A really excellent introduction to Christianity in terms of its influence on Western culture. To be honestly I was immensely impressed by Hill's writing and width and depth of knowledge. He was able to bring in almost all "standard" things that an introduction should include, yet from the perspective of what imprint these have done in European, or northern European at least, culture. There are also some interpretations where Hill show to be quite in tune with contemporary scholarly literature, f [...]

In an era when most people have minimal knowledge of the history of religion in the development of Western Civilisation, it is great to have a reminder of how much that we take for granted is a result of Christian action.This book examines the Christian roots of such areas of modern life as education, science, various movements in art, and a number of social innovations.Having a fair bit of history in my own background, there was much that I was already aware of, but many discoveries as well. I [...]

This looks like a quick read/coffee table book based on the large format and great photos, but in fact it's quite a dense book about historical theology. Jonathan Hill examines the impact of Christianity on the world under topical headings, focusing on the theological basis of Christian influence rather than describing various influential Christians. I don't mind this approach, but the lengthy sections of theological analysis get a bit tedious in places. Overall, I find myself being unenthusiast [...]

This book gives a VERY brief overview of the ways Christianity has influenced literacy, education, science, art, etc. Some of it was new like the fact that pancakes were invented to use up luxury items like eggs and sugar before Lent, and that an Italian monk introduced the musical stave.But Hill gives a lot of history of the Christian Church which doesn't always answer the question in the title. There are also huge gaps such as how Christianity gave value to women and children who had previousl [...]

A very well balanced effort to highlight the global cultural importance of Christianity as a motivational force in art, education and global politics. A little concise at times and it necessarily has to tail off in impressiveness as it goes on. I would have liked to see liberation theology get more of a mention as it is a key influence on the Bolivaran movement but all around this is a decent and insightful study.

This book gave me a good look at our culture and how it was shaped by Christianity, from music to architecture, to alcohol, and more, this book goes back to the roots of our culture and looks at how the church was involved.I liked this book, it was pretty informative. Dispelled any doubts I had about Christmas being pagan. I recommend. Also it has lots of pictures, in color, yea it doesn’t get better.

I'm reading this book for our By The Shore book club at church. I read it previously but am taking a second opportunity to drink in the richness of God's work among his creation through his faithful hearts. The media in our culture has maligned and misinformed the general public about what Christianity is all about. The positive actions of Christians are not often chronicled. I appreciate the heart of this writer.

Jonathan Hill does a great job communicating history to the non-historian reader. Beautiful photography and the author's whit were much enjoyed. I especially enjoy the accounts of individuals who impacted their field because of a personal commitment to making God known or helping others. I did not finish the entire book, but will keep it on the shelf as a reference.

Interesting take on church history - great review of how Christianity shaped western civilization, including so much that we take for granted (education, health care, literacy, law and order, orphan care, care for the poor, etc).

Broad, global-historical view and grand sweeping survey of the following key areas: culture and thought, the arts, the landscape, education, society, spirituality and ethics, and social justice. Thesis supported. Very accessible and readable.

Easy to read and weel thought out. Civilization remains due to the influence of those in Christ.