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How Christianity Transformed the World
Many people today would say that Christianity has done more harm than good to our world. Sharon James argues, however, in seeking to love their neighbour and reflect God’s moral character the followers of Jesus have had a largely positive impact on our society. James takes a number of areas – education, healthcare, justice, human dignity – and traces the ways in which these benefits have spread with the gospel.
175 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 3, 2021
11 people are currently reading
158 people want to read
About the author
Sharon James
21 books27 followersSharon James studied history at Cambridge University, theology at Toronto Baptist Seminary, and has a doctorate from the University of Wales. She is married to Bill, who is Principal of London Seminary. They have two grown up children and six grandchildren. Sharon works as Social Policy Analyst for The Christian Institute, UK, and has travelled to many countries as a Conference speaker.
Her webpage includes articles, interviews and talks and information about her latest books.
https://www.sharonjames.org/
Her webpage includes articles, interviews and talks and information about her latest books.
https://www.sharonjames.org/
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 12, 2025
This is not a quick read, but it’s worth persevering. Part one, dealing with the lies in our culture’s worldview, has a lot of information which is very well researched. I found the summaries at the end of each chapter helpful as I found it hard to retain the information. Part two is a welcome antidote, as it deals with the truth that leads to real freedom, and why we don’t need to be ashamed of Christ. Worldviews have consequences and we need to stop and think about them biblically rather than blindly following. A book to keep and dip into again.
January 12, 2022
A succinct and delightful read on how God’s word has little by little shaped the world to declare His goodness. She expertly weaves in much of history without it seeming lifeless.
January 26, 2022
Sharon James shows how Christianity started many of the things we take for granted (universal education, healthcare, etc). It’s really easy to read and a much shorter alternative for those put off by Dominion’s 625 pages.
August 11, 2023
It was a little choppy and oddly formatted… but I left really encouraged and educated.
The contrast to Eastern worldviews was especially interesting, something that The Air We Breathe didn’t delve much into.
The contrast to Eastern worldviews was especially interesting, something that The Air We Breathe didn’t delve much into.
July 13, 2024
"This brilliant book shows that nothing has done more for education, health, justice, the sanctity of life and dignity of women than this great Faith. A must-read 'for such as time as this'."
- Alun Ebenezer (Headmaster, Fulham Boys School)
"This book demonstrates the way that all that we treasure in Western civilisation - such as human rights, equality under the law, democratic government, science, healthcare, education and literature - has its roots in a Christian worldview which values human beings as special creations made in the image of God who are called by God to demonstrate His justice, creativity and character."
- Peter Saunders (Chief Executive, International Christian Medical and Dental Association (ICMDA)
- Alun Ebenezer (Headmaster, Fulham Boys School)
"This book demonstrates the way that all that we treasure in Western civilisation - such as human rights, equality under the law, democratic government, science, healthcare, education and literature - has its roots in a Christian worldview which values human beings as special creations made in the image of God who are called by God to demonstrate His justice, creativity and character."
- Peter Saunders (Chief Executive, International Christian Medical and Dental Association (ICMDA)
December 2, 2022
An excellent, rich primer on important aspects of history and how Christianity had a significant impact on the improvement of life. Not meant to be fully comprehensive, but a survey of many issues, James makes great use of footnotes and a bibliography to point interested readers to their next book. This could send any reader of history down quite a rabbit hole! I’m wondering if it is time to pick up Tom Holland’s Dominion!
If one truly looks at historical fact, it is truly remarkable how Christianity has had an important hand in protecting life, ending slavery, promoting rights of women, etc. etc. It may be to the surprise of some who may see Christianity from a different perspective.
James’ British perspective is also interesting and I loved some of the references that an American writer might not include. She blends great research with a true passion for the truth of Christianity. I’m sure she is a wonderful speaker.
If one truly looks at historical fact, it is truly remarkable how Christianity has had an important hand in protecting life, ending slavery, promoting rights of women, etc. etc. It may be to the surprise of some who may see Christianity from a different perspective.
James’ British perspective is also interesting and I loved some of the references that an American writer might not include. She blends great research with a true passion for the truth of Christianity. I’m sure she is a wonderful speaker.
