Jonathan Kirsch Libri

As conflicts over religious extremism dominate our front pages, the bestselling author of The Harlot by the Side of the Road presents a work of history that could not be more timely: a surprising look back at the origins of religious intolerance during the tumultuous fourth century. This is the epic story of how classical paganism, with its tolerance for many deities and beliefs, lost a centuries-long struggle with monotheism and its chauvinistic insistence on belief in one God. With his trademark blend of wit and scholarship, Kirsch traces the war of God against the gods from its roots in Ancient Egypt to its climax during the last stand of paganism the tumultuous fourth century, when two passionate, charismatic, and revolutionary Roman emperors, the Christian Constantine and the pagan Julian, changed the course of history and shaped the world we live in today.

In this brilliant book, Jonathan Kirsch recounts shocking tales that have been suppressed by religious authorities throughout history. Kirsch places each story within the political and social context of its time, delves into the latest biblical scholarship to explain why each was was originally censored. 400 pp. Author appearances.

Moses is portrayed as a multifaceted figure, embodying both a compassionate leader and a fierce warrior, as well as a spiritual guide and a complex individual who defied his own laws. Jonathan Kirsch delves into the enigmatic aspects of his life, revealing a modern interpretation of this biblical character beyond traditional narratives. By exploring his unique attributes and struggles, Kirsch presents a captivating portrait of Moses that challenges conventional perceptions and invites readers to understand his profound significance in the Old Testament.

Exploring the complexities of the Inquisition, this book delves into its historical context, examining its origins, methods, and the societal impact it had across Europe and beyond. It highlights the often-overlooked aspects of the Inquisition, revealing how it shaped religious, cultural, and political landscapes. The narrative intertwines key figures and events, providing insights into the legacy that continues to influence contemporary discussions on faith, justice, and tolerance. A thought-provoking examination of a pivotal chapter in history.

The moral implications of Revelation have profoundly influenced various social, cultural, and political conflicts throughout Western history. Its themes of enemy demonization, justification of revenge, and catastrophic endings have inspired individuals to enact their own apocalyptic visions, often leading to significant atrocities. The text argues that neglecting Revelation can lead to a misunderstanding of its impact on contemporary issues, suggesting that engaging with its messages is crucial for a deeper understanding of historical and current events.

David, King of the Jews, possessed every flaw and failing of which a mortal is capable, yet men and women adored him, and God showered him with many blessings. A charismatic leader, exalted as “a man after God’s own heart,” he was also capable of deep cunning and bloodthirsty violence. Weaving together biblical texts with centuries of interpretation and commentary, as well as the startling discoveries of modern biblical archaeology and scholarship, bestselling author Jonathan Kirsch brings King David to life with extraordinary freshness, intimacy, and vividness of detail, revealing him in all his glory and fallibility. At the center of this taut, dramatic narrative stands a hero of flesh and blood–a man as vibrant and compelling today as he has been for millennia.

On the morning of November 7, 1938, Herschel Grynszpan, a desperate seventeen- year-old Jewish refugee, walked into the German embassy in Paris and shot Ernst vom Rath, a Nazi diplomat. Two days later vom Rath lay dead, and the Third Reich exploited the murder to unleash Kristallnacht in a bizarre concatenation of events that would rapidly involve Ribbentrop, Goebbels, and Hitler himself. But was Grynszpan a crazed lone gunman or agent provocateur of the Gestapo? Was he motivated by a desire to avenge Jewish people, or did his act of violence speak to an intimate connection between the assassin and his target, as Grynszpan later claimed? Part page-turning historical thriller and part Kafkaesque legal drama, The Short, Strange Life of Herschel Grynszpan brings to life the historical details and moral dimensions of one of the most enigmatic cases of World War II. This compelling biography presents a story with twists and turns that no novelist could invent (Alice Kaplan).

Zasadniczym tematem książki są złowieszcze i przerażające dzieje Inkwizycji. Instytucja ta jest jednak dla autora spoiwem łączącym pierwsze lata chrześcijaństwa z obecnymi czasami, zło przyjmowało bowiem nazwy r�żnych instytucji, przywdziewało r�żne kostiumy. Kości�ł sięgnął po narzędzia tortur, kt�rymi unicestwiał wszelkie herezje, w naszych czasach zaś totalitaryzmy - nazistowski i komunistyczny - zmiotły z powierzchni ziemi dziesiątki milion�w ludzi. Właśnie ten nurt dziej�w człowieka oraz jego ułomności autor ujął w ramy jednego, wstrząsającego obrazu. Przyjęta przezeń skondensowana i przejrzysta metoda pomaga wejrzeć w otchłań najciemniejszej strony ludzkich dziej�w. Autor nie szczędzi drastycznych i szczeg�łowych opis�w męk zadawanych skazańcom. Pragnie wstrząsnąć do głębi naszymi sumieniami, po to, byśmy uświadomili sobie, jak łatwo niedoskonałość ludzkiej natury i uleganie złu pozwala ześliznąć od szumnych, podlanych sosem populizmu haseł w otchłań przemocy i okrucieństwa - w imię rozmaitych, nie tylko religijnych, ideologii.