religion and civilization

Explores the possible political consequences of a decline in the Islamic civilization.

"In his new book, . . . scholar Jack Miles poses a question: How did our forebears begin to think about religion as a distinct domain, separate from other activities that were once inseparable from it? Starting at the birth of Christianity-a religion inextricably bound to Western thought-Miles reveals how we in the West have come to isolate religion as an object of study, and how drastically our perception has changed over time and across societies"--Provided by publisher.

Anastasia, a Siberian woman, shares her thoughts with the author about living with nature, telling him her views on spirituality, creation, the world, God, sexuality, diet, health, gardening and ecology, poetry, music and more, while sending a message of love, faith, longing and a sharp mind are what is needed to shape the world.

Examines the medieval crusades and the religious fervor that inspired the confrontation between Christianity and Islam.