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Christians and Pagans: The Conversion of Britain from Alban to Bede
Christians and Pagans offers a comprehensive and highly readable account of the coming of Christianity to Britain, its coexistence or conflict with paganism, and its impact on the lives of both indigenous islanders and invading Anglo-Saxons. The Christianity of Roman Britain, so often treated in isolation, is here deftly integrated with the history of the British churches of the Celtic world, and with the histories of Ireland, Iona, and Pictland. Combining chronicle and literary evidence with the fruits of the latest archaeological research, Malcolm Lambert illuminates how the conversion process changed the hearts and minds of early Britain.
- GenresHistory
336 pages, Hardcover
First published August 24, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
August 16, 2023
"Christians and Pagans: The Conversion of Britain from Alban to Bede" by Malcolm Lambert is a fascinating and comprehensive exploration of the transformation of Britain from a pagan to a Christian society. The author meticulously examines the various techniques used by early Christians to convert the pagan population. He explains that the conversion was not just a religious change but a shift in the entire social and political structure of Britain. The author provides a detailed analysis of the societal changes that occurred during the conversion, including the establishment of monasteries and the role that the church played in these changes. Furthermore, Lambert provides a detailed account of the miracles that were performed by early Christians to convince the pagan population to convert. Reading this book is essential for anyone interested in understanding the complex nature of the transformation from a pagan to a Christian society in Britain.
In his book, Lambert delves into the intricate connections between religious convictions and practices and the political and social realities of the time. Through this exploration, readers can gain insights into how the church's role in society continues to impact modern-day life. Lambert's multifaceted approach provides a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter, by examining the complexities of the relationship between church and state during this era. His work not only informs but also presents a new perspective on the topic, highlighting the often-overlooked ways in which the church was both influenced by and had influence over political and social developments. By shedding light on the power dynamics at play, Lambert's work emphasizes the importance of understanding the intersection between religious and political landscapes for a complete understanding of the era.
The author's analysis is a treasure trove of insights into a fascinating period of history. The book delves into the impact of Christianity on the development of British culture, offering a comprehensive overview of its conversion and how it influenced the country's society, politics, and culture. The reader will gain a deeper understanding of this important period in British history, as well as the dynamics of religious and cultural change. Moreover, those who are interested in the history of Christianity or the development of British culture will find this book to be an invaluable resource. The author's work is an engaging and informative read that is sure to captivate the reader with its rich detail and analysis.
In his book, Lambert delves into the intricate connections between religious convictions and practices and the political and social realities of the time. Through this exploration, readers can gain insights into how the church's role in society continues to impact modern-day life. Lambert's multifaceted approach provides a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter, by examining the complexities of the relationship between church and state during this era. His work not only informs but also presents a new perspective on the topic, highlighting the often-overlooked ways in which the church was both influenced by and had influence over political and social developments. By shedding light on the power dynamics at play, Lambert's work emphasizes the importance of understanding the intersection between religious and political landscapes for a complete understanding of the era.
The author's analysis is a treasure trove of insights into a fascinating period of history. The book delves into the impact of Christianity on the development of British culture, offering a comprehensive overview of its conversion and how it influenced the country's society, politics, and culture. The reader will gain a deeper understanding of this important period in British history, as well as the dynamics of religious and cultural change. Moreover, those who are interested in the history of Christianity or the development of British culture will find this book to be an invaluable resource. The author's work is an engaging and informative read that is sure to captivate the reader with its rich detail and analysis.
February 27, 2020
A fascinating period of history, I very much enjoyed this book.
December 27, 2010
This is a major contribution to early Medieval studies, especially the history of Christianity in early Britain, and deserves to rank up there with other significant monographs in this field. Lambert brings to this study an immense erudition and provides the reader with an array of archaeological evidence as well as colorful character sketches of the prominent figures that helped shape Christianity in Britain. It is sure to be a standard work. My only real criticisms of the work center around his "idiosyncratic" footnotes (both in content and format) and his at-times awkward syntax. But these should not overshadow his considerable achievement.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews