Despite living in different centuries, Bishop Ambrose, Charlemagne, St. Augustine and Gregory the Great have a certain courage in common. In fact, author Fr. William Slattery, proposes that they are some of the heroes who shaped Western civilization as we know it today.
FR. WILLIAM SLATTERY
Author, “Heroism and Genius”
“The heroes were chosen, not because they were specific individuals, but because they were the most influential men and women who formed the culture of Christendom, the core of Western civilization.”
The nearly 250 page book explains that the new culture of Christendom was formed by Catholic institutions, such as monasteries and parishes, which introduced a new line of thinking in many parts of the world.
FR. WILLIAM SLATTERY
Author, “Heroism and Genius”
“The pivotal role of the Catholic Church in exalting the dignity of womanhood, as it had never been exalted in any civilization ever in history. Then also there was the institution of free enterprise economics, which is distinct from capitalism.”
As many economic and societal roles were being challenged by these characters in new ways, he says a new romantic love was born, based on chivalry, which is all but gone in society today.
FR. WILLIAM SLATTERY
Author, “Heroism and Genius”
“So if we can manage to restore the ideals of chivalry in the Western world today, we will, at least in part, go some distance toward renewing Western civilization.”
Even in highlighting these protagonists in his book, he says the real way to rebuild and shape civilization is to reinsert Christ and create a Christian civilization that will continue to live on.
