Alan Strathern Knihy

The book delves into the motivations behind historical rulers' decisions to convert to Christianity, examining key turning points in various cultures. Strathern employs theoretical frameworks to analyze the complex interplay of power, religion, and identity, exploring why some warlords, chiefs, and kings embraced this new faith while others resisted. Through detailed case studies, the author sheds light on the broader implications of these conversions for societies and their leaders.

Using examples from Rome to Tahiti, Strathern sets out a new way of thinking about religion and its changing relationship with political authority throughout history. Exploring phenomena including sacred kingship, conversion, and the rise of the world religions, this is a major intervention in our understanding of the pre-modern world.