February 2002: Review of Christianity on Trial: Arguments Against Anti-Religious Bigotry.

In this time of rampant political correctness and hypersensitivity to every kind of discrimination (real or imagined), anti-Christian bigotry is rarely, if ever, addressed by this country’s secular elite, especially in the media and academia. Given the dearth of accurate and reliable information regarding the historical contributions of Christianity to Western civilization, Christianity on Trial is a veritable God-send for Christians and non-Christians alike who want to know the truth about Christianity and its tremendous impact on the history of mankind.

Written for a popular audience, Christianity on Trial attempts to provide an accurate, objective account of the role of Christianity in Western civilization, especially with an eye to correcting the biased and distorted views that are pervasive in America’s secular culture.

Among the issued discussed are the role of Christianity in the foundation of the West, the indispensable contributions Christians made toward the abolition of slavery, the critical role of Christianity in preparing the way for the scientific revolution in the 17th century, the truth about the Crusades and the Inquisition, the enormous number of charitable organizations, including hospitals, orphanages, and schools for the poor, provided over the centuries by Christians, the positive influence of Christianity on respect for the environment, and the significant impact of Christianity on the founding and flourishing of American democracy.

While the authors of Christianity on Trial seek to address bias and bigotry leveled against Christianity, they do not hesitate to admit candidly when sins, including heinous sins, have been committed by Christians in the name of Christ. The authors’ goal is, in short, to tell the truth as objectively as possible, and this includes both the triumphs and the tragedies of 2000 years of Christianity.

Catholic philosopher Michael Novak summarizes Christianity on Trial very well when he says, “Its aim is to restore to Christians some knowledge of their own history, which is unrelievedly distorted in the schools and the media, and manifested in a constant stream of ignorant christophobia from our chattering classes.”

© 2002, Frederick J. Blonigen and Catholic Parents OnLine