August 3, 2023
From the author's introduction, this book is only a high level introduction to a vast topic. Fortunately she includes some good resources at the end of each chapter under the heading of Further Reading, and includes a good list of Further Resources at the end of the book.
To make her case encapsulated in the title, she has chapters on Freedom, Religious Liberty, Justice, Protecting Life, The Dignity of Women, Philanthropy, Healthcare, Education for All, The Creation Mandate and the Value of Work, and lastly, History: The Triumph of Christ.
The book is easy to read, the right length (about 200 pages), and does a good job supporting her thesis.
To make her case encapsulated in the title, she has chapters on Freedom, Religious Liberty, Justice, Protecting Life, The Dignity of Women, Philanthropy, Healthcare, Education for All, The Creation Mandate and the Value of Work, and lastly, History: The Triumph of Christ.
The book is easy to read, the right length (about 200 pages), and does a good job supporting her thesis.
September 13, 2023
It's an impossible task to conclude the entire history of Christian transformation in society in 200 or so pages. In that regard, How Christianity Transformed the World reads similarly to a CliffNotes study guide—lots of info, not much context. As such, I recommend this book as a launching pad for much bigger topics. In no way is it exhaustive in its research or presentation of its thesis. Still, it's a solid start for those looking to understand how many of today's social services and viewpoints came to be in the light of a Kingdom perspective.
July 28, 2025
What a great book!
A relatively brief read but it makes the point more than adequately the vital impact Christianity has had not just in the now post-Christian West but in the whole world. Christianity has had such an enormously positive influence in the world (how could it not? It came from God himself!) while other religions have only had a negative influence or no influence at all. This is a book to encourage the believer, intrigue the enquirer and silence the sceptic. A thoroughly enjoyable amd informative read.
A relatively brief read but it makes the point more than adequately the vital impact Christianity has had not just in the now post-Christian West but in the whole world. Christianity has had such an enormously positive influence in the world (how could it not? It came from God himself!) while other religions have only had a negative influence or no influence at all. This is a book to encourage the believer, intrigue the enquirer and silence the sceptic. A thoroughly enjoyable amd informative read.
November 20, 2024
I was hoping for a more comprehensive but simplified (the book is only 200 pages) tracing through history of how Christianity changed the world, but what I got was a bunch of anecdotes of influential Christians in stand alone chapters. Still interesting, but lacking a logical argument that would be convincing to someone who is not a Christian or believes that Christianity is a source of toxic, patriarchal, imperialist influence.
June 28, 2021
Sharon James offers clear evidence and argumentation that Christianity has been a positive force in history throughout the ages. This is in contrast to how many atheists accuse Christianity of being negative and a "poison." The lines of reasoning presented in this book can be a useful apologetic for Christianity's reputation.
March 21, 2023
This book offers an excellent summary of the far reaching impact of the Bible and those who have taken its teachings and applied them to everyday life. What a wonderfully rich heritage we have because Gods people took Him at His word and followed Him. A powerful, uplifting and encouraging read but expect to be challenged! Are you living life to the full for Christ?
May 6, 2023
An excellent overview of an often misunderstood subject
With numerous examples from history Sharon James demonstrates how much the world owes to the positive influence of Bible-believing Christians. Numerous footnotes and sources for further reading make this an excellent introduction to the topic which deserves a much wider audience.
With numerous examples from history Sharon James demonstrates how much the world owes to the positive influence of Bible-believing Christians. Numerous footnotes and sources for further reading make this an excellent introduction to the topic which deserves a much wider audience.
October 31, 2023
Good Overview
Yes, Christianity has and is transforming the world. The sacrifice of Christians of the past in their service is inspiring and daunting. I would have liked more stories! The book could be longer and in more detail.
Yes, Christianity has and is transforming the world. The sacrifice of Christians of the past in their service is inspiring and daunting. I would have liked more stories! The book could be longer and in more detail.
October 29, 2025
Good for Christians to talk with non-Christian friends.
Readers can read this book on the chapter you want to know, no need to read first-to-last chapter. This Help us to understand the benefit of Christianity to the world.
Readers can read this book on the chapter you want to know, no need to read first-to-last chapter. This Help us to understand the benefit of Christianity to the world.
August 17, 2021
A fly-by overview of different topics - very brief, but the author provides lots of “for further reading” recommendations.
