I do not believe the catholic church holds all the blame for anti-Semitism – but it certainly holds some, and perhaps a considerable amount. It is important to have conversations about the origins of anti-Semitism as it allows us to spearhead it within modern society, but it is equally important not to excuse organisations unnecessarily. In ten chapters he concisely addresses some of the most mistaught and misunderstood eras and teachings about the church, and sheds light on the shocking amount of misinformation which is accepted as received within popular culture. The chapter feels more as though Stark has gotten carried away in his defence and is attempting to override narratives which hold more truth than he acknowledges. Stark’s 2016 book, ‘Bearing False Witness’, is a brilliant and fast paced overview of the most pernicious catholic myths of history. In this stunning, powerful, and ultimately persuasive book, Rodney Stark, one of the most highly regarded sociologists of religion and bestselling author of The Rise of Christianity(HarperSanFrancisco 1997) argues that some of our most firmly held ideas about history, ideas that paint the Catholic Church in the least positive light are, in fact. I do agree with this point, and feel the chapter did not provide the book with much – whilst Christianity or Catholicism cannot be blamed for all aspects of anti-Semitism throughout history, it is neglectful to try and wipe aside all guilt, as it undoubtably played a heavy role in promoting such beliefs within the early Christian values.

An especially useful review was a comment on the amazon listing for the illustrated version, wherein a commenter named ‘Max Blackston’ provides an invaluable counter argument to Stark’s defence of the church in this respect. Whilst I do not feel this invalidates the whole book, as many of the other parts are incredibly important to read, it is a part which should be read critically – something I’m glad to have discovered after reading around the subject and reviews. However, a major gripe I discovered only whilst reading around reviews was that about the anti-Semitism chapter.

Bearing false witness by rodney stark