Byzantine empire Quote by Philip Jenkins
““The deeply rooted Christianity of Africa and Asia did not simply fade away through lack of zeal, or theological confusion: it was crushed, in a welter of warfare and persecution. New Masters Reading sympathetic accounts of the spread of Islam, we can forget that this was a movement of armed conquest and imperial expansion, which on occasion involved ferocious violence. The battle of Yarmuk in 636, which gave the Muslims control of Syria, was one of the great military massacres of antiquity, costing the lives of perhaps fifty thousand soldiers of the Christian Byzantine Empire. And while cities were generally spared, the invaders showed little mercy to surrounding villages and settlements.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Lost History of Christianity by Philip Jenkins, 2008
Christianity in Asia and Africa was largely destroyed by violent conquest, not merely by lack of zeal or confusion.
In simple terms: Christianity was crushed by war.
Key Takeaway
Recognize historical violence in religious change.
Themes
religion
history
conflict
colonialism
Mood
analytical
somber
Type
historical
critical
When to use this quote
- academic study
- interfaith dialogue
- policy making
Key Concepts
imperialism
military conquest
Questions to Reflect On
- What role did local believers play in preserving faith?
- How does this history affect modern religious relations?
A Different Perspective
The narrative may overlook peaceful syncretism and resilience of local faiths.
