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)

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.

Excellent book about the history of Christianity

Tom Holland is a wonderful historian. I’m a big fan of his rest is history podcast.
This book is an amazing historical narrative tracing the history of Christianity following its evolution from Roman times until the present. The narrative takes you through the dramatic highlights of the story well as fascinating nooks and crannies. The author does a superb job in presenting the values and contradictions that have gifted and plagued the history of this religion. The book highlights the sheer bizarreness of this religion and it’s history. It’s an eye opener to how the beliefs of our modern world that is evolving to secular society where the majority are agnostic or outright reject the religion are still deeply rooted in it.

Amazing!

The scope and audacity of the book is quite impressive and I think it lives up to its goal. According to some other reviews, some were disappointed that Tom Holland did not read the whole book but I actually thought the performance was very good. Though I like listening to Tom Holland and enjoy his podcast, Mark Meadows is a much better narrator so don't let that reservation deter you. If you're interested in Christian history and want it to feel less remote, give this a listen!

Expansive review of the topic

Narrator had some slightly peculiar pronunciations - content was gripping and important and approachable.

Long History of Christendom

You will certainly learn how Christianity has had influence throughout history and it's course.

Profound and insightful.

Holland’s work is thought provoking, expansive in its sweep of history and evaluation of the various waves of ideologies before and after Christ.

Classic Tom Holland

The scope of the narrative and history of Christianity is ambitious and left me pondering

Fantastic work

I found the content interesting and engaging. And the narrator did a great job. I can’t recommend the book enough. Well worth a credit or a purchase even though as an Evangelical Christian I don’t agree with all of Holland’s statements and conclusions about theological matters.