The Wicker Man: The Margins of the West

By Luiz Costa Lima

In his book "The Wicker Man: The Margins of the West," Luiz Costa Lima offers a provocative and insightful exploration of the relationship between religion, violence, and power in the Western world. Drawing on a wide range of sources, including anthropology, history, and literature, Lima argues that the West has a long and bloody history of religious violence, and that this violence is rooted in the very foundations of Western civilization.

The Origins of Religious Violence

Lima begins by tracing the origins of religious violence back to the ancient world. He argues that the rise of monotheism, with its emphasis on a single, all-powerful God, led to a new kind of religious intolerance. This intolerance was exacerbated by the spread of Christianity, which became the dominant religion in Europe and sought to suppress all other forms of religious belief.

The Crusades and the Inquisition

The Crusades, which were launched by European Christians in the 11th century, are a prime example of the religious violence that has plagued the West. These wars were fought in the name of Christianity, and they resulted in the deaths of millions of people. The Inquisition, which was established by the Catholic Church in the 13th century, was another example of religious violence. The Inquisition was used to suppress heresy, and it resulted in the torture and execution of thousands of people.

The Reformation and the Wars of Religion

The Reformation, which began in the 16th century, led to a split in the Christian church and further religious violence. The Wars of Religion, which were fought between Protestants and Catholics, resulted in the deaths of millions of people.

The Enlightenment and the Secularization of Society

The Enlightenment, which began in the 18th century, led to a decline in religious belief and the secularