Constantine's Sword: The Church and the Jews -- A History [NOOK Book]

Author's attempt at honest reporting fundamentally flawed--scholarly questions raised

As a historian educated at the University of Chicago, Dartmouth, and universities in Germany and Rome, I must confess that the idea of this book initially fascinated me. Finally, it seemed, an author would tackle the daunting task of chronicling the nearly two-thousand years of Jewish-Christian interaction. I was unspeakably disappointed. While the author has presumably made an attempt to analyze the aforementioned relations objectively, the conclusions that he draws, at least from a historical perspective, are untenable. Not only does he gloss over the generations in which great strides have been made in mutual understanding between the two religions, but he also demonizes the very Christian faith that he claims to espouse. Such a bias, one that has caused Caroll to distort historical facts, could possibly be ascribed to what psychologists refer to as the 'ex syndrome.' As a former priest, he likely suffers form a(n at least) subconscious desire to defend his abandonment of the faith. This desire colors all his judgments and skews the way that he analyzes facts. This psychological malady is deadly for objective historical reporting, something taught to all historians as early as high school. To sum up my analysis of the book, I am deeply saddened by what I have discovered in a book with such a promising title. Although I do not share the same faith as the author, it is even apparent from the standpoint of a disinterested historian that he merely tries to justify his own decision to leave the Catholic priesthood by branding Christians as anti-Semites.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

The sad truth about what really precipitated the Holocaust.

This book reads like a novel. It reveals fascinating facts about Christianity at every turn. For example, the cross as a symbol of Christianity did not appear until around 300 AD. It is an extremely insightful look into the development of the Christian Church and it's relationship to Judaism. What makes this book really credible is the fact this prize winning author was actually ordained a Catholic priest. Throughout the book the author intertwines history with his own deep feelings while visiting some of the most important historic sites in Christendom. The author makes the point that the Church did not have to develop the way it did and if it had taken other turns in history the tragic events of the 20th century need not have happened. Unfortunately, despite the efforts of recent popes, the same mistakes are being repeated today as exemplified by the recent erection of a cross at the site of Auschwitz. This book is a must read for anyone who wants to understand the real roots of anti-semitism. It will make you realize that the ground work for a Hitler had been layed long before. The author, who still cherishes his religion, is to be commended for his courageous exposure of facts Catholism would rather keep in the closet.

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

The most honest book I've ever read

I agree completely with Ron. This book does not paint Christians as anti-Semites, it merely argues the need for change in Catholic (and Christian) doctrine. The "Call for Vatican III" portion of the text along with the fact that he himself is a Christian, and I can't see him saying he's anti-Semitic, demonstrate that he's merely addressing several problems that have become institutionalized over the centuries. As a graduate student in history, that has read NUMEROUS historical works, I must say this is the most honest work I've ever read. Carroll's introspective examination required more courage than most people can muster. While the "dry" history would be interesting to me by itself, the work was made infinitely more gripping by the flashbacks and inclusions of personal perspective that reoccur throughout. I think this is a monumental work and incredibly well-written (anyone who has trouble with the big words, just read it with a dictionary at your side). I think this is a work with a VERY wide appeal that reexamines long-held assumptions and searches for their causes and historical roots. If this isn't a book for everyone, then it should certainly be a book for everyone who defines themselves as Christian. I think, however, that it is abook for anyone who is disturbed by the near-obliteration of the European Jewry that occurred in Nazi Germany...and who isn't?

Good writing, bad reviews

The beauty of this book is that it is a critical analysis of historical events, rather than just chronicles of events. Carroll has tackled a profoundly complicated and controversial topic and explains it very well.

The book is complicated, and yes, it is filled with big words. It would be tough for the average layperson (non-academic or theologian) to get through as quick bedtime reading. However, this book is quite palatable: Carroll's passion helps drive what could otherwise be a very dry read. This history is tough to breeze through, but in the end, its worth the effort.

I'm disappointed in the negative review, below, by Christopher Galiardo. His haughty, high-falutin' wording assigned, he seems to have missed the point: Carroll isn't arguing all Christians are anti- Semites. Rather, Christian doctrine and policy has had anti-Semitism enshrined in it, which Christians must work at and rectify. Second, of course the book glosses over the advances of the past two generations: this is a 2000-year history; the last 50 years are merely epilogue. However, this lack of appreciation of historical record and analysis makes sense: no self-respecting historian would show off a pedigree of universities in a review, suggesting that Galiardo is merely showing off. (I was at a cafe in Paris; does this men I studied history in France?) And finally, the ad hominem attack on Carroll's mental state by suggesting he suffers from psychological disorders is downright hitting below the belt.

This is a brilliant but controversial historical read. It may be tough to read, but it's never dry. If you want a book that talks about how cool Christians have been to Jews from the first century to 1945, I suggest visiting the fantasy section.

Most Dissappointing

I was glad to finally see a review that really stated how I felt about the book thanks to Christopher Galiardo's April 2002 review. Thank you for putting it in words I wasn't able to. Your education background (not to mention your religeous) validated even more our mutual opinions. You must have a very extensive dictionary to plow through the wordsmithing of this book. It was very painful to understand where the points were being made due to the over use of words most people don't inclued in their daily lives. I was let down because I was hoping to find the interrelations of how Christianity and Judaeism intertwined these past two thousand years. Look out Oedipes Rex. The searching for his identity overtakes and undermines the actual subject of the book.

True to the Carroll sense of Fairness.

James Carroll outdoes himself with this book. so long in coming to the world, the truth that needed to be told. As a Carroll, I cried, and as a Jew. Reconciliation for our family as well. Mary Carroll-Bower

A Truth for Schools/Clergy/All

This is one of the best historical books I have ever read. There is so much information on Christianity and Judaism in it that I may have to read it again. This book traces the truth about Christianity and Judaism. I recommend it especially to clergy who make statements that are not necessarily historically correct. His recommendations for the church are especially enlightening and would do a lot to dispel antisemitism as it exists even now.

Constantine's Sword, a personal history of the relationship of the Church and the Jews

The most unique aspect of James Carroll's recounting of the tragic relationship of the Church and the Jews is how he relates so personally to the entire 2,000 year story. A former priest and still a devout Catholic, he begins the story displaying his naivete and innocent biases. He even had a Seder with some Jewish students at Boston U. and switched a ritual over matzo for a eucharist ceremony. He early in his quest felt as many Christians do that once Jesus is understood in his Jewishness than Jews will accept him. Obviously 2,000 years of baggage on both sides that make the above a ridiculous fantasy. The Church has had a 'Jewish Problem' from its very origins as here is the parent faith which by and large never accepted the theology of the new one. The book than recounts the terrible history and Carroll makes no excuses for any of it. But as a continued devout Catholic he insists that the Church itself as well as each individual member of it must take responsibility for this history. While he admires Pope John Paul II for his visit to Israel and his belated apology, he realizes that the Church itself and not just its members must own up to its responsibilities. Throughout the book he relates the stories of Constantine, Augustine, Abelard, the Crusades, the Inquisition, the Dreyfus affair and even the Holocaust to his own personal life. In this way he allows the history to live in all of us who read his words and shows us how seriously we need to take the healing process if this tragic relationship is ever to be corrected. It may be that his suggestions for a Vatican III and a revamping of Catholic theology may be asking a bit much for this essentially conservative institution, but at least he seems to be asking the right questions.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.