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A review by salderson
Pagans: The End of Traditional Religion and the Rise of Christianity by James J. O'Donnell
4.0
Religious history is such an interesting and debatable topic. Religion seems to be present and even an active participant in the changing of social systems and worlds. James O'Donnell looks at these changes, and how the Roman Empire went from a largely locally-based polytheistic society, to one that was taken hold of by a new, monotheistic cult religion. O'Donnell boils it down to the perfect storm of circumstances and ideas; a conglomeration of changing social constructs, philosophy, and turmoil withing the Roman Empire.
His take on Roman religion was a little jarring, and maybe a tad too much blasé on the beliefs of pre-Christians. Belief is a personal and powerful thing that was strong for the old gods as much as the new one. But, just as I believe that not everyone was Christian in the Middle Ages (there were those who were not Christian at all and were just paying lip service), there were probably many ancient Romans (among others) who were also just going through the motions. So I do think he has a point, but I don't think the ancient gods should be minimized quite as much as O'Donnell does.
Semantic disagreement aside, I loved the conversational style O'Donnell used for his book. He was engaging and easy to read/understand. It is refreshing to read a more down to earth, approachable work that is so easy to engage with!
His take on Roman religion was a little jarring, and maybe a tad too much blasé on the beliefs of pre-Christians. Belief is a personal and powerful thing that was strong for the old gods as much as the new one. But, just as I believe that not everyone was Christian in the Middle Ages (there were those who were not Christian at all and were just paying lip service), there were probably many ancient Romans (among others) who were also just going through the motions. So I do think he has a point, but I don't think the ancient gods should be minimized quite as much as O'Donnell does.
Semantic disagreement aside, I loved the conversational style O'Donnell used for his book. He was engaging and easy to read/understand. It is refreshing to read a more down to earth, approachable work that is so easy to engage with!