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Europe and the Faith

by Hilaire Belloc (1870–1953)

  • Free to read
  • 5 hours to read
  • 11 chapters
  • Reading level: 10th to 12th grade

"Europe and the Faith" by Hilaire Belloc is a historical account written in the early 20th century that explores the profound relationship between European history and the Catholic Church. The work argues against modern interpretations of history that portray Christianity as an external influence, emphasizing instead that the Church and European civilization are intrinsically linked, with the Faith being the very essence of European identity. The opening of the book sets the stage for Belloc's exploration by introducing the concept of the "Catholic conscience" of history, where he argues that understanding European history without the lens of Catholicism is fundamentally flawed. He critiques modern historiography for its fragmented view and highlights the importance of viewing history from within the Church, asserting that the decline of Rome and the subsequent rise of nations must be comprehended through the lens of the Catholic Faith. Belloc lays a foundation for his historical analysis by emphasizing that the Church not only played a central role in shaping the narrative of European civilization but that it is also vital for understanding the complexities of modern European society.

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  • Europe · History
  • Catholic Church

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Chapter I: What Was the Roman Empire?

The history of European civilization is the history of a certain political institution which united and expressed Europe, and was governed from Rome. This institution was informed at its very origin by the growing influence of a certain definite and organized religion: this religion it ultimately accepted and, finally, was merged in.

The institution—having accepted the religion, having made of that religion its official expression, and having breathed that religion in through every part until it became the spirit of the whole—was slowly modified, spiritually illumined and physically degraded by age. But it did not die. It was revived by the religion which had become its new soul. It re-arose and still lives.

This institution was first known among men as Republica; we call it today “The Roman Empire.” The Religion which informed and saved it was then called, still is called, and will always be called “The Catholic Church.”

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Contents

  1. Front Matter
  2. Chapter I: What Was the Roman Empire?
  3. Chapter II: What Was the Church in the Roman Empire?
  4. Chapter III: What Was the “Fall” of the Roman Empire?
  5. Chapter IV: The Beginning of the Nations
  6. Chapter V: What Happened in Britain?
  7. Chapter VI: The Dark Ages
  8. Chapter VII: The Middle Ages
  9. Chapter VIII: What Was the Reformation?
  10. Chapter IX: The Defection of Britain
  11. Chapter X: Conclusion

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About this edition

This free edition of Europe and the Faith by Hilaire Belloc comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #8442, released 2005-07-01. It is in the public domain in the United States, so you can read it here in full at no cost, on any phone, tablet or computer. Genre: History - European, History - Religious.

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