Thank you for sharing these thoughts with us, I look forward to your future posts on the topic.

It is somewhat unfortunate in my opinion the way the Roman church and empire has managed to dominate and control so much of the christian influence still seen in the western world. Even today we see the backlash of the Roman church hierarchy when it’s own clergy begin adopting views promoting tolerance and interfaith exploration in cases like Fr Peter Kennedy in South Brisbane, Australia.

While the reach still has only been small, more and more the sources of many traditions are being shared not only between academics but accessible to the general population and allowing the various sources of spirituality around the globe to come together in harmony and promote a world of love, acceptance and tolerance – the same values our great Master Jesus, like countless others throughout history have taught.

In Life, Love and Light.
An Unknown Philosopher

Are you familiar with Diana Butler Bass’s new book, A People’s History of Christianity?

From the title, it seems like she’s working from Zinn’s populist history approach, but I haven’t read the book yet.

It really is incredible how groups like the Nestorians were alienated and all but forgotten by the West, yet still practice their ancient worship in places like Iraq. When you consider what they have survived from the rise of Islam to the Crusades to the Mamlukes to the Ottomans and onward, it really is an incredible and humbling glimpse at a facet our faith that many Christians don’t even realize exists.

I’ve not checked out Jenkins’ book, but I will definitely do so.