What Has Christianity Ever Done for Us?: How It Shaped the Modern World

by Jonathan Hill

What has Christianity ever done for us? What value is there in seeking to preserve its influence today? In this book, Jonathan Hill answers these questions with some questions of his own. For instance, why do we seal wine bottles with cork? Where did musical notation come from? How did universities get their start? And why was the world's first fully literate society not in Europe, Asia or North America? As Hill tells the story of the centuries-long entanglement between Christianity and Western culture, he shows the profound influence that Christianity has had--from what we drink to how we speak, from how we write to how we mark the seasons. Employing a rich, narrative style packed with events and people and illustrated throughout in full color, he describes the place of Christianity both in history and in the present day. What Has Christianity Ever Done for Us? is an enlightening and often humorous tour of culture and thought, the arts, the landscape, education, society, spirituality and ethics, and social justice. Here is a rich, entertaining and informative read. Features & Benefits * Describes the influence of Christianity on Western culture * Shows the value of preserving the influence of Christianity today * A rich narrative packed with people and events * Illustrated throughout in full color * Covers the arts, education, landscape, spirituality, ethics, social justice and more

Genres: History, Christianity, Christian, Religion, Cultural, Nonfiction, Church History

192 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name. Not all books on this profile belong to the same person.

Reviews

[Joseph Sverker · Rating 5 out of 5]

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, for example in the view of Eastern and Western theological development. A much recommended starting point for every single "Western" person who wants to know something about his or her culture and history - and also for anyone interested in learning something about the Christian faith.

[Sasha (bahareads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

What Has Christianity Ever Done For Us? was interesting, different from what I thought it was going to be - more dense. It was basically talking about how Christianity has impacted all areas of life in the western world, the chapters are broken up into different sections like education, socially, politically etc. I liked What Has Christianity Ever Done For Us? but I wish the author would have sources that he was citing from/getting his information from; because he honestly could have been pulling his interpretation of things out of his butt.

[Landon Coleman · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book read like a National Geographic / Time / People compendium. It considers Christianity in the broadest terms possible - Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant. It traces history through "heroes" and their exploits. The author does give significant credit to the Christian faith for it's meaningful and widespread impact on everyday life and human culture. Just an odd read, overall. As a work of history, it's scope is so broad, I never felt like I had my sea legs established.

[Taylor M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a good survey, Hill does a great job for the length of the book. If you’re looking for something more in depth, probably Dominion by Holland and some others are likely better places to drop anchor.

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 wasn't aware, for example, of how radical the influence of both the Jesuits and the university at Halle were in creating modern education systems, or of the introduction of universal free education under Charlemagne.

Having said that, I also have some criticisms of the book. There was the odd minor error; as a general introduction it sometimes lacked depth where I felt more detail would have been useful; finally, the writer sometimes seems a little dismissive of the contribution of "radicals" such as Baptists, Quakers and Congregationalists.

Overall, though, a very useful book, and a good springboard to further reading.

[Bill Forgeard · Rating 3 out of 5]

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 unenthusiastic about this book. Hill doesn't directly address the central reason for the church's existence -- the unavoidably supernatural goal of proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ in order to reunite people with God. Analysing the impact of the church on the world at large is a worthwhile endeavour, but if the discussion excludes the spiritual aspect of the church's mission, the portrait is incomplete.

[Hope · Rating 3 out of 5]

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 previously been considered just physical property.

I believe that Christianity has had an immense influence on the modern world, but this book would not have convinced me if I had believed otherwise.

[Auntie · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[James Rhodes · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Tim · Rating 2 out of 5]

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).

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

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