Dominion

How the Christian Revolution Remade the World

By: Tom Holland

Narrated by: Tom Holland, Mark Meadows

Length: 22 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's summary

A "marvelous" (Economist) account of how the Christian Revolution forged the Western imagination.

Crucifixion, the Romans believed, was the worst fate imaginable, a punishment reserved for slaves. How astonishing it was, then, that people should have come to believe that one particular victim of crucifixion - an obscure provincial by the name of Jesus - was to be worshipped as a god. Dominion explores the implications of this shocking conviction as they have reverberated throughout history.

Today, the West remains utterly saturated by Christian assumptions. As Tom Holland demonstrates, our morals and ethics are not universal but are instead the fruits of a very distinctive civilization. Concepts such as secularism, liberalism, science, and homosexuality are deeply rooted in a Christian seedbed. From Babylon to the Beatles, Saint Michael to #MeToo, Dominion tells the story of how Christianity transformed the modern world.

©2019 Tom Holland (P)2019 Basic Books

Critic reviews

"A sweeping narrative...[Holland] is an exceptionally good storyteller with a marvelous eye for detail...excellent fun." (The Economist)

"What in other hands could have been a dry pedantic account of Christianity's birth and evolution becomes in Holland's an all-absorbing story...It takes a master storyteller to translate the development of a philosophical notion into a captivating story, and Holland proves to be one... Holland offers a remarkably nuanced and balanced account of two millennia of Christian history - intellectual, cultural, artistic, social and political. The book's scope is breathtaking." (The Literary Review)

"Christianity may not be on the march, but its principles continue to dominate in much of the world; this thoughtful, astute account describes how and why... Holland delivers penetrating, often jolting discussions on great controversies of Western civilization in which war, politics, and culture have formed a background to changes in values... An insightful argument that Christian ethics, even when ignored, are the norm worldwide." (Kirkus Reviews, starred review)

Great overview of the religious, philosophical, and political development of the West

This is a very engaging and easily accessible overview of the development of Western thought, and particularly the impact of a Persian, Greek, and Christian religion and philosophy, on our current world. Outstanding.

Best history ever

I’ve never come across a more succinct but careful sweep across the history of the West. Tom is fair towards Christians. He doesn’t stick to the Gibbons mythology as many historians still do, but goes beyond the Protestant bias to give the Catholic Church a fair trial. He isn’t easy on the Church, but fair.
It’s eye-opening to see that nearly every taboo and moral premise held today stems from a Catholic revolution started 2000 years ago.

Good Survey of Christian History

This is a good survey of Christian history and its impact on the world. As a Catholic, I find some of his conclusions and representations of the modern world somewhat contestable. However, given his attempts to stay neutral and objective, his statements are acceptable. The very writing of this book, however, conveys the very Christian worldview held by its author, even if he doesn't want to admit it. Such is the cunning of reason.

Spectacular

A powerful history of a shared historical legacy so deeply ingrained we don't even realize it.

Who are we? Who am I?

This grand work provides readers and listeners with a thrilling 2,000 year sweep of Christianity and its influence and transformation of the West, in remarkable breadth and detail. From the 18th century on, Westerners have tried to replace Christendom with Scientism. This effort has hastily cut us off from from the deep, religious roots of our ancestors, which still undergirds every aspect of our culture and values, and thereby rendered us lost. That’s why Christianity still matters, even for the atheist and agnostic. If we don’t understand it, we’ll never understand who we are, as a culture and as individuals. It also raises the question: can our liberal democracies survive without it?

Excellent Book. Reader seems to disagree.

The narrator either believes this book is very exciting! In! Every! Line! Or he believes it to be so dull that he must spice it up by reading with breathless excitement at all times. The book doesn’t need it. The reader is fine otherwise. Enunciates well and has a pleasant voice. But it’s a bad choice of narrating style. Very much enjoyed the book, though I’m afraid all the people who really need to read it will never crack its covers. Ah well.

Excellent in-depth history and narrative side points.

As a lover of history, it’s sometimes difficult to find an angle I haven’t heard yet. This book wonderfully flows through time, tying anecdotes and historical fact together. Loved the introduction as a table setting of what inspired Holland to write the book.

Does not reference the Arts

This book is excellent and very captivating listen. It does not however mention the influence on Christianity on the arts besides the Beatles in the last two chapters. Besides that it is wonderful and a interesting read.

A book for the ages

This book was very sophisticated. He remains as objective as he can. While I wish he could have elaborate more in certain parts, he did his best to summarise Christian history to the nest he could.
I would strongly recommend this book. I wasn’t sure to to expect but I am in awe after reading it. I gave it a 5 star because it’s filled with fact, not as biased and incredibly captivating.

Loved it.

Loved. Loved. Loved it! Tom Holland's prose is incredibly pleasurable to read. His insights challenged me. Best book I have read in years.