The Unfinished Story: How Christianity’s Radical Impact Continues Through Us
“Inevitably, to attempt the tracing of Christianity’s impact on the world is to cover the rise and fall of empires, the actions of Bishops and kings, the arguments of theologians, the course of revolutions, the planting of crosses around the world. It is, in particular, to focus on the doings of men, yet that hardly tells the whole story.” [1]
In the book Dominion: The Making of the Western Mind, author Tom Holland traces how a movement sparked by the execution of an innocent, obscure criminal, Jesus, in a long-forgotten empire had come to wield such lasting and transformative influence on the world and still is impacting the world today. The book explores how Christianity transformed the moral and ethical framework of the ancient world, replacing systems based on power and dominance with values of humility, compassion, and justice. Holland highlights key historical moments, from the crucifixion of Jesus and the spread of the early church to the Enlightenment and beyond, showing how Christian ideas shaped law, politics, art, and philosophy.
Holland’s central thesis is that Christianity’s legacy is so deeply embedded in Western culture that even modern secular ideas owe their origins to it. He states, “Even in Europe a continent with churches far emptier than those in the United States, the trace elements of Christianity continue to infuse people’s morals and presumptions so utterly that many failed even to detect their presence.” [2] He emphasizes that concepts we take for granted, such as caring for the marginalized and viewing all people as inherently valuable, are rooted in the revolutionary teachings of Jesus.
As the author chronicled the impact of Christianity throughout the millennia, it was so disturbing to read the threads of distortions of scripture and Christian morality used over time to dominate and destroy humanity, contradictory to the teachings of Jesus. Holland notes how atrocious acts of violence from power-hungry systems like Hitler, communism, the KKK, and theories of Darwinism (survival of the fittest) have been committed, using portions of scripture to back up heinous claims and the justifying the mistreatment of humans. Holland highlighted the goals of Hitler’s regime, stating, “The strong, as science had conclusively demonstrated, had both a duty and an obligation to eliminate the weak.” [3] It got me thinking: where in my current cultural context do I see evidence of this “obligation to eliminate the weak”?
One section of the book highlighted Nietzsche’s influence on Hitler as evident in the concept of Übermensch (Superman). It was an idea that promoted the idea of a superior race. [4] Nietzsche despised the scriptural themes that measured a man’s greatness by his compassion for the lowly and suffering, emphasized the reversal of status where the last would be first, and exalted humility as a path to elevation. [5] Reading about Nietzsche and his rejection of Christian morality, how he viewed the act of serving the lowly and the suffering not as a path to justice but as a source of corruption and decay, just pointed to the sad reality that maybe Nietzsche didn’t have an Aunty Deb (like the author mentions as a tremendous influencer in his faith) or someone else in his life who pointed him in the direction of the ancient path that leads to life. [6]
I was also intrigued by the author’s mention of John Ronald Reuel Tolkien. My limited knowledge of J.R.R. Tolkien was expanded. Tolkien believed every story was ultimately about the fall, interpreting all of history as a record of human iniquity, with the whole of history bearing witness to Christ. [7] This connected with my understanding of the Bible as God’s Big Story and each of us as a continuation of God’s story in us. I wondered how the theme of the Lord of the Rings, destroying the ring as true strength, manifested itself not in the exercise of power but in the willingness to give it up.
In conclusion, the author referenced a message from a sermon of Columbanus (543–615 CE), an Irish missionary monk, abbot, and influential figure in the spread of monasticism in Europe during the early Middle Ages, that helped me to frame my thinking “Since we are travelers and pilgrims in this world, let us keep the end of our road always in our minds, for the road is our life, and its end is our home.” [8] A central theme to The Lord of the Rings is the return of a king. This is the end of the road of my path that I am most looking forward to: the return of the King. While this book does not tell the whole story, there is much of the story that has yet to be told through the lives of faithful followers choosing to be last instead of first, lifting the weak and marginalized, caring for the poor and sick, and providing for widows and orphans. Many do not know that the veil was torn, that Christ has risen, that the King is returning, and the promise of life everlasting. We need more Aunty Debs. In the meantime, let’s remember that the story of how Christianity transformed the world would never have happened without people like our Aunty Debs, like you and me in the lives of others who may or may not have encountered [9]
[1] Holland, Tom. Dominion: The Making of the Western Mind. (New York: Basic Books, 2019), 519.
[2] Ibid, 517.
[3] Ibid, 460.
[4] Ibid, 450.
[5] Ibid, 516.
[6] Ibid, 448.
[7] Ibid, 462.
[8] Ibid, 158.
[9] Ibid, 518.
About the Author
Cathy Glei
Cathy Glei serves as an instructional leader and pastor with over 27 years in education and ministry. She is dedicated to discipling others as they grow in their relationship with God, others and the world. Cathy has facilitated numerous professional development sessions, trainings, and workshops in both education and ministry. Passionate about supporting others in uncovering the Creator's design within them, Cathy lives in Michigan with her husband, Steve, and their eight-year-old Springer Spaniel, Otis. Cathy is a mother of three daughters and "Gooma" (grandma) to two adorable grandsons (emphasis on adorable 😊). She enjoys listening and exchanging laughter and stories with others, hanging out with friends, both old and new, as well as being outdoors, enjoying activities such as cycling, camping, hiking, and kayaking.6 responses to “The Unfinished Story: How Christianity’s Radical Impact Continues Through Us”
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Cathy~
Well-summarized. Your question here caused me to reflect and pause:
“Holland highlighted the goals of Hitler’s regime, stating, “The strong, as science had conclusively demonstrated, had both a duty and an obligation to eliminate the weak.” [3] It got me thinking: where in my current cultural context do I see evidence of this “obligation to eliminate the weak”? ”
What came to your mind? It’s such a good question and one I’ll ponder this week!
Thanks for asking Pam. Here is what comes to mind when I ponder that question:
-the value of life of all ages and stages
-the discarding of the elderly
-mistreatment of human life that may have “abnormalities” or “defects”
Those are a few that came to mind as I read Holland’s writing about Hitler’s motivations and the survival of the fittest.
Cathy, you did a great job capturing the theme of this book and explaining it. You write about Tolkien, saying, “My limited knowledge of J.R.R. Tolkien was expanded.” I found this to be true about so many subjects and history! I was in awe at just how much detailed history was presented in Dominion.
Thanks Kally! Best wishes in this final sprint to the finish line.
Hi Cathy,
Your comments about the world needing more Aunty Debs is so true. That speaks of the importance of personal connection and safe relationships. Who are your Aunty Debs? How does this relate to your NPO project? I’m sensing a connection there.
Have a wonderful Christmas!
Jenny, I feel so blessed to have several Aunty Debs in my life. There is a correlation to my NPO. I am overwhelmed at what God is doing in the trial run of my project with mentors and mentees. Aunty Debs are popping up and investing in the lives of other apprentices of Jesus.