Christianity On Trial: Arguments Against Anti-Religious Bigotry

by Vincent Carroll, David Shiflett

Overview

In "Christianity on Trial," Vincent Carroll and David Shiflett do not shrink from confronting the tragedies that have been perpetrated throughout the ages in the name of Christianity. But they argue that the current indulgence of anti-Christian rhetoric in our culture not only involves bad taste, but tunnel vision and willful historical illiteracy as well. Carroll and Shiflett dispassionately consider the indictment of Christianity—specifically that it has justified racism and misogyny, encouraged ignorance, and promoted the despoliation of the environment and even justified genocide. Then, in a narrative whose intellectual elegance and verve calls up comparisons to "How the Irish Saved Civilization," they answer these charges, showing how in fact the Christian tradition has not only injected morality into our political order, but softened brutal practices and confining superstitions, created the foundation for intellectual inquiry, and created the compassionate! impulse. "Christianity on Trial" challenges readers of all beliefs—even those with a belief in disbelief itself—to question the anti-religious bigotry that thrives in our intellectual world and to reevaluate the role of Christianity not only as a source of consolation but of enlightenment and human liberation as well.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781893554153
Publisher:	Encounter Books
Publication date:	12/01/2001
Edition description:	1ST
Pages:	204
Product dimensions:	6.08(w) x 9.07(h) x (d)
Lexile:	1440L (what's this?)

Table of Contents

	Introduction	vii
1	Christianity and the Foundation of the West	1
2	Christianity and Slavery	24
3	Christianity and Science	54
4	Christianity and the Slaughter of the Innocents	86
5	Christianity and the Third Reich	112
6	Christianity and Charity	139
7	Christianity and the Environment	162
8	Christianity and American Democracy	176
	Conclusion	205
	Notes	213
	Acknowledgments	229
	Index	231