January 9, 2022
James writes about Christians and Christian movements that made positive impacts on literacy, education (especially for girls and women), health care, workplace conditions, etc.
September 1, 2022
An enjoyable, easy read.
April 17, 2023
Encouraging, inspiring, and informative. Highly recommend.
June 20, 2023
Great read! Great commentary on the effect of God's church on the world!!
July 16, 2023
A neat summary of Christianity’s historical contributions to the world and a call for believers as well.
July 20, 2025
Excellent overview of the topic. Interspersed with stories from real people's lives and clearly well researched.
April 6, 2025
This book might be a shorter summary of Vishal's book, but has very similar strengths and weaknesses. The absence of biblical discernment is much more obvious in this book, as it blatantly endorses Roman Catholic works and confuses those with the fruits of the work in CHRISTOS.
The obvious truth is that pagans and anti-Christs alike can do the same morally good works and still not be in the SPIRIT of CHRISTOS. The Catholic church has blinded billions through their good works (e.g. Mother Teresa who was very evil while blinding the world through good works), but this does not legitimize them as part of the Christian Church as plainly assumed by the author.
It is a negative surprise after having read her other 2 outstanding books, to notice here a strong Augustinian spirit of anti-Christ, both in the form of the Roman Catholic church and the Presbyterian church, both being heavily promoted in this book.
PROS
+ As usual, the author does a good investigation on a purely historical level.
CONS
- The book is spiritually empty and there is no Good Message found in it. It is much rather a social g‑spel and goes as far as to lean onto Neo-Calvinism and Dominionism.
- The author repeatedly endorses the missionary Ann Judson and her husband Adoniram. It is evil to make such an endorsement, and Sharon James has no excuse because she wrote the book 'Ann Judson: A Missionary Life for Burma'.
It should be well-known that Adoniram practiced the outmost heretical Guionism (extreme form of Roman Catholic Mysticism) since even before the Death Prison days, meaning when Ann still had some years to live. They were not only attracted to Catholic (Augustinian) mystics, but set out as Calvinists (Congregationalist) and then brought Calvinism into the Baptist denomination. He and his son(Elnathan) were Freemasons from before they left America until his death, precisely a member of the fraternity 'Philermenian Society'.
It is therefore also no surprise, that the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), which would probably not even exist without the Judson's, is deeply penetrated with both Calvinists (~30% in 2007, growing) and Freemasons (~14-18% amongst pastors and deacons in the 1990s).
- Quote: "But from the inception of the Christian Church at Pentecost, the followers of Jesus have sought to love their neighbor and to reflect G-d's moral character."
While her intentions might be noble (and mainstream), such a statement shows rather an insufficient understanding of Christianity. Christianity started when CHRISTOS created the earth and created the first human beings, and equipped them with laws Joseph and others followed long before Mt. Sinai. Christianity was in the ears of the people when they read the countless prophecies pointing to the First Coming of CHRISTOS. Christianity is not a religion that came suddenly into being at Pentecost, it existed from minute 1 of humanity. The term Judaism is neither found in the Greek OT nor in the Hebrew OT and it has done more harm than good to divide the true faith into two separate religions. Every Christian is a spiritual Jew, and every Jew is a Christian if he does not deny the fulfillment of all those prophecies in IESOUS CHRISTOS.
- The author is very close to Catholicism:
Some quotes: "[speaking about the US & GB] While Catholics had a clear understanding of the humanity and dignity of unborn life, many Protestants, including evangelicals, believed the 'experts' and assumed that support of abortion (in certain circumstances) was the 'compassionate' thing to do. Only when the appalling scale of the destruction of unborn life became apparent, did an evangelical pro-life movement gain momentum."
"... by the end of the nineteenth century Roman Catholic missionaries had had a major social impact: ..."
"Generations of school children were told, wrongly, that the Catholic Church thought the earth was flat, and so opposed Christopher Columbus's voyage of exploration in 1492."
- Endorsement of many (highly) problematic teachers such as Aquinas, Augustine, Calvin, Grudem, Luther, Martin Luther King, Spurgeon, and of religions / denominations such as Catholicism, Calvinists, Dominicans, Presbyterians, Puritans ...
