Dominion

Dominion by Tom Holland is an enlightening exploration of the profound influence of Christianity on the Western world. With meticulous research and engaging narratives, Tom Holland journeys through history to reveal how Christianity has shaped our thoughts, values, and institutions, often in ways we have long forgotten. At its core, Dominion tells the story of how an obscure cult following a crucified provincial deity transformed into a faith that underpins much of Western civilisation. Holland starts from the Persian invasion of Greece in 480 BC, guiding readers through key historical events and figures, from Nebuchadnezzar to the Beatles, showcasing the revolutionary impact of Christian teachings. He deftly illustrates how Christianity’s radical ideas about human dignity, charity, and morality redefined societal norms and continue to influence contemporary secular ideologies, including science and atheism. Christianity's emergence as the single most transformative development in Western history is poignantly described, establishing its position as the most enduring and influential legacy of the ancient world. Holland emphasizes that even those who no longer practice Christianity or view religion with scepticism remain deeply influenced by Christian values and concepts. Seen up close, the divide between believers and sceptics may appear insurmountable. However, by widening the scope, Holland argues that Christianity’s lasting impact on the West is evident even in the aspects traditionally perceived as its antithesis: science, secularism, and even atheism. With his characteristic wit and thorough scholarship, Holland takes readers on a vivid narrative, explaining how Christian teachings initially seemed novel and uncanny, and how they eventually saturated the mindset of Latin Christendom. He delves into the paradox of a West increasingly sceptical about religion yet inherently driven by Christian instincts. Holland's aim with Dominion is twofold. First, to make readers appreciate the extraordinary novelty and profoundly disruptive nature of Christian teachings when they first emerged. Second, to encourage us to see ourselves and the assumptions we take for granted as equally peculiar and remarkable. Engrossing and thought-provoking, Dominion challenges readers to understand the colossal transformation in human understanding brought about by Christianity. This transformation can only be fully appreciated by tracing its arc over millennia, from the ancient world to the present day. Written with considerable learning, passion, and humour, Dominion is not just supremely provocative but often very funny, making it a highly recommended read for anyone interested in the history of ideas and religion's enduring influence on the modern world.