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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Dominion summary
How the Christian Revolution Remade the World
30 mins
Brief summary
Dominion by Tom Holland is a profound exploration of Christianity's enduring impact on Western society and civilization. Through careful analysis of history, the author traces how Christian beliefs and values continue to shape our world today.
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Dominion
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Persian, Greek, Roman, and Jewish thought established a world in which Christianity could emerge.
As ancient international relations went, there was no love lost between the Athenians and the Persians. The Athenians viewed the Persians as brutal, bloodthirsty barbarians. They were horrified by Persian methods of execution – in particular, the gruesome practice of crucifixion. A criminal was attached to a stake, with nails driven through his feet and hands, and then he was left to expire while crowds jeered.
The Persian king who sanctioned this type of punishment believed he had a divine mandate to dispense justice. According to the Persian belief system, everyone had a choice. People could choose between truth and lies, darkness and light. It was up to the king to punish those who had chosen unwisely.
The Athenians found this style of politics repellent. In Athens, it was up to every citizen to ensure they didn’t cause offense. According to Aristotle, who was writing in the fourth century BCE, an elegant order cascaded from the mind of a just and universal god. Humans were superior to other species, men were superior to women, and so-called barbarians were only fit to serve the Greeks as enslaved people.
Rome built its power on the foundation of Greek thought. Early Roman philosophers, who became known as the Stoics, believed that heaven’s order was governed by mathematical phenomena. What followed was this: everyone on earth – man, woman, master, or enslaved person – was able to observe these phenomena and, therefore, tell right from wrong.
Further, there was a spark of the divine within everyone. That spark was the conscience.
But one nation that formed part of the Roman empire was peculiar: the Jews. They only worshipped one god, and their relationship with him was personal. With the Ten Commandments, delivered to Moses on Mt. Sinai, God made a pact with the Jews: follow the rules and you might avoid punishment. It’s this covenant that kept the Jewish religion alive.
But for the Jews, too, things were about to change. A dangerous cult had sprung up in the Roman colonies around Jerusalem. Followers of an itinerant named Jesus believed, despite their leader’s hideous crucifixion, that he was the son of God – and that he had risen to heaven after his death.
In the year 19 CE, a Jewish scholar called Paul was passionately dedicated to stamping out this cult. Little did he know that he would soon become one of its apostles.
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What is Dominion about?
Dominion (2021) is a grandiose look at the impact Christianity has had on the development of the Western mind. From its roots in antiquity to the pop singles of the twentieth century, the story follows the dramatic development of Christian thought over three thousand years.
Dominion Review
Dominion (2019) by Tom Holland is a thought-provoking exploration of the impact of Christianity on Western civilization. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- With meticulous research and compelling storytelling, it presents a fresh perspective on the profound influence of Christianity on everything from ethics and politics to art and literature.
- Holland's engaging narrative and insightful analysis challenge conventional wisdom, offering readers a deeper understanding of the historical context and significance of Christianity.
- The book tackles complex ideas in a clear and accessible manner, making it an enlightening read for both history enthusiasts and those interested in the impact of religion on society.
Who should read Dominion?
- Lovers of broad-sweep history
- Those looking for an insouciant take on European history
- Anyone who thinks they know what Christianity is all about
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Dominion FAQs
What is the main message of Dominion?
The main message of Dominion is that Christianity has profoundly shaped the modern world.
How long does it take to read Dominion?
The reading time for Dominion varies depending on the reader's pace. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Dominion a good book? Is it worth reading?
Dominion is a captivating read that explores the influence of Christianity throughout history. It offers unique insights and thought-provoking perspectives.
Who is the author of Dominion?
The author of Dominion is Tom Holland.
What to read after Dominion?
If you're wondering what to read next after Dominion, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Powers and Thrones by Dan Jones
- Martin Luther by Heinz Schilling
- A History of God by Karen Armstrong
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- How to Talk to Anyone by Leil Lowndes
- The Happiness Hypothesis by Jonathan Haidt
- Why Nations Fail by Daron Acemoglu & James A. Robinson
- Building Your Money Machine with ChatGPT by Larry Wheeler
- The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
- Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus by Nabeel Qureshi