The obvious truth is that pagans and anti-Christs alike can do the same morally good works and still not be in the SPIRIT of CHRISTOS. The Catholic church has blinded billions through their good works (e.g. Mother Teresa who was very evil while blinding the world through good works), but this does not legitimize them as part of the Christian Church as plainly assumed by the author.
It is a negative surprise after having read her other 2 outstanding books, to notice here a strong Augustinian spirit of anti-Christ, both in the form of the Roman Catholic church and the Presbyterian church, both being heavily promoted in this book.
PROS
+ As usual, the author does a good investigation on a purely historical level.
CONS
- The book is spiritually empty and there is no Good Message found in it. It is much rather a social g‑spel and goes as far as to lean onto Neo-Calvinism and Dominionism.
- The author repeatedly endorses the missionary Ann Judson and her husband Adoniram. It is evil to make such an endorsement, and Sharon James has no excuse because she wrote the book 'Ann Judson: A Missionary Life for Burma'.
It should be well-known that Adoniram practiced the outmost heretical Guionism (extreme form of Roman Catholic Mysticism) since even before the Death Prison days, meaning when Ann still had some years to live. They were not only attracted to Catholic (Augustinian) mystics, but set out as Calvinists (Congregationalist) and then brought Calvinism into the Baptist denomination. He and his son(Elnathan) were Freemasons from before they left America until his death, precisely a member of the fraternity 'Philermenian Society'.
It is therefore also no surprise, that the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), which would probably not even exist without the Judson's, is deeply penetrated with both Calvinists (~30% in 2007, growing) and Freemasons (~14-18% amongst pastors and deacons in the 1990s).
- Quote: "But from the inception of the Christian Church at Pentecost, the followers of Jesus have sought to love their neighbor and to reflect G-d's moral character."
While her intentions might be noble (and mainstream), such a statement shows rather an insufficient understanding of Christianity. Christianity started when CHRISTOS created the earth and created the first human beings, and equipped them with laws Joseph and others followed long before Mt. Sinai. Christianity was in the ears of the people when they read the countless prophecies pointing to the First Coming of CHRISTOS. Christianity is not a religion that came suddenly into being at Pentecost, it existed from minute 1 of humanity. The term Judaism is neither found in the Greek OT nor in the Hebrew OT and it has done more harm than good to divide the true faith into two separate religions. Every Christian is a spiritual Jew, and every Jew is a Christian if he does not deny the fulfillment of all those prophecies in IESOUS CHRISTOS.
- The author is very close to Catholicism:
Some quotes: "[speaking about the US & GB] While Catholics had a clear understanding of the humanity and dignity of unborn life, many Protestants, including evangelicals, believed the 'experts' and assumed that support of abortion (in certain circumstances) was the 'compassionate' thing to do. Only when the appalling scale of the destruction of unborn life became apparent, did an evangelical pro-life movement gain momentum."
"... by the end of the nineteenth century Roman Catholic missionaries had had a major social impact: ..."
"Generations of school children were told, wrongly, that the Catholic Church thought the earth was flat, and so opposed Christopher Columbus's voyage of exploration in 1492."
- Endorsement of many (highly) problematic teachers such as Aquinas, Augustine, Calvin, Grudem, Luther, Martin Luther King, Spurgeon, and of religions / denominations such as Catholicism, Calvinists, Dominicans, Presbyterians, Puritans ...
November 2, 2021
This was a great book. I read this right before returning to the US for the first time in 2 years, and of all places - liberal Seattle. I guess part of me thought that maybe people would be intellectually honest and push back on what I'm doing overseas by talking about colonialism, etc. I thought it would be helpful to have some hard facts on what Christianity has done to bring value, both materialistically and spiritually, around the world. I was so encouraged to see how missions and the forward movement of the Gospel has helped the world take godly leaps in education, healthcare, justice, human dignity, etc.
No one challenged me on overseas missions, so in that regard this book wasn't helpful, but it definitely encouraged me and stirred my affections for Christ and the way He's designed His body to operate :)
No one challenged me on overseas missions, so in that regard this book wasn't helpful, but it definitely encouraged me and stirred my affections for Christ and the way He's designed His body to operate :)
July 22, 2024
Not sure I understand the point, it is too general to really get to the core of Christian influence. Written as a half-historical half-philosophical work the book misses both.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews