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The Theological Origins of Modernity
by Michael Allen Gillespie • 2008
The modern world is a theological argument that left the church and took over everything.
4.23
270
The Theological Origins of Modernity Summary
The Theological Origins of Modernity 94%
The modern world is a theological argument that left the church and took over everything.
by Michael Allen Gillespie 2008
4.23
270 ratings
How the Catholic Church Built Western Civilization
by Thomas E. Woods Jr. • 2005
Universities, science, and human rights emerged not despite the Catholic Church but because of it.
4.12
3k+
How the Catholic Church Built Western Civilization Summary
How the Catholic Church Built Western Civilization 93%
Universities, science, and human rights emerged not despite the Catholic Church but because of it.
by Thomas E. Woods Jr. 2005
4.12
3k+ ratings
Medieval Philosophy
by Anthony Kenny • 2005
For a thousand years, philosophy was one long attempt to reconcile reason with revelation.
3.80
284
Medieval Philosophy Summary
Medieval Philosophy 92%
For a thousand years, philosophy was one long attempt to reconcile reason with revelation.
by Anthony Kenny 2005
3.80
284 ratings
St. Thomas Aquinas
by G.K. Chesterton • 1923
A friar's proof: the senses are holy, common sense leads to truth, Aristotle walks with saints.
4.01
12k+
St. Thomas Aquinas Summary
St. Thomas Aquinas 92%
A friar's proof: the senses are holy, common sense leads to truth, Aristotle walks with saints.
by G.K. Chesterton 1923
4.01
12k+ ratings
Going to Church in Medieval England
by Nicholas Orme • 2021
9,500 buildings held medieval England together: the parish church, from birth to burial.
4.19
295
Going to Church in Medieval England Summary
Going to Church in Medieval England 92%
9,500 buildings held medieval England together: the parish church, from birth to burial.
by Nicholas Orme 2021
4.19
295 ratings
The Consequences of Ideas
by R.C. Sproul • 1988
Philosophy's stark choice: Kant's closed door or Aquinas's open one. Fallout, from Thales to Sartre.
4.18
2k+
The Consequences of Ideas Summary
The Consequences of Ideas 92%
Philosophy's stark choice: Kant's closed door or Aquinas's open one. Fallout, from Thales to Sartre.
by R.C. Sproul 1988
4.18
2k+ ratings
The Victory of Reason
by Rodney Stark • 2005
The 'Dark Ages' were an era of explosive innovation, lit by the Church's obsession with reason.
3.99
927
The Victory of Reason Summary
The Victory of Reason 92%
The 'Dark Ages' were an era of explosive innovation, lit by the Church's obsession with reason.
by Rodney Stark 2005
3.99
927 ratings
Philosophy in the Islamic World
by Peter S. Adamson • 2015
A thousand years of philosophy across three continents, argued by Muslims, Christians, and Jews.
4.33
242
Philosophy in the Islamic World Summary
Philosophy in the Islamic World 91%
A thousand years of philosophy across three continents, argued by Muslims, Christians, and Jews.
by Peter S. Adamson 2015
4.33
242 ratings
The Swerve
by Stephen Greenblatt • 2011
One manuscript, hunted across monasteries, reintroduced a dangerous idea: the soul is mortal.
3.87
35k+
The Swerve Summary
The Swerve 91%
One manuscript, hunted across monasteries, reintroduced a dangerous idea: the soul is mortal.
by Stephen Greenblatt 2011
3.87
35k+ ratings
Eager to Love
by Richard Rohr • 2014
A spiritual path that runs toward failure, poverty, and weakness. Francis of Assisi opened it.
4.38
1k+
Eager to Love Summary
Eager to Love 91%
A spiritual path that runs toward failure, poverty, and weakness. Francis of Assisi opened it.
by Richard Rohr 2014
4.38
1k+ ratings
Hell Hath No Fury
by Meghan R. Henning • 2021
Early Christian hell's gendered torments mapped a pattern for bodily control that we still enforce.
4.40
15
Hell Hath No Fury Summary
Hell Hath No Fury 91%
Early Christian hell's gendered torments mapped a pattern for bodily control that we still enforce.
by Meghan R. Henning 2021
4.40
15 ratings
The Passion of the Western Mind
by Richard Tarnas • 1991
Western thought is a single dramatic story, from ancient archetypes to postmodern doubt.
4.24
2k+
The Passion of the Western Mind Summary
The Passion of the Western Mind 91%
Western thought is a single dramatic story, from ancient archetypes to postmodern doubt.
by Richard Tarnas 1991
4.24
2k+ ratings
The Great Initiates
by Édouard Schuré • 1889
A secret doctrine threads through the lives of Rama, Moses, and Jesus; here is its lineage.
