Customer Reviews

Constantine's Sword: The Church and the Jews: A History

5 star:		(77)
4 star:		(28)
3 star:		(12)
2 star:		(9)
1 star:		(92)

 

 

This book is extremely fascinating. Touching on an epoch when anti-Semitism was encouraged by the greatest religious body of the world, it explains a lot about a stereotype that persists until today and hatred against a people which few can explain. A perfect answer to the question, "Why is there so much anti-Semitism in the world?"

This book is highly recommended to anyone with interest in religious history current world affairs. Also recommended: DISCIPLESDS OF FORTUNE, THE UNION MOUJIK.

What could have turned into a Christian bashing essay, James Carroll has made into a non-bias, equal account of the Catholic churches behaviour and conduct concerning the Jews throughout history. Although it is primarily geared toward the faults of the Catholic church, Mr. Carroll is quick to point out the mistakes on behalf of Protestants, and the Orthodox church, as well. Along with this, he does not fail to mention the fact that many people see Jewish history as one big painful misery, and if looked at this way, the ability it has to cloud your vision of the past.

I would recommend this book to anyone who has the slightest interest in religious history (Christian or not), and for those who are looking for a better understanding of current day events. It may be a little heavy at times, but if given the chance, and read with an open mind, it is a very enlightening read.

Readers might be interested to know that a very fine and thoughtful review of Carroll's book has been written by Eamon Duffy, Professor of the History of Christianity at the University of Cambridge, and President of Magdalene College. It can be found in the New York Review of Books vol. 58, no. 11, July 5, 2001.

I was not well acquainted with the history of the Catholic church or Christianity and found the book to be completely fascinating reading. A real eye opener, very well written and easy to read. The book is undoubtedly controversial and should most likely be balanced by some other points of view.

This is a timely, important book. The subject of this book is the devastating effect of Christianity on Jews as far as the actions of the Catholic Church. Protestants can read in the actions of their own churches and both will find his discussions of the Gospels provocative. Making the effort to overlook his "Boomer academic" conclusions is well worth it for any serious student of the Bible and anyone involved in religious education.

There are tons of gems in this book. I learned all kinds of very cool things. Some of my favorite passages (please excuse my paraphrasing - limited space doesn't allow me to completely do the book justice):

Pg 39 where the gospel of John identifies the enemies of Jesus as the Jews.

Pg 74 where he talks about how Chrisitianity is revolutionary in that it encourages thinking about God in an intimate way.

Pg 138-139 where he talks about Paul - how his letters are the oldest existing Christian writings (this was news to me) and about how the name change from Saul to Paul was more to appease the Romans than it was to signify his departure from Judaism.

Pg 169 where he talks about why, before Constantine Jews were more popular than Christians. Because Christianity was so exclusive. Only the baptized could be saved. Many pagans saw this as religious intolerance and resented it. Jews were much more tolerant and did not imply that pagans were damned.

Pg 174 where he talks about how the cross became the symbol of Christianity.

Pg 188-89 Discussion of heresy - the Greek word for choice.

Pg 374-380 where he talks about Paul IV (creator of the first Jewish ghetto) and Pius IX (beautified by John Paul II - referred to Jews as "dogs").

(there were many more - the above are just some examples)

I didn't particulary enjoy the parts were Carroll goes into his own history. The first few chapters were full of this. It was difficult for me to identify with him. I'm glad I got through that part because I enjoyed most of the book and learned a lot from it.

I recommend this book for folks looking to learn something about the relationship between Jews and Christians as well as something about Christian history. Just skim over the autobiographical stuff. Most of it's in the first 50 pages anyway.

An excellent book. 5+ stars! each Jew and each Christian should read it. It is an eye opener. Well written, full of information and feeling.

At long last, the truth about the roots of anti-semitism.

I found this book fascinating and well informed, but at times a bit pedantic. I strongly suggest it for anyone who has ever asked the question "Why is there so much antisemitism in the world?"

Heart felt book that examins the necessity of an on going struggle for justice founded on true humanity. The problem of anti-Semitism will not simply go away by wishing it never happened. It is deeply central to European history and Christianity. Until we confront it in a way the offers real hope for a world in which diversity is understood as the norm, and superiority of Christianity is unacceptable, it will continue. Christian's anti-Judaism is everywhere in its message of preeminence. This is a must read for any real understanding of on going struggle for all our basic humanity.