Summary of Tom Holland's Dominion

By IRB Media

Get the Summary of Tom Holland's Dominion in 20 minutes. Please note: This is a summary & not the original book. "Dominion" by Tom Holland traces the profound influence of Christianity on the Western world, from ancient times to the modern era. It begins with the Persian empire's belief in divine justice and contrasts it with Greek notions of truth and divinity. The narrative explores the evolution of Greek thought, the introduction of democracy, and the complex relationship between humans and the divine...

• Language: English
• Publisher: IRB Media
• Release date: Jan 24, 2024
• ISBN: 9798350068061

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Summary of Tom Holland's Dominion

Overview

Dominion by Tom Holland traces the profound influence of Christianity on the Western world, from ancient times to the modern era. It begins with the Persian empire's belief in divine justice and contrasts it with Greek notions of truth and divinity. The narrative explores the evolution of Greek thought, the introduction of democracy, and the complex relationship between humans and the divine. The book examines the Jewish conception of God, the tension between divine order and human values, and the impact of political power on religious identity. It delves into the spread of Christianity, the challenges of defining orthodoxy, and the struggle for doctrinal purity. Holland discusses the separation of church and state, the emergence of a Christian legal system, and the synthesis of faith with philosophy. The narrative covers the Reformation, the rise of Protestantism, and the subsequent religious and political upheavals. It highlights the abolitionist movement, the Enlightenment, and the French Revolution, showing how Christian teachings influenced these transformative events. The book also addresses the complexities of colonialism, the rise of science, and the challenges to Christian morality. It concludes with contemporary issues such as the Islamic State, the migrant crisis, secularism, and the #MeToo movement, demonstrating the enduring legacy of Christian thought in shaping modern values and ethics.

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Divinity and Dominance

In the year 479 BC, the Persian King Xerxes' ambitions to conquer Europe were halted, despite his early triumphs, including the capture of Athens. His withdrawal led to the disappearance of the pontoon bridges he had constructed across the Hellespont. The Persian governor Artaÿctes, who had been left in charge of the strait, was seized by the Athenians and met a gruesome end. He was fastened to a plank and left to the mercy of the birds after being forced to watch his son's execution by stoning. This method of execution was distinct from the Persian torture known as the scaphe, which involved confining a person between two boats, force-feeding them, and leaving them to decay in their own excrement, attracting vermin that would eat them alive.

The Persian leadership, including figures like Darius, held the conviction that their justice system was divinely endorsed by Ahura Mazda, the Wise Lord. They viewed their conquests and punitive actions as a means of maintaining cosmic order against the Lie, or Drauga. Darius' military campaigns and the propaganda that followed, such as the denunciation of the Babylonian rebel Arakha as a liar, were perceived as a defense of this cosmic truth. The Persian empire, or bumi, was considered a mirror of the heavens, and any resistance to it was seen as an adherence to the Lie.

In stark contrast, the Greeks had a different understanding of truth and divinity. The oracle at Delphi, known for its enigmatic prophecies, reflected the Greek belief in gods who were unpredictable and demanding. The gods expected sacrifices and reverence, and failure to satisfy them could lead to severe repercussions, as exemplified by the punishment of Niobe by Apollo and Artemis for her arrogance. The Greeks conducted numerous rituals and festivals to honor their pantheon of gods, always concerned about the possibility of neglecting any one of them, as demonstrated by the discovery of forgotten sacrifices in Athens that could have financially devastated the city.

The Greeks were profoundly influenced by the fate of Troy, with the Iliad offering a vivid depiction of the divine and its interactions with mortals. Homer, the author of the poem, was celebrated for his divine-like storytelling ability, which seamlessly wove together beauty and violence, suggesting that physical perfection and moral excellence were