4.12
574
The Great Initiates Summary
The Great Initiates 91%
A secret doctrine threads through the lives of Rama, Moses, and Jesus; here is its lineage.
by Édouard Schuré 1889
4.12
574 ratings
The Patient Ferment of the Early Church
by Alan Kreider • 2016
No plan. No missionaries. An illegal sect grew by living so differently the empire paid attention.
4.46
612
The Patient Ferment of the Early Church Summary
The Patient Ferment of the Early Church 91%
No plan. No missionaries. An illegal sect grew by living so differently the empire paid attention.
by Alan Kreider 2016
4.46
612 ratings
The Imitation of Christ
by Thomas à Kempis • 1427
The reward for wanting nothing is peace. Getting what you want only postpones the restlessness.
4.24
27k+
The Imitation of Christ Summary
The Imitation of Christ 91%
The reward for wanting nothing is peace. Getting what you want only postpones the restlessness.
by Thomas à Kempis 1427
4.24
27k+ ratings
Panentheism
by John W. Cooper • 2006
Western thought's rival God contains the world instead of transcending it, from Plato to today.
4.23
48
Panentheism Summary
Panentheism 91%
Western thought's rival God contains the world instead of transcending it, from Plato to today.
by John W. Cooper 2006
4.23
48 ratings
A Brief History of Misogyny
by Jack Holland • 2006
The most adaptable hatred in history: tracing misogyny from ancient myth to Freud's consulting room.
4.14
3k+
A Brief History of Misogyny Summary
A Brief History of Misogyny 91%
The most adaptable hatred in history: tracing misogyny from ancient myth to Freud's consulting room.
by Jack Holland 2006
4.14
3k+ ratings
A Dark Muse
by Gary Lachman • 2003
The hidden lineage of poets and magicians who mapped the interior worlds that science denied.
3.76
235
A Dark Muse Summary
A Dark Muse 91%
The hidden lineage of poets and magicians who mapped the interior worlds that science denied.
by Gary Lachman 2003
3.76
235 ratings
A Little History of the World
by E.H. Gombrich • 1936
The whole human story, from cave paintings to the Cold War, in one short, elegant book.
4.10
32k+
A Little History of the World Summary
A Little History of the World 91%
The whole human story, from cave paintings to the Cold War, in one short, elegant book.
by E.H. Gombrich 1936
4.10
32k+ ratings
Humanly Possible
by Sarah Bakewell • 2023
Humanism's 700-year bet: that reason and kindness, not gods or ideologies, will save us.
4.01
2k+
Humanly Possible Summary
Humanly Possible 90%
Humanism's 700-year bet: that reason and kindness, not gods or ideologies, will save us.
by Sarah Bakewell 2023
4.01
2k+ ratings
Soul Machine
by George Makari • 2015
Science couldn't find the soul. So early modern Europe invented the mind to take its place.
3.82
157
Soul Machine Summary
Soul Machine 90%
Science couldn't find the soul. So early modern Europe invented the mind to take its place.
by George Makari 2015
3.82
157 ratings
The Everlasting Man
by G.K. Chesterton • 1925
Prehistory, paganism, philosophy: all dead ends. The force that broke through began in a cave.
4.16
11k+
The Everlasting Man Summary
The Everlasting Man 90%
Prehistory, paganism, philosophy: all dead ends. The force that broke through began in a cave.
by G.K. Chesterton 1925
4.16
11k+ ratings
A Short History of Myth
by Karen Armstrong • 2005
We traded myth for reason and got neither meaning nor a world we can bear.
3.69
7k+
A Short History of Myth Summary
A Short History of Myth 90%
We traded myth for reason and got neither meaning nor a world we can bear.
by Karen Armstrong 2005
3.69
7k+ ratings
River Kings
by Cat Jarman • 2021
A bead from India, buried in England, reveals the Silk Road world the Vikings actually built.
4.04
4k+
River Kings Summary
River Kings 90%
A bead from India, buried in England, reveals the Silk Road world the Vikings actually built.
by Cat Jarman 2021
4.04
4k+ ratings
A History of Islam in 21 Women
by Hossein Kamaly • 2021
Islam's history included women who led, judged, and built empires. The standard version erased them.
3.38
501
A History of Islam in 21 Women Summary
A History of Islam in 21 Women 90%
Islam's history included women who led, judged, and built empires. The standard version erased them.
by Hossein Kamaly 2021
3.38
501 ratings
Magnificent Rebels
by Andrea Wulf • 2022
A handful of quarrelsome friends in a German backwater invented the way you think about yourself.
