The Civilization of Christianity

by John L. McKenzie

The devastating thesis of this book is "that there is a deadly and irreconcilable opposition between western civilization and Christianity, and that one of them must destroy the other."

260 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1986

Reviews

[Jed Sanford · Rating 3 out of 5]

In The Civilization of Christianity, Catholic biblical scholar John L. McKenzie argues for his provocative thesis that "there is a deadly and irreconcilable opposition between western civilization and Christianity and that one of them must destroy the other." Cutting through the sophistries and special pleading that Christians have used for centuries to avoid taking seriously what Jesus clearly said, McKenzie explores what Jesus has to say about the accumulation of wealth, the pursuit of political power, and the use of violence: He repudiated all of these things. In a more self-critical (and weaker) section, McKenzie argues that Jesus also rejected worldly academic and intellectual pursuits.

McKenzie makes a strong case for his basic thesis, and his book is definitely worth reading for his insightful analysis of what Jesus has to say about modern western civiliation. Unfortunately, most Christians will probably be too put off by McKenzie's rejection of the traditional Christian doctrines of the Incarnation and the Second Coming, along with his (moderately) skeptical attitude towards the historicity of the Gospels, to appreciate his valuable insights.

[Derek · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the kind of book that needs to be read and re-read today. McKenzie powerfully demonstrates the incompatibility of the state in whatever its form and the follower of Christ.