Beginning with the chaotic post-World War I landscape; in which religious belief was one way of reordering a world knocked off its axis; Sacred Causes is a penetrating critique of how religion has often been camouflaged by politics. All the bloody regimes and movements of the twentieth century are masterfully captured here; from Stalin's Soviet Union; Hitler's Germany; Mussolini's Italy; and Franco's Spain through to the modern scourge of terrorism. Eloquently and persuasively combining an authoritative survey of history with a timely reminder of the dangers of radical secularism; Burleigh asks why no one foresaw the religious implications of massive Third World immigration; and he deftly investigates what are now driving calls for a civic religion to counter the terrorist threats that have so shocked the West.
#669620 in Books 2009-10-06 2009-10-06Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x 1.17 x 6.00l; 1.18 #File Name: 0060574887368 pagesISBN13: 9780060574888Condition: NewNotes: BRAND NEW FROM PUBLISHER! BUY WITH CONFIDENCE; Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books; prices and service to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
Review
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful. I wish I had read this book in my 20's!!By WSV1975This book is a work of genius. Someone recommended it to me and I bought it but just never got around to to reading it until now!!! My delay was my loss. Many authors have something they want to say; this author has something we need to read; understand; and remember. Every nation rests on shared values. Since its inception American culture has rested on the cultural values of the Bible. Central to that common vision is the person of Moses. As the author demonstrates; Moses inspired Americans to lead; to sacrifice; to do Gods will for the sake of the community. This is an inspirational look at America's prophet; and every person; especially young people; should read it.6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. chose this for our book clubBy AbbijoyThe first time I read this; I knew I would want to read it again. Much of the material was familiar to me as a former history teacher; but there were many fascinating surprises. The beginning is a good refresher for those who either don't remember; were not taught; or weren't interested in the beginnings of America. I enjoyed his succinct review. From there; the author went on to demonstrate that the theme of freedom is found in many more times and places than the ones we would expect. All but one person in our book club really enjoyed it as well; in fact; if you think you are not interested in American history; you may be delightfully surprised.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Moses: Mascot of the Supreme Court and Law Giver of the Free WorldBy Amanda NortonA refreshing and long overdue admission of that which is blatantly obvious: the western world view which motivated pre-American philosophers and eventually spawned the United States of America came into being because of an abiding faith in; and centuries long love affair with; the Judeo-Christian Scriptures.Information presented here (regarding American history) is well researched and thoroughly cited.The author seems to be operating from an angle which focuses heavily on a perceived competition between Judaism and Christianity in western/ American culture though; rather than focusing on the many commonalities. This was a bit of a distraction for me.Prerequisites to this book should be:~ The 5000 Year Leap (which supplies information regarding the evolution of American Law from British Common Law; Anglican Saacson Law; the Greek/Roman constructs of Democratic Republicanism; and ultimately the neo-republics of ancient Israel and MEDO-Persia.~ The Declaration of Arbroath.~ The writings of Greek historian Herodotus.~ The writings of Jewish historian Josephus.~ Knowledge of historical information gleaned from the deciphering of cuneiform scripts found in the ancient ruins of Assyria as well as the multi-lingual Behistun inscriptions.~ the Foreward of Goodspeed's Apochrypha (because it establishes and explains a solid similarity; symbiosis; and mutual ease of acceptance between pre and post Christian Greek society with that of concurrent Jewish societies).~ Acceptance (or at least objective consideration) that the Hebrew/Greek manuscripts of the books of Kings; Ezra; and Nehemiah are not "myth" but rather actual historical chronicles of the Israelite people.