4.19
2k+
Magnificent Rebels Summary
Magnificent Rebels 90%
A handful of quarrelsome friends in a German backwater invented the way you think about yourself.
by Andrea Wulf 2022
4.19
2k+ ratings
Defenders of the West
by Raymond Ibrahim • 2022
For a thousand years, Islam pushed into Europe. Eight forgotten warriors pushed back and won.
4.65
1k+
Defenders of the West Summary
Defenders of the West 90%
For a thousand years, Islam pushed into Europe. Eight forgotten warriors pushed back and won.
by Raymond Ibrahim 2022
4.65
1k+ ratings
The Crusades
by Thomas Asbridge • 2010
The Crusades told from both sides: Christian and Muslim chronicles woven into one narrative.
4.23
7k+
The Crusades Summary
The Crusades 90%
The Crusades told from both sides: Christian and Muslim chronicles woven into one narrative.
by Thomas Asbridge 2010
4.23
7k+ ratings
How to Think Like a Woman
by Regan Penaluna • 2023
Sexism drove her from philosophy. Four forgotten women thinkers showed her how to find her way back.
3.96
2k+
How to Think Like a Woman Summary
How to Think Like a Woman 90%
Sexism drove her from philosophy. Four forgotten women thinkers showed her how to find her way back.
by Regan Penaluna 2023
3.96
2k+ ratings
The Intellectual Life
by Antonin Sertillanges • 1921
Thinking as a sacred calling: the 1921 guide to the virtues, solitude, and discipline it demands.
4.41
3k+
The Intellectual Life Summary
The Intellectual Life 90%
Thinking as a sacred calling: the 1921 guide to the virtues, solitude, and discipline it demands.
by Antonin Sertillanges 1921
4.41
3k+ ratings
The Immortality Key
by Brian C. Muraresku • 2020
The Eleusinian Mysteries were powered by a psychedelic potion, and the early Christians knew it.
4.24
6k+
The Immortality Key Summary
The Immortality Key 90%
The Eleusinian Mysteries were powered by a psychedelic potion, and the early Christians knew it.
by Brian C. Muraresku 2020
4.24
6k+ ratings
Thomas Aquinas
by Robert Barron • 1996
Aquinas the rationalist is a mirage. His entire theology is a path to ecstatic union with God.
4.48
276
Thomas Aquinas Summary
Thomas Aquinas 90%
Aquinas the rationalist is a mirage. His entire theology is a path to ecstatic union with God.
by Robert Barron 1996
4.48
276 ratings
The Stillborn God
by Mark Lilla • 2007
Politics broke from God only recently, and Weimar nearly put them back together.
3.60
289
The Stillborn God Summary
The Stillborn God 90%
Politics broke from God only recently, and Weimar nearly put them back together.
by Mark Lilla 2007
3.60
289 ratings
Swedenborg
by Gary Lachman • 2012
A scientist catalogued heaven and hell like a naturalist. Then Kant took him seriously.
3.90
118
Swedenborg Summary
Swedenborg 90%
A scientist catalogued heaven and hell like a naturalist. Then Kant took him seriously.
by Gary Lachman 2012
3.90
118 ratings
The Visionaries
by Wolfram Eilenberger • 2020
Four women, one war, and the year their philosophies of freedom were forged in darkness.
3.91
1k+
The Visionaries Summary
The Visionaries 90%
Four women, one war, and the year their philosophies of freedom were forged in darkness.
by Wolfram Eilenberger 2020
3.91
1k+ ratings
A History of the Crusades, Volume 1
by Steven Runciman • 1951
Byzantine weakness, noble greed, and mass piety collided to forge a fragile Crusader kingdom.
4.29
2k+
A History of the Crusades, Volume 1 Summary
A History of the Crusades, Volume 1 90%
Byzantine weakness, noble greed, and mass piety collided to forge a fragile Crusader kingdom.
by Steven Runciman 1951
4.29
2k+ ratings
The Crisis of the Modern World
by René Guénon • 1927
Modernity is a spiritual dark age, and the West's greatest achievements are its diagnostic symptoms.
4.09
2k+
The Crisis of the Modern World Summary
The Crisis of the Modern World 90%
Modernity is a spiritual dark age, and the West's greatest achievements are its diagnostic symptoms.
by René Guénon 1927
4.09
2k+ ratings
Cities of God
by Rodney Stark • 2006
Christianity conquered Rome via port cities, personal ties, and 3.4 percent annual growth.
