

Making Sense of Christianity's Violent Past | Carlos Eire
25 snips Feb 2, 2025
In a captivating discussion, Carlos Eire, a Yale professor and historian, unravels the contradictions within Christianity's history. He addresses the tension between love and violence among followers and dives into the transformative effects of the Protestant Reformation. Eire also highlights the significance of historical context in understanding faith, explores the paradoxes central to Christianity, and critiques Nietzsche's views on Christian morality. The conversation opens a window into how these historical complexities still resonate today.
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Finding Comfort in Imperfection
- Carlos Eire finds comfort in the Catholic tradition despite its imperfections.
- He acknowledges the existence of other religions but remains rooted in his own experiences.
A Jewish Foster Family
- At age 11, Eire was sent to the U.S. without his parents and lived with a Jewish foster family.
- Despite being raised Catholic, his foster family encouraged him to attend church.
Religious Exposure and Ethics
- Eire's exposure to various religions, including Theosophy and spiritualism, shaped his perspective.
- He finds some religious ethics unappealing, particularly those focused on curses and magic.