God of Battles

Exploring the concept of holy war, this book delves into its origins and lasting impact on modern society. It traces the evolution of the crusade ideal within medieval Christendom and its influence on Western perspectives, particularly regarding colonialism. The author also addresses contemporary fears surrounding Islamic fundamentalism, contextualizing both jihad and crusade from the pre-Christian era to the Gulf War. Ultimately, it cautions against letting historical crusading narratives shape current judgments.