The Pillars of the Earth
by Ken Follett
Read if you're interested in historical fiction, faith, or books for adult.
Buy on AmazonAs an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
3.5
VerdictRead with discernment
Loading your rating…
Book Summary
This historical fiction novel follows the lives of interconnected characters in 12th-century England, primarily focusing on the ambitious master builder Tom Builder and Prior Philip, as they strive to construct a magnificent cathedral in the fictional town of Kingsbridge amidst political turmoil, civil war, and ecclesiastical power struggles. It explores themes of ambition, power, faith, and human nature within a meticulously researched medieval setting.
ALIGNMYREAD RECOMMENDATION
“Due to its pervasive graphic content (sexual and violent) and its often cynical portrayal of religious institutions and morality, 'The Pillars of the Earth' is not recommended for Christian readers seeking uplifting or biblically aligned literature. For those who choose to read it, extreme discernment is required, and it should be approached with an understanding that it is a secular historical fiction with a focus on human depravity and ambition, rather than a spiritual exploration.”
Biblical alignment
- —Depicts the significant role of the Church and Christian faith as a central organizing principle of medieval society, even if imperfectly practiced.
- —Showcases the perseverance, dedication, and architectural genius inspired by a desire to build for God's glory (even if mixed with human ambition).
- —Explores the concepts of justice and injustice within a corrupt system, and the struggle of good characters against evil.
- —Highlights the importance of community and cooperation in large-scale endeavors.
Areas of concern
- —Contains extensive and explicit sexual content, including rape, consensual sex, and graphic descriptions, which is not aligned with biblical standards of purity and modesty.
- —Features frequent and graphic violence, including torture, murder, and brutal warfare, which can be disturbing and desensitizing.
- —Presents a largely cynical view of the medieval Church, focusing heavily on corruption, hypocrisy, power struggles, and abuse by clergy, potentially undermining a nuanced understanding of faith.
- —Characters, even those striving for good, often compromise their morals or engage in revenge, raising questions about biblical ethics.
- —Frequent strong language and blasphemy are present throughout the narrative.
Written for
Discussion
Reader comments
Sign in to leave a comment.
Loading…