3.74
473
Cities of God Summary
Cities of God 90%
Christianity conquered Rome via port cities, personal ties, and 3.4 percent annual growth.
by Rodney Stark 2006
3.74
473 ratings
The Secret Teachers of the Western World
by Gary Lachman • 2015
A hidden lineage of mystics and magicians shaped the West. Science buried them; they never died.
4.31
235
The Secret Teachers of the Western World Summary
The Secret Teachers of the Western World 90%
A hidden lineage of mystics and magicians shaped the West. Science buried them; they never died.
by Gary Lachman 2015
4.31
235 ratings
Final Pagan Generation
by Edward J. Watts • 2015
Why Rome's last pagans didn't fight Christianity but managed its rise from inside the empire.
3.99
259
Final Pagan Generation Summary
Final Pagan Generation 90%
Why Rome's last pagans didn't fight Christianity but managed its rise from inside the empire.
by Edward J. Watts 2015
3.99
259 ratings
The Rise of Christianity
by Rodney Stark • 1996
40% per decade for 300 years. The secret: epidemics, networks, and how Christians treated women.
4.07
2k+
The Rise of Christianity Summary
The Rise of Christianity 90%
40% per decade for 300 years. The secret: epidemics, networks, and how Christians treated women.
by Rodney Stark 1996
4.07
2k+ ratings
William Blake vs the World
by John Higgs • 2021
Blake saw angels and mapped the mind. Modern neuroscience is just catching up.
4.15
1k+
William Blake vs the World Summary
William Blake vs the World 90%
Blake saw angels and mapped the mind. Modern neuroscience is just catching up.
by John Higgs 2021
4.15
1k+ ratings
The Philosophy of the Enlightenment
by Ernst Cassirer • 1932
The Enlightenment remade reason: not a storehouse of truths, but a way of discovering them.
4.11
258
The Philosophy of the Enlightenment Summary
The Philosophy of the Enlightenment 90%
The Enlightenment remade reason: not a storehouse of truths, but a way of discovering them.
by Ernst Cassirer 1932
4.11
258 ratings
Buddhism
by Damien Keown • 1996
Buddhism has no god, no bible, no pope. What holds its many traditions together?
3.74
3k+
Buddhism Summary
Buddhism 90%
Buddhism has no god, no bible, no pope. What holds its many traditions together?
by Damien Keown 1996
3.74
3k+ ratings
Leonardo and the Last Supper
by Ross King • 2012
Leonardo almost refused the mural. He painted it with a doomed technique. It became immortal anyway.
3.93
3k+
Leonardo and the Last Supper Summary
Leonardo and the Last Supper 90%
Leonardo almost refused the mural. He painted it with a doomed technique. It became immortal anyway.
by Ross King 2012
3.93
3k+ ratings
The Orthodox Church
by Timothy Ware • 1963
Christianity's forgotten half: no Pope, no Reformation, and questions the West never asked.
4.28
4k+
The Orthodox Church Summary
The Orthodox Church 90%
Christianity's forgotten half: no Pope, no Reformation, and questions the West never asked.
by Timothy Ware 1963
4.28
4k+ ratings
Awake!
by Mark Vernon • 2025
What if imagination isn't fantasy but reality itself? Blake's vision makes the case.
4.35
60
Awake! Summary
Awake! 89%
What if imagination isn't fantasy but reality itself? Blake's vision makes the case.
by Mark Vernon 2025
4.35
60 ratings
7 Tipping Points That Saved the World
by Chris Stewart • 2011
Seven narrow escapes that saved the West. Remove any one, and democracy and Christianity vanish.
3.97
2k+
7 Tipping Points That Saved the World Summary
7 Tipping Points That Saved the World 89%
Seven narrow escapes that saved the West. Remove any one, and democracy and Christianity vanish.
by Chris Stewart 2011
3.97
2k+ ratings
The Greatest Minds and Ideas of All Time
by Will Durant • 2002
Genius, not economics, is the engine of history: a tour of the minds that built civilization.
3.72
3k+
The Greatest Minds and Ideas of All Time Summary
The Greatest Minds and Ideas of All Time 89%
Genius, not economics, is the engine of history: a tour of the minds that built civilization.
by Will Durant 2002
3.72
3k+ ratings
Pontifex Maximus
by Christopher Lascelles • 2017
The papacy's claim to divine authority is shaky; its real story is power, corruption, and scandal.
3.93
140
Pontifex Maximus Summary
Pontifex Maximus 89%
The papacy's claim to divine authority is shaky; its real story is power, corruption, and scandal.
by Christopher Lascelles 2017
3.93
140 ratings
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