By Thomas E Woods, Jr. Published by Regnery History. Reviewed by Michael Hill

In the contemporary English-speaking world the Catholic Church is widely regarded as archaic, reactionary, an enemy of progress. The notion that the Church might have contributed anything of value to modern culture is seen as laughable. Therefore a book like this is timely.

Thomas Woods assembles an impressive array of evidence to refute these calumnies. The chapter headings indicate the wide scope of the book, including monasticism, universities, art and architecture, international law, morality, economics, charities and most notably, the Church and science.

Many people equate the “Middle Ages” with the “Dark Ages”. This prejudiced view takes no account, for instance, of the enormous influence of medieval monasticism in shaping European society, preserving the heritage of the classical age, creating scholasticism, founding the universities and providing havens of peace and refuge from the warring knights and monarchs.

Another signal contribution was the Church’s reaction to 16th-century colonialism. The greed and savagery of the Spanish conquistadors in South America aroused a strong reaction among the Dominican Friars who accompanied them. They brought pressure to bear on the king and what they proposed regarding the dignity and equality of all human beings is the foundation of modern international law.

No one can dispute the great impact of Catholic charities throughout the world relieving poverty and battling for the rights of oppressed peoples. This is by no means restricted to Catholic Christians. Anglican and Methodist missionaries have in their turn contributed to the progress and well-being of indigenous peoples, as our own history testifies.

Woods vigorously defends the Church against the popular indictment that it opposes scientific progress and cites many Catholics who have contributed to scientific discovery.

But he also tends to be a bit one-eyed. A good historian presents a total picture as far as is possible, warts and all. For Woods there are no warts! For instance, the Churches generally opposed Darwin and rejected evolution. And in modern times the Vatican has been very slow to embrace environmentalism. Fortunately, Pope Francis has largely made up for this in his encyclical Laudato Si'.

A more balanced interpretation would have enhanced Woods’s book. Nevertheless, it is very readable and provides a rich historical coverage.

Tui Motu magazine. Issue 226, May 2018: 28.