Running Head: HOW THE EAST SAVED THE WEST

Chapter 4: How the East Saved the West

David Lobo
Class: HU104 Word Civilization
Lecturer: Odale Mulgrave
International College of the Cayman Islands

HOW THE EAST SAVED THE WEST

In this chapter there is focus on warfare and religion and how they both influenced in
societies. Throughout the chapter the power struggle between ensuing faith and conforming to
what societys leaders want is greatly highlighted. Mankinds ability to advance individually is
demonstrated during this period of time as they have grown to make their own decisions in
regards to faith and who exactly to worship. Various forms of worship and faiths are contrasted
throughout the chapter showing how easily they can bring communities together and yet again,
pull them apart.
The major transformations throughout this chapter took interest in the individuality of
mankind, their thoughts, and their beliefs. At this point in time people went from following in
order to survive, to being instructed by higher powers and leaders. However, this section
demonstrates that people do have their own individual thoughts and ideas, but more importantly
can determine their own faith. It can be seen that the issues with religion have become more
plentiful as people gained more freedom. For instance, when people resided under Roman rule:
the empire decided their faith, and should be anything but in agreement. Their fate was sealed as
well.
Mankinds ability to push through this period of struggle improved mans mental state.
Through religion, independence became more feasible and being able to rely on your faith to
continue made the human race stronger. Various groups of people believed in different things
such as the Arabs and Islam, and the Vikings with their particular beliefs in the afterlife
(Valhalla). Regardless of exactly what individuals believed faith, encourages development. For
instance, the people of Easter Island built statues in relation to their beliefs and even though it

HOW THE EAST SAVED THE WEST

wasnt religious, a man attempted to fly because of his personal faith. The foundation of
knowledge and faith that was created at this time paved the way for our religions today.
There were various consequences and challenges faced by humans during this time.
Mankind had to fight for their beliefs and their lives in certain circumstances. Groups such as the
Jews were threatened during this time. They were very religious and were threatened due to
being contrary to others. However, other groups such as Christians that simply lived in parts of
the previous Roman Empire were threatened because of where they were situated. During these
times, where you were from and/or lived, was similar to your religion. People faced many
challenges simply to define who they were in society and as an individual. They had no choice to
push forward and fight for their rights and their faith.

HOW THE EAST SAVED THE WEST

Reference
Toler, P. D. (2012). Mankind: The Story of All of Us, Running Press