1st Edition

The Rise and Fall of Christian Civilization in the Modern World

By Stephen Strehle Copyright 2026
110 Pages
by Routledge

110 Pages
by Routledge

110 Pages
by Routledge

In this compelling narrative, discover how Christianity—particularly through Puritanism—shaped the foundations of modern Western democracy, only to see its influence dramatically transformed by the forces of secularization. This accessible yet profound work The Rise and Fall of Christian Civilization in the Modern World traces two pivotal movements that defined our modern world: the rise of... Read more

Introduction

The Rise
1. Liberty and Equality
2. Democratic and Federal Government
3. Revolution
4. Toleration
5. The Future

The Fall
6. The Anti-Christ
7. The State
8. The Wall
9. The Secular Universe
10. Subjectivity
11. Biblical Criticism
12. The Rise of Secular Institutions

Postscript

Biography

Stephen Strehle is Professor of Philosophy and Religion at Christopher Newport University and Director of its Judeo‑Christian Studies program. He is the author of many books and articles on the Reformation and church/state issues, including Egalitarian Spirit of Christianity, Dark Side of Church/State Separation, and Forces of Secularity in the Modern World.

“Strehle provides a brilliant examination of the profound indebtedness of Western Civilization to Christian and especially Protestant Ideals, and then describes, with rare acuity, the emergence of forces that have shaken Western civilization to its core…An absolute must read.” 

Joseph Prud’homme, Washington College, USA 

“…a helpful, brief analysis of the religious roots of western political ideals of liberty, equality, and democracy, followed by a critical treatment of the secularization that undermined these ideals…” 

Richard Weikart, California State University, Stanislaus, USA 

“Strehle's chronicle of the rise and fall of Christian civilization is a masterpiece…I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Christianity's influence on the rise and fall of cultures.” 

Shannon Holzer, Houston Christian University, USA