How the Catholic Church Built Western Civilization
by Thomas E. Woods
There's a story that gets passed along without much checking: the Catholic Church spent centuries holding back progress. Historian Thomas E. Woods wrote this book, published by Regnery, to take that story apart. His thesis is that much of what the West prizes grew in Catholic soil.
Chapter by chapter, Woods makes his case. Monks preserved learning and improved agriculture. Medieval Catholics invented the university. Catholic clergy played a part in early science. He traces international law and ideas of rights, economic thought, art and architecture, and a vast network of charity. He tackles the Galileo affair head-on. The book is written for general readers and moves at a gallop.
It suits inquirers who carry a dim view of Church history, history and culture buffs, and anyone tired of hearing that the Church opposes science. It's a popular survey with a clear argument, not neutral academic history, so read it as one side of a conversation and follow up on the chapters that grab you.
Key Takeaways
- The monks' role in preserving learning and farming.
- How the university was born in the Middle Ages.
- Catholic clergy in the history of science.
- The Church's contributions to law, economics and charity.
It makes the case for the Church's part in universities, science, law and charity.
