The Building of Christendom

A History of Christendom #2

by Warren H. Carroll

The Building of Christendom, 324-1100 is the second volume in “The History of Christendom” series. This series is the only in-print, comprehensive narration of Western history written from an orthodox Catholic perspective. How would a historical narrative read if the author began with the first principles that truth exists and the Incarnation happened? This series is essential reading for those who consider the West worth defending.

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

618 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1987

About the author

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

Reviews

[Suzan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second volume is fascinating. Reading and literally watching as reading, it amazes me still that The Church is still standing just as Our Lord said it would.

The second volume moves from the 5th century to the 11th century. All I can say is war, war, war. Good Popes and bad Popes. Good Emperors and bad ones. Lots of good Priest and lots of bad Priests. Lots and lots of evangelizing and a huge amount of martyrdom.

Fascinating!

[Kathryn Bevis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the second in a series of Six.
If you want to learn how Christianity impacted civilization this is the series to read.
The reading leading up to Islam can be a little slow in that so many names are listed but it
is necessary to set the stage for what comes after.

Turnover in Popes, the development of the feudal system and polical jocking make you realize
the churches influence for keeping kings and tyrants in check and how during the darkest period
in civilization, that in small corners of the world the church was spreading a new way of thinking and order.

I have started the third book in the series, The Glory Of Christendom, and think that it is even better than the first two, primarily because of so much written documentation that was available for that period. I plan on reading all six in the series.

[booklady]

An excellent resource for those undertaking a study of our Western heritage -- especially if you want to be sure to be true to its Christian foundations -- or just to have on hand for reference. Wonderful to just pick up and read in sections as well.

[Steven H · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE SECOND OF CARROLL'S SIX VOLUMES, COVERING 324-1100

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 second volume was first published in 1987. The next volume in this series is 'The Glory of Christendom, 1100-1517: A History of Christendom (vol. 3).'

He observes, "Rarely in history has there been a society so good to flee from as that of the later Roman empire. No Christian could feel at home in it." (Pg. 47) This period of time necessarily covers many of the "low" periods in the history of the Church---but Carroll covers these periods honestly (if sympathetically). For example, Sergius III was "a legitimate Pope, though we are not sure from when... (but) a source of confidence and credit for the Church he was not. No man who had sat mute at the Synod of the Corpse could have been such; and Sergius had been worse than mute." (Pg. 390)

In the 10th century, women like Empress Theodora and Marozia Theophylact had virtual "control of the Papacy... while Christian men skulked in corners or looked the other way." (Pg. 406) Pope John XII was "one of the most unworthy men... ever to stand in the shoes of the Fisherman. He is described as ... 'addicted to hunting, hawking, and gambling, and often immorally involved with women. He was (after John XI) the second unworthy Pope of this period." (Pg. 416) Benedict IX lived a "notoriously immoral life." (Pg. 462) However, Carroll adds that even in these lowest of low years, "the Papacy was never totally stripped of honor and respect." (Pg. 416)

He justifies the Crusades: "Those who deride this as a Christian objective have lived too long in books and under lamps... To inspire ordinary men ... to give up everything and go far across strange lands and seas to fight ... something much more was needed than simply a quest for military or political advantage. The cause to fire their imaginations was found in the dream of bringing the Cross back to Jerusalem." (Pg. 529)

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

[Leila Chandler · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent history from the perspective of an orthodox Catholic, who helps to balance the common lies and misconceptions spread by anti-catholic hate. His treatment of the First Crusade was quite good and I found I could hardly put it down. However, as with the first volume in this series, there are some rather dull sections with long lists of names of people involved in political and papal intrigue. The book would also really benefit from some maps and tables, especially as the boundaries and borders were so different from today's modern nation states and constantly changing.

[Patrick Santino · Rating 5 out of 5]

The scope of this book (Constantine to First Crusade) is insanely ambitious , and entirely epic; Writing style reflects this. ... Truly larger than life stories, and yet they really did happen, played out by saints.

[Ryan Mumford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read, sometimes convoluted, but it is forgiven considering that it is going over some convoluted parts of history. The bibliography is extensive and his comments on historians and personal preferences and invaluable.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

So far, this is the only historical account about the Christian faith that moves me to tears. Truly an amazing historian and a good story teller!

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not many historians can write like Carroll. My only main critique is that he's a little too fair to his subjects.

[Scipio Africanus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as good as volume one and mostly because of the tedious chapters chronicling papal history. This is probably the greatest weakness of the book as it almost entirely ignores the whole other aspect of Christendom, mainly the Byzantine empire, except to trash talk it often unfairly. I'll give credit to Carroll for treating Emperor Alexis Comnenus fairly during his description of the first crusade, but this volume was a tough one for me to get through. Been reading it on and off for well over a year. Zealous Catholics would more than likely get through it faster, but the incessant attempts at papal apologetics really do get old especially if you understand the outright falsities involved in Catholic defenses of papal supremacy.

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every paragraph (it seems) has such richness and potential for deeper study. The author's knowledge and logic is to be commended. He opens up windows into the tradition of Christianity and raison d'etre for individuals living in turbulent times be it secular or religious. Looking forward to the upcoming volumes.

[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!

[Galicius · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is discussed in the Catholic Thought reading group October-December 2016. You are welcome to join.

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent