Rodney Stark, a Christian social scientist who
teaches at Baylor University, recently wrote God’s Battalions, the case for the Crusades, a fascinating read with
an alternative view.
Like myself, you were probably taught that the “Crusades
were the first round of European colonialism, conducted for land, loot, and
converts by barbarian Christians who victimized the cultivated Muslims.”
Stark provides an alternative perspective. Is it
possible that “the Crusades were the first military response to unwarranted
Muslim terrorist aggression?” Stark
argues “yes!” Although often theologically and ethically misguided, the
Crusaders “sincerely believed that they served in God’s battalions.” Without
their aggression all of Europe might today be a bastion of Islam.
We can thank
God for the Crusader’s work. In light of 911 and the events that have unfolded in
recent years, I believe Stark’s book will be enlightening. As are all of his
books, this text is an easy and entertaining read. I highly recommend.
Labels: Book Reviews, Church History
