A Fight for God, 1870-1939

The Fight for God is the ninth volume in Daniel-Rop’s highly praised, monumental History of the Church of Christ which covers the period from 1870 to 1939. Daniel-Rops continues his story in this volume in the same lively, popular style for which he is so well known. He begins with a significant study of the attitudes of doubt created by Nietzsche, Marx, and other “prophets of darkness” who gave voice to their views during the second half of the nineteenth century. A general survey of the pontificates of Leo XIII, Pius X, Benedict XV, and Pius XI is then given and followed by an in depth, detailed consideration of each Pope’s reign, discussing the conflicts and problems encountered. On particularly absorbing account is the struggle Pius XI had against Communism, Fascism, and the early years of Nazism. The geographical expansion of the Church throughout the world during this period is next considered with special attention given to the developments occurring in the United States and Canada. Only a historian of the stature of Daniel-Rops is able to capture and record with profound insight an era filled with confusion and discord and packed with earth shattering events. A Fight for God is a masterwork of history which will give the reader new insights into the life of the Catholic Church.