Long the dominant religion of the West; Christianity is now rapidly becoming the principal faith in much of the postcolonial world--a development that marks a momentous shift in the religion's very center of gravity. In this eye-opening book; Lamin Sanneh examines the roots of this "post-Western awakening" and the unparalleled richness and diversity; as well as the tension and conflict; it has brought to World Christianity.Tracing Christianity's rise from its birth on the edge of the Roman empire--when it proclaimed itself to be a religion for the entire world; not just for one people; one time; and one place--to its key role in Europe's maritime and colonial expansion; Sanneh sheds new light on the ways in which post-Western societies in Africa; Asia; and Latin America were drawn into the Christian orbit. Ultimately; he shows; these societies outgrew Christianity's colonial forms and restructured it through their own languages and idioms--a process that often occurred outside; and sometimes against; the lines of denominational control. The effect of such changes; Sanneh contends; has been profound; transforming not only worship; prayer; and the interpretation of Scripture; but also art; aesthetics; and music associated with the church. In exploring this story of Christianity's global expansion and its current resurgence in the non-Western world; Sanneh pays close attention to such issues as the faith's encounters with Islam and indigenous religions; as well as with secular ideologies such as Marxism and nationalism. He also considers the challenges that conservative; non-Western forms of Christianity pose to Western liberal values and Enlightenment ideas. Here then is a groundbreaking study of Christianity's role in cultural innovation and historical change--and must reading for all who are concerned with the present and future of the faith.
#123366 in Books Matthew Restall 2004-10-28Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 6.10 x .90 x 9.10l; .70 #File Name: 0195176111240 pagesSeven Myths of the Spanish Conquest
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. The things my history books didn't tell me.By Gabrielle SchmidtI was taking a college class; this was one of the books chosen for the class. It was an interesting read. It brings up some old 'myths' or things our teachers/textbooks taught us might not be that accurate. It gives a different look at the people who were behind the story that many of us know so well.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. You might like it tooBy Gregorio OsorioI enjoyed reading of myths that I had no idea about.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A collection of different sourcesBy C. A. MartinezIn the end history is a collection of different points of view and different stories; for me this book is that. I like the fact that the author presents different sources so you can make your own conclusions and also to research on different sources.
