A text-only copy of the set is available online.

“History is the witness that testifies to the passing of time; it illumines reality, vitalizes memory, provides guidance in daily life and brings us tidings of antiquity.”

Cicero (106BC – 43BC), Pro Publio Sestio

Cicero, a respected Roman orator, author, and politician, shared this view of history at the beginning of his speech, Pro Publio Sestio (On behalf of Sestius). Considered to be one of the most versatile minds of the Roman world, Cicero gave this judicial speech in 56BC as a defense of Publius Sestius against an accusation of public violence. Many historians and philosophers argue that Pro Sestio is Cicero’s most important speech as it serves to account relevant history and introduces many political values and philosophical ethics.

Cicero’s words create a foundation for the importance of studying history. As a student, one can easily see the relevance in such words. The historical/philosophical world would be wise to pay close attention to this statement in order to testify the passing of time, illumine reality, vitalize memory, find guidance in daily life and bring tidings of antiquity.

The book begins by addressing the pacifistic views held by the early church in comparison to modern pacifist ideologies . These views set forth a foundation for the church on how they should address conflicts of the world. In accordance with these views, the early Christians felt that their lives should be solely devoted to the preparation for the Lord’s return and felt that the work of the kingdom left no room for their participation in earthly warfare. Even when faced with heavy persecution, these Christians would have nothing to do with violence. Believing that killing was contradictory to the Lord’s command to love unconditionally, the early church applied this view to their interactions and relationships with all people in all circumstances.

Moving forward in history, the book addresses a dark period when the aforementioned pacifism diminished and the Christian church would take the offense. Slowly, the Christians became involved in the military; engaging the wars that they once spoke against. This shift occurred around A.D. 173-175. Thus, the gradual softening of the church’s position had begun and history shows how the church and the state began coinciding with one another. Christian military involvement soon became commonplace and the “fusion” of church and state grew stronger. The Caner’s craft the word “Christian Jihad” to explain how this merging led to the belief that Christianity could accomplish God’s will through warfare.

Examining one of the lowest moments in Christian history, the Caner’s go on to point out painful truths about the murder and vicious pillages of the Christian church. The pacifism and love shown by the early church had been dismissed. The “gospel message” was found at the end of a sword. These Crusades prove to the church that “Christendom” can easily sway the wrong way when meshed with a world of sin. The Caner’s stress this point to challenge the reader to examine the mistakes of the past and prepare for the future.

This can not happen again.

I’m from Ohio. Actually, that’s a lie. I’ve never been to Ohio but I’ve always wanted to go and live there…not sure why. Truthfully, I am a born and raised Texan, though I’m not always proud of that fact. Texas weather is a direct result of the fall (honestly, have any of you stepped outside lately?) and I don’t like to freeze one day and sweat the next. Having moved 15 times in 18 years, I can honestly say I’ve been all through the metroplex. DFW is definitely home for me however, I have a love/hate relationship with the area. Most of the hate is attributed to the constant weather changes.

Growing up in my family was enjoyable. I was however, the middle child, stuck between two brothers. That means that I never got anything good. I didn’t have any friends because I was homeschooled. That was kind of a downer because I always wanted to have friends. Sometimes I would sit in my closet and make friends with shadows on the wall. They kept me sane.

Breaking free of stereotypical jokes, I really appreciate the education that I received before college. My parents made my education a high priority and we certainly did not fit the “doing math in pajamas” mold. I had to get dressed every day for school and I had to learn what was expected, not what I wanted. Biblical truth was always a part of my education and my parents discipled me with utmost seriousness. I owe a great debt to them for the role they took in my spiritual life.

I was raised in the church and gave my life to Christ at a young age. The years that followed brought me to a closer understanding of the truth of God’s word and to this day, I still have a passion for Him, His work and His word.

I am currently studying music here at Southwestern. I’m better than the Humanities students. Working on my B.A.M. with a Worship concentration, I hope that I will be able to use the education God has blessed me with to bring Him glory and honor.

Outside of school, I am involved with several music projects and serve as a contract audio producer/technician for struggling bands who aren’t good enough to pay me what I deserve. I’m usually nice about it though. I have been involved with the DFW independent music scene for several years and I hate it. I realized a few years ago that I was too good for all the bands who think they’re too good for everyone else.

If you couldn’t tell from this post, I’m not a very serious person. I enjoy off-beat humor. I’m not really a conceited jerk. I just play one on tv.