The Age of Faith

I'm fascinated by religions. Not that I'm the world's most religious person myself, but I really enjoy studying the world's great faiths. There's something about the power to influence people in such dramatic ways - sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse - that makes me want to learn more.

The fourth volume in Will Durant's Story of Civilisation, entitled The Age of Faith, is a strong case in point. I'm nearly done reading it for the second time in the last five years.

The Age is a broad overview of medieval civilization, from the birth of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire to pre-Renaissance Italy, about 1000 years of time from 325AD - 1300AD. The focus, as the title suggests, is on the religious life of people which blossomed during this time period. The Jewish faith had obviously existed for some time prior, but Christianity didn't grow real legs until the fourth century, with Islam doing so in the seventh.

With the collapse of the Roman Empire and the barbarian destructions in the West, that void largely led to the growth of feudalism. The ensuing terror and extreme difficulties of life made fertile ground for Christianity and its promise of eternal happiness in the afterlife.

But all was not dark in the Dark Ages. Art and culture continued to exist, albeit in the private, localized world of monasteries, churches and palaces. New influences from Byzantium, as well as returning crusaders influenced by Islam, brought new techniques and styles that eventually led to Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance art.

Faith was all encompassing for many, an excuse to rape and pillage for others. Crusaders killed with veracity, often with greater skill than Pagan extremists, under the supposed shield of Christ. The middle ages were filled with paradox, as with all times.

Regardless, the middle ages made Europe. Fuedal warlords eventually wore each other out, creating kings that formed states in largely the form we know them today.

And that's just what was happening the West. Islam had just as strong of an influence on the Mediterranean and North African worlds. From the Fertile Crescent to Spain, Islam reached the height of culture and learning. Jews, Moslems and Christians peacefully co-existed to a great degree in Sicily, southern Italy and Spain, probably to a degree not seen since then.

The great maritime economies of Venice, Genoa and others rose to incredible heights, fueling the crusades and preparing the way for the Renaissance. And the Roman legacy continued, first in Constantinople and the East, then in the growth of the Western Church at Rome and the Papacy, finally in the Holy Roman Empire which peaked under Charlemagne, never to be the same again.

This was a fascinating period, with religion at much of its core. 1,200 pages was enough for an overview. But as with all subjects of great fascination, the more you learn, the more you realize that you haven't even scratched the surface!