The Closing of the Western Mind

The Closing of the Western Mind
Charles Freeman

The bold claim made in this book’s title – that the establishment and imposition of official (orthodox) Church doctrine led to the suppression of a great tradition of philosophical inquiry, science, and rational thought – pretty much takes a back seat to a general history of early Christianity. Along the way a sharp eye is cast on such interesting subjects as the politics behind the early ecumenical councils and the Church Fathers’ perverse attitude toward sexuality. One of the best introductions available to a subject that Freeman convincingly argues is deserving of more attention.