Title
Bearing False Witness: Debunking Centuries of AntiCatholic History
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As we all know and as many of our wellestablished textbooks have argued for decades, the Inquisition was one of the most frightening and bloody chapters in Western history; Pope Pius XII was antiSemitic and rightfully called Hitlers Pope, the Dark Ages were stunting the progress of knowledge to be redeemed only by the secular spirit of the Enlightenment. The religious Crusades were an early example of the rapacious Western thirst for riches and power. But what if these long held beliefs were all wrong?In this stunning, powerful, and ultimately persuasive book, Rodney Stark, one of the most highly regarded sociologists of religion and bestselling author of The Rise of Christianity (HarperSanFrancisco 1997), argues that some of our most firmly held ideas about history, ideas that paint the Catholic Church in the least favorable light are, in fact, fiction. Why have we held these wrongheaded ideas so firmly and for so long? And if our beliefs are wrong, what is the truth?In each chapter, Stark takes on a wellestablished antiCatholic myth, gives a fascinating history of how each myth became conventional wisdom and presents a startling picture of the real truth. For example, instead of the Spanish Inquisition being an anomaly of torture and murder of innocent people persecuted for imaginary crimes such as witchcraft and blasphemy, Stark argues that not only did the Spanish Inquisition spill very little blood, but it was a major force in support of moderation and justice.Stark dispels the myth of Pope Pius XII being apathetic or even helpful to the Nazi movement, such as to merit the title Hitlers Pope, and instead shows that the campaign to link Pope Pius XII to Hitler was initiated by the Soviet Union, presumably in hopes of neutralizing the Vatican in postWorld War II affairs. Many praised Pope Pius XIIs vigorous and devoted efforts to saving Jewish lives during the war.Instead of understanding the Dark Ages as a millennium of ignorance and backwardness inspired by the Catholic Churchs power, Stark argues that the whole notion of the Dark Ages was an act of pride perpetuated by antireligious intellectuals who were determined to claim that theirs was the era of Enlightenment.In the end, readers of Bearing False Witness will have a more accurate history of the Catholic Church and will also understand why it became unfairly maligned for so long. Bearing False Witness is a compelling and sobering account of how egotism and ideology often work together to give us a false truth.
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- Q: How many pages does 'Bearing False Witness' have? A: This book contains two hundred eighty pages. It provides a comprehensive exploration of historical myths about the Catholic Church.
- Q: What is the binding type of 'Bearing False Witness'? A: The book is published in paperback binding. This makes it lightweight and easy to handle.
- Q: What are the dimensions of 'Bearing False Witness'? A: The dimensions are six inches in length, nine inches in height, and zero point nine one inches in width. These measurements make it a convenient size for reading.
- Q: Who is the author of 'Bearing False Witness'? A: The author is Rodney Stark, a well-known sociologist of religion. He is recognized for his contributions to understanding Christianity's impact on history.
- Q: What genre does 'Bearing False Witness' belong to? A: This book falls under the Christianity genre. It critically examines historical narratives related to the Catholic Church.
- Q: What is the main theme of 'Bearing False Witness'? A: The main theme is debunking anti-Catholic myths throughout history. It challenges long-held beliefs about the Catholic Church's role in various historical events.
- Q: Is 'Bearing False Witness' suitable for all ages? A: Yes, the book is suitable for adults and older teens. It deals with complex historical themes that may require mature understanding.
- Q: How does 'Bearing False Witness' approach historical myths? A: Stark systematically debunks each myth with evidence. He presents a well-researched narrative that corrects misconceptions about the Catholic Church.
- Q: Can 'Bearing False Witness' be used in academic settings? A: Yes, it is a valuable resource for academic discussions on religious history. Its arguments are backed by extensive research.
- Q: What type of audience would benefit from reading 'Bearing False Witness'? A: Readers interested in religious studies, history, and sociology will benefit. It appeals to those who seek a deeper understanding of Christianity's historical context.
- Q: What should I do to keep 'Bearing False Witness' in good condition? A: Store it in a cool, dry place. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight to prevent fading of the cover and pages.
- Q: How can I clean my paperback copy of 'Bearing False Witness'? A: To clean it, gently wipe the cover with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using water or cleaning solutions to prevent damage.
- Q: What if my copy of 'Bearing False Witness' arrives damaged? A: If it arrives damaged, contact the retailer for a return or exchange policy. Most places allow returns for defective items.
- Q: Is there a warranty for 'Bearing False Witness'? A: Typically, there is no warranty for books. However, check with the retailer for their specific return policies.
- Q: What can I do if I have trouble finding 'Bearing False Witness'? A: If you can't find it, try checking online bookstores or local library systems. They often have copies available for loan.