God’s Dominion Reigns Despite Our Best Efforts
In the book, Dominion, author and historian, Tom Holland, takes his reader on an adventurous journey through the past to expose how Christianity has impacted the moral fiber of the Western world despite popular attempts to extinguish it. From Antiquity through Christendom to Modernitas[1], Holland provides vignettes of people and cultures that followed Christ’s call to pick up their cross and follow Him. Highlighting how these Christians impacted the culture to care for the least of these in God’s upside down kingdom is a powerful testimonial to how God has worked through people throughout the ages. This blog offers a perspective for those who might want to read this book as well as application for modern people of faith who may need positive examples of Christianity in a world that often focuses on the negatives.
You May Want to Read this Book If…
Lovers of history will adore the detail in which Holland describes the history of Christianity. It is not a summary, he provides detailed stories of individuals both well-known and obscure along with vividly painting a picture of historical chapters that have been influenced by Christianity in the West. Additionally, those who are feeling discouraged by the current state of Christianity in the West, those who are deconstructing their faith and church leaders who are looking to the next chapter of the story could all be refreshed and revived from the insights Holland provides. Stephen Prickett captures it perfectly in the following review:
Everywhere Holland reshapes one’s knowledge of history. Who knew, for instance, that many of the ideas behind the Reformation can be traced back to the eleventh-century reforms to the Catholic Church made by Gregory VII? Other connections include mass education, especially universities (also pushed forward by Gregory), the growth of Western science and astronomy (his account of Galileo is especially interesting), the Enlightenment, and the notion of secularity – itself a source of misunderstanding among Westerners who assume that Islam is a ‘religion’ that can coexist with others in a secular space.[2]
Encouragement for Discouraged Christians
In this world of identity politics, social media and emphasis on deconstructing faith, it’s easy for the Christian to get discouraged. Holland’s Dominion reminds us that God is always working the good—even when culture seems against Him. What I’m most taking away from this book is the reminder that God is faithful. He has a plan—we just can’t see the forest from the trees. Revisiting the tumultuous times of the past, reminded me that He has brought His people through much greater trials and obstacles than those facing us today. Our lives are writing a new chapter in the history of Christianity. Centuries from now. People will look back on these times with both horror and amazement, just as we do to those before us. In the midst of it all, we must simply do the next right thing in love and trust that God will take care of the rest.
[1] Tom Holland, Dominion, Reprint edition (Basic Books, 2021).
[2] Stephen Prickett, “Tom Holland, Dominion: The Making of the Western Mind,” Theology 123, no. 2 (2020): 144–45, https://doi.org/10.1177/0040571X19894860h.
About the Author
Laura Fleetwood
Laura Fleetwood is a Christian creative, certified Enneagram Coach, doctoral student at Portland Seminary and Creative Director at her home church, Messiah St. Charles. As a published author, national faith speaker, podcaster and self-described anxiety warrior, Laura uses storytelling to teach you how to seek the S T I L L in the midst of your chaotic life. Find Laura at www.seekingthestill.com7 responses to “God’s Dominion Reigns Despite Our Best Efforts”
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Laura,
It’s true that Dominion is a gold mine for history buffs! It’s quite long!
I love your conclusion: “In the midst of it all, we must simply do the next right thing in love and trust that God will take care of the rest.” This is right on point for all of us!
I agree, Tonette! Perhaps one day I will read the entire book, but it was a lot!
In short, love is the key to it all. Great post.
Yes, yes and yes!
Laura,
I love that you address the book’s relevance for Christians grappling with discouragement or uncertainty about the state of Christianity in contemporary society. The fact you find encouragement in Holland’s portrayal of God’s faithfulness and providence throughout history, despite the challenges faced by believers is also very hopeful.
Thank goodness for God’s faithfulness since we humans always seem to make a mess of things:)
I thought this was a GOLD MINE too! I couldnt help but think what if National Treasure franchise got ahold of this…
They better get the other Tom Holland to be the lead though. 😉