Bearing False Witness: Debunking Centuries of Anti-Catholic History
$15.95
Sale price
$15.95
Regular price
$0.00
Skip to product information
Bearing False Witness: Debunking Centuries of Anti-Catholic History
$15.95
Sale price
$15.95
Regular price
$0.00
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Pickup available at Crossroads Collective
Usually ready in 24 hours
Reliable shipping
Friendly Customer Service
100% of your purchase supports the works of Catholic Charities of Acadiana
Details
As we all know and as many of our well established textbooks have argued for decades, the Inquisition was one of the most frightening and bloody chapters in Western history, Pope Pius XII was anti-Semitic and rightfully called “Hitler’s Pope,” the Dark Ages were a stunting of the progress of knowledge to be redeemed only by the secular spirit of the Enlightenment, and the religious Crusades were an early example of the rapacious Western thirst for riches and power. But what if these long held beliefs were all wrong?
In this stunning, powerful, and ultimately persuasive book, Rodney Stark, one of the most highly regarded sociologists of religion and bestselling author of The Rise of Christianity (Harper SanFrancisco 1997) argues that some of our most firmly held ideas about history, ideas that paint the Catholic Church in the least positive light are, in fact, fiction. Why have we held these wrongheaded ideas so strongly and for so long? And if our beliefs are wrong, what, in fact, is the truth?
In each chapter, Stark takes on a well-established anti-Catholic myth, gives a fascinating history of how each myth became the conventional wisdom, and presents a startling picture of the real truth. For example,
In this stunning, powerful, and ultimately persuasive book, Rodney Stark, one of the most highly regarded sociologists of religion and bestselling author of The Rise of Christianity (Harper SanFrancisco 1997) argues that some of our most firmly held ideas about history, ideas that paint the Catholic Church in the least positive light are, in fact, fiction. Why have we held these wrongheaded ideas so strongly and for so long? And if our beliefs are wrong, what, in fact, is the truth?
In each chapter, Stark takes on a well-established anti-Catholic myth, gives a fascinating history of how each myth became the conventional wisdom, and presents a startling picture of the real truth. For example,
- Instead of the Spanish Inquisition being an anomaly of torture and murder of innocent people persecuted for “imaginary” crimes such as witchcraft and blasphemy, Stark argues that not only did the Spanish Inquisition spill very little blood, but it was a major force in support of moderation and justice.
- Instead of Pope Pius XII being apathetic or even helpful to the Nazi movement, such as to merit the title, “Hitler’s Pope,” Stark shows that the campaign to link Pope Pius XII to Hitler was initiated by the Soviet Union, presumably in hopes of neutralizing the Vatican in post-World War II affairs. Pope Pius XII was widely praised for his vigorous and devoted efforts to saving Jewish lives during the war.
- Instead of the Dark Ages being understood as a millennium of ignorance and backwardness inspired by the Catholic Church’s power, Stark argues that the whole notion of the “Dark Ages” was an act of pride perpetuated by anti-religious intellectuals who were determined to claim that theirs was the era of “Enlightenment.”
In the end, readers will not only have a more accurate history of the Catholic Church, they will come to understand why it became unfairly maligned for so long. Bearing False Witness is a compelling and sobering account of how egotism and ideology often work together to give us a false truth.
About the Author
Rodney Stark is one of the leading authorities on the sociology of religion. He grew up in Jamestown, North Dakota, where he began his career as a newspaper reporter. Following a tour of duty in the US Army, Stark received his PhD from the University of California, Berkeley, where he held appointments as a research sociologist at the Survey Research Center and at the Center for the Study of Law and Society. For many years, the Pulitzer Prize nominee was professor of sociology and professor of comparative religion at the University of Washington. In 2004 he became Distinguished Professor of the Social Sciences and co-director of the Institute for Studies of Religion at Baylor University.
SHIPPING INFORMATION
Please allow between 1-3 business days for order processing, prior to shipping.
Standard and Expedited Shipping
We offer 4-6 day standard shipping, two-day and next-day expedited shipping at regular industry shipping rates, depending on the carrier. All shipping rates are calculated at checkout. Ordering deadlines vary for shipping options. Shipping costs are non-refundable unless there is an error that falls under the responsibility of Crossroads Collective.
Local Pick Up
Order online & pick up at Crossroads Collective! We will communicate with you through email, text message, and/or phone call, depending on the contact information you entered at checkout, as soon as your order is ready for pick up at Crossroads Collective!
Pick up days for orders placed:
Monday - Thursday will be available the following day.
Friday - Sunday will typically be available on Monday.
Monday - Friday before 12pm may be available the same day.
We are located in Lafayette's Oil Center at 1416 S. College Rd. Lafayette, LA 70503, across from Ochsner Lafayette General and in the same shopping center as Hub City Diner.
Order Status & Tracking
For information about our shipping options, please visit our shipping page here.
Questions?
Contact us or call 337-988-3569
RETURNS & EXCHANGES
Yes, we do accept returns in store for items purchased online!
Our Return Policy for Refunds or Exchanges
Returns for refund or exchange of unused, full priced and non-seasonal items are accepted within 30 days of purchase with original packaging and receipt. Items bought as a Christmas gift can be returned through January 15th.
Items cannot be returned if purchased on sale. Items cannot be returned if purchased at full price but on sale at the time of return. Items cannot be returned if used, opened, damaged, without original packaging or without a receipt. If 30 days have gone by since your purchase, unfortunately we cannot offer you a refund or exchange. Store credit may be offered in certain situations.
Several items cannot be returned, including but not limited to seasonal items, gift cards, monthly magazines, lotions, soaps, cologne, perfume, antiques, digital products for download, among others. Please inquire for more detail.
Shipping costs are non-refundable unless there is an error that falls under the responsibility of Crossroads Collective.
Process for Items Purchased Online
Items purchased online may be returned in store or shipped with a return approval. Please submit a request to return items for a refund or exchange by coming in, contacting us or calling 337-988-3569.
If an item is shipped back to us without prior approval, we will inspect the item and send an email notifying you of the approval or rejection of your return.
You will be responsible for paying the shipping costs to return your item.
Shipping costs are non-refundable unless there is an error that falls under the responsibility of Crossroads Collective. If you receive a refund, the cost of return shipping will be deducted from your refund. If you are shipping an item over $75, you should consider using a trackable shipping service or purchasing shipping insurance. We can’t guarantee that we will receive your returned item.
Online Order Returns for Refund: If your request for a return is approved, we will process a refund, less the shipping costs, with a credit automatically applied to your original method of payment. This can take up to 15 business days to fully process.
Online Order Returns for Exchange: If your request for an exchange is approved, we will work with you to process the exchange and price difference. Depending on where you live, the time it may take for your exchanged product to reach you may vary.
Please come in, contact us or call 337-988-3569 to inquire further.
You might also like...
PROVIDE SHELTER
Practice Alms-Gifting by making a gift of $25 to Catholic Charities of Acadiana on your behalf or in honor of a friend or loved one! This donation will provide a night of safe shelter to those experiencing homelessness.
MAKE A DONATION
REDUCE HUNGER
Practice Alms-Gifting by making a gift of $30 to Catholic Charities of Acadiana on your behalf or in honor of a friend or loved one! This donation will reduce hunger for those in need through FoodNet FoodBank.
MAKE A DONATION
PREVENT HOMELESSNESS
Practice Alms-Gifting by making a gift of $100 to Catholic Charities of Acadiana on your behalf or in honor of a friend or loved one! This donation will provide resources for individuals and families in financial crisis.
MAKE A DONATION