roman culture and history in an interview. [2] He says that though he was raised in the church, his Christian belief gradually fizzled out as he found Christianity paled in comparison to Roman and Greek gods’ displays of power and domination. [3] He became a historian. As he explored this Roman culture, he felt a great “cloud” hindering him from connecting completely with the culture he had come to love. It was Christianity – it covered everything. [4] It distorted how he looked at the world. [5] It prevented him from seeing the Roman world for what it was before the time of Christ. [6] Thus, he wrote his book to work out this thesis about Christianity. [7]
Modern Gods
The book follows Christianity throughout history to modern times – or Enlightenment. Then, it has a modern section that deals more with issues and how Christianity is seen in those areas. [8] In an interview with Jonathan Pageau, they discussed this section and why they liked it so much. [9] In this video, they referenced Christianity being replaced by “modern gods” today. The example they gave as one of the gods was in the name of social justice but did not elaborate on the god itself. [10] Perhaps that was the god they were talking about. I’m not sure.
Return of the Gods
All of that got me thinking about another book I read recently, Jonathan Cahn’s The Return of the Gods. His premise is that the ancient Greek and Roman gods were demons. [11] The rise of Christianity diminished their activity. However, in our postmodern society, we are seeing a return of these Greek and Roman gods—who are really demons. [12] They just go by other names. I’m not finished with the book yet. So I don’t know how it ends. One thing Cahn writes in the book is, “If nothing is God, then anything and everything is god.” [13] It’s so true.
Conclusion
The Modern gods idea of the book and interviews really have me thinking deeply this week. I would like to know more about that and what exactly Tom Holland’s thoughts are on this topic. The overview of Christianity itself was spectacular, and I enjoyed it very much. To think that it came from an atheist makes it even more astounding. The Scripture says, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” [14] Amen.
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[1] Tom Holland, Dominion: How the Christian Revolution Remade the World, First trade paperback edition (New York: Basic Books, 2021), p.17.
[2] Wright, N.T., Tom Holland, and Erik Strandness. “Tom Holland: “I Began To Realise That Actually, In Almost Every Way, I Am Christian.”.” Unbelievable. Premier Christian Radio, September 17, 2020. Link.
[3] Ibid.
[4] Pageau, Jonathan, and Tom Holland. “Discussing Dominion with Tom Holland.” Jonathan Pageau. November 9, 2020. Link.
[5] Ibid.
[6] Ibid.
[7] Reads, Rev. “Dominion by Tom Holland: A Book Review.” Rev Reads. September 9, 2021. Link.
[8] Tom Holland, Dominion: How the Christian Revolution Remade the World, First trade paperback edition (New York: Basic Books, 2021).
[9] Ibid.
[10] Ibid.
[11] Jonathan Cahn, The Return of the Gods (Lake Mary, Florida: FrontLine, 2022).
[12] Ibid.
[13] Ibid.
[14] Crossway Bibles, ed. 2007. ESV: Study Bible: English Standard Version. ESV text ed. Wheaton, Ill: Crossway Bibles, p.1242.
About the Author
Tonette Kellett
Missionary, teacher, Bible student, traveler ... Having lived in Kenya and Korea, I now live in Mississippi and work with the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians.8 responses to “Return of the Gods”
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Well done Tonnett. This post was compelling and causes one to wonder “In our postmodern age, what are the gods we worship?”
David, I don’t know what gods we worship, but I wonder about it. Thank you for your response.
Tonette, thanks for your summary, thoughts on modern Gods, and powerful reminder from scripture at the end! I agree that it is incredible that Holland is a self-described atheist. I think the tone and methodology are different, but I also found myself much more believing of his narrative than Nigel Biggar’s in his book Colonialism perhaps because he doesn’t identify himself as a Christian.
Caleb,
I also enjoyed this book more than Biggar’s, I think, for the same reason. Thank you for your comment.
Tonette,
I always love how you take us with you on the journey of reading a book.
Did you sense Holland was still struggling with his faith at any point while reading?
Audrey,
Thank you for your kind words. To be honest, throughout the book and his interviews, I wasn’t sure about his faith. I had mixed feelings. While he professes atheism, he also seems to be struggling with Christianity.
Tonette,
I like that your reflection underscores the enduring relevance of Christian teachings amidst changing cultural landscapes.
“The overview of Christianity itself was spectacular, and I enjoyed it very much. ”
Fascinating, right!?
Great post!