Christianity on Trial

Vincent Carroll and David Shiflett do not shrink from confronting the tragedies that have been perpetrated throughout the ages in the name of Christianity. But they argue that the current indulgence of anti-Christian rhetoric in our culture not only involves bad taste, but tunnel vision and wilful historical illiteracy as well. Carroll and Shiflett dispassionately consider the indictment of Christianity -- specifically that it has justified racism and misogyny, encouraged ignorance, and promoted the despoliation of the environment and even justified genocide. Then, in a narrative whose intellectual elegance and verve calls up comparisons to 'How the Irish Saved Civilisation', they answer these charges, showing how in fact the Christian tradition has not only injected morality into our political order, but softened brutal practices and confining superstitions, created the foundation for intellectual inquiry, and created the compassionate! impulse. This book challenges readers of all beliefs -- even those with a belief in disbelief itself -- to question the anti-religious bigotry that thrives in our intellectual world and to re-evaluate the role of Christianity not only as a source of consolation but of enlightenment and human liberation as well.

Vincent Carroll is editor of the editorial pages at the Rocky Mountain News. He lives in Denver David C. Shiflett is a freelance writer living in Midlothian, Virginia