Religious Perspectives The Historic Reality of Christian Culture: A Way to the Renewal of Human Life
Type
Book
Authors
Category
Christian civilization
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Publication Year
1960
Publisher
Harper & Brothers, United States
Pages
124
Series Name
Description
The dynamic role Christianity plays in Western civilization is portrayed with knowledge and insight by a distinguished historian.
In a work of broad scope Professor Dawson defines the basic elements of culture - a common way of life, a tradition embodied in institutions, moral standards and principles. He then examines the effect these factors have in other civilizations, both primitive and highly developed, and goes on to demonstrate how Christian culture created Western man and his way of life.
The author discovers in the interaction of Christianity and Western civilization throughout the ages a definite cycle of historic action: an age of intense spiritual activity in response to a new historical situation, a period of achievement in which new forms of life, art and thought are created, and a time of retreat when the Church is attacked from within and without.
In the light of this historical pattern, Professor Dawson examines the contemporary scene, showing how the secularization of the last two hundred years has let to the present malaise. He then calls for an organic union between Christianity and civilization, flowing from a deeper understanding through study of the past, in order that the West may find a renewed sense of purpose and again flower in all branches of life.
The author's vast knowledge of history and keen concern for the present combine in a work that will stimulate and challenge all concerned with the heritage of the West.
The author: Christopher Dawson plays an important role in the Catholic intellectual tradition. His appointment as Stillman Guest-Professor of Roman Catholic Theological Studies at Harvard University is part of the fruitful dialogue carried on between Protestant and Catholic thinkers. He is the author of many books including Religion and Culture, Christianity and the Rise of Western Culture, and Dynamics of World History.
Taken from the inside flaps.
In a work of broad scope Professor Dawson defines the basic elements of culture - a common way of life, a tradition embodied in institutions, moral standards and principles. He then examines the effect these factors have in other civilizations, both primitive and highly developed, and goes on to demonstrate how Christian culture created Western man and his way of life.
The author discovers in the interaction of Christianity and Western civilization throughout the ages a definite cycle of historic action: an age of intense spiritual activity in response to a new historical situation, a period of achievement in which new forms of life, art and thought are created, and a time of retreat when the Church is attacked from within and without.
In the light of this historical pattern, Professor Dawson examines the contemporary scene, showing how the secularization of the last two hundred years has let to the present malaise. He then calls for an organic union between Christianity and civilization, flowing from a deeper understanding through study of the past, in order that the West may find a renewed sense of purpose and again flower in all branches of life.
The author's vast knowledge of history and keen concern for the present combine in a work that will stimulate and challenge all concerned with the heritage of the West.
The author: Christopher Dawson plays an important role in the Catholic intellectual tradition. His appointment as Stillman Guest-Professor of Roman Catholic Theological Studies at Harvard University is part of the fruitful dialogue carried on between Protestant and Catholic thinkers. He is the author of many books including Religion and Culture, Christianity and the Rise of Western Culture, and Dynamics of World History.
Taken from the inside flaps.
Number of Copies
1
