Exploring the interaction between Christianity and culture, the author presents a balanced view of the competing ideas without endorsing any particular stance. By providing rich cultural and historical context, readers gain a deeper understanding of the diverse perspectives within Christianity, enabling them to navigate the complexities of faith and cultural influence.
The intellectual, cultural, and political renaissance that characterized the Europe of Charlemagne was threatened severely by invasions from all sides. Only Germany avoided the consequent phenomenon of feudalism. This was due to a series of rulers who provided protection to the people, reform to the Church, and patronage of cultural revival. From the thirteenth century, this cultural and political unity began to fragment, and by 1648 what had been a successful revival of the Roman Empire had been destroyed. In addition to tracing the political, cultural and religious history of medieval Germany, this volume examines the thought of outstanding German men and women, and includes an extensive account of the changing status of German Jews.