The Cleaving of Christendom

A History of Christendom #4

by Warren H. Carroll

This series is the only comprehensive narration of Western history written from the orthodox Catholic perspective still in print. How would a historical narrative read if the author began with these first principles: Truth exists; the Incarnation happened? This series is essential reading for those who consider the West worth defending.

Genres: History, Catholic, Religion, Nonfiction, Christian History, Christian, Christianity

807 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2000

About the author

Dr. Warren H. Carroll was a leading conservative Catholic historian and author, and the founder of Christendom College.

Reviews

[Patrick T · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took me five years to read this book. (off and on) It's a hard read if you're Catholic because Carroll does a great job of connecting you to the story of the Protestant Reformation. He could definitely use an editor though.

[Steven H · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE FOURTH OF CARROLL'S SIX VOLUMES, COVERING 1517-1661

Warren H. Carroll (1932-2011) was a leading conservative Catholic historian and author, and the founder of Christendom College; he was a convert to Catholicism in 1968. Previously, he had also served as an analyst in the CIA's anti-communism division, and he also served on the staff of Congressman John G. Schmitz. This third volume was first published in 1993. The next volume in this series is 'The Revolution Against Christendom: A History of Christendom, Vol. 5.'

Of Pope Leo X, Carroll wrote, "Even the most loyal Catholics did not think of Leo X as a spiritual man. It has always been Church teaching that the authority of any ecclesiastical office is not affected by the personal shortcomings of the man who holds it, but this is not a doctrine easy for men to accept fully, especially in the face of a propagandist of the shattering power of Martin Luther." (Pg. 9) But even in the time of John Calvin, "enough of Europe still remained Catholic so that, if the Council (of Trent) listened to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, much of Christendom could still be saved." (Pg. 284)

He points out that "the total number of persons executed as heretics during Queen Mary's reign does not compare with those executed as loyal Catholics during ... the 45-year reign of (Queen) Elizabeth, despite the fact that Protestant historians have dubbed her 'Good Queen Bess' in contrast to 'Bloody Mary.'" (Pg. 251) He asserts, "The Inquisition and the Crusades ... were far better and far more defensible than their popular image today suggests. The St. Bartholomew's Day massacre is not in that category." (Pg. 371)

Concerning the Galileo affair, Carroll points out that Galileo in his Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems: Ptolemaic and Copernican put in the mouth of "Simplicio, a dunce" arguments which Pope Urban VIII himself had proposed to him, and "the Pope was furious because of this." Nevertheless, he adds, "The Church never ruled the Copernican theory a heresy"; Galileo was instead convicted of "disobedience." (Pg. 538-539)

Those wanting a strongly "conservative" Catholic interpretation of Christian history will find Carroll's series compelling (and reassuring).

[Ryan Mumford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent entry into Carrol’s history of Christendom. Lots of good books references to look up later. The last two chapters deal with the successes and failures of the missions in South America and Asia. Worth the read, onto the next entry!

[Janie Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great informative book.

[Erik]

Included in the "History and Culture" section of Fr. John McCloskey's 100-book Catholic Lifetime Reading Plan.

Listed by Patrick Madrid in the Reading Plan of Search and Rescue in Phase 3 (Advanced). ("perhaps the best available today in English")

[Brendan Sweeney · Rating 5 out of 5]

All of the books in this series are phenomenal. Dr. Carroll takes a narrative approach to history that draws the reader in, making them feel as if they are actually there reliving the events of the past. A must read!

[Maria Therese · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very heavy book (physically as well as content wise). At times rereading sections is necessary so that you can actually understand everything. Very informative and interesting though. I enjoyed reading this, even though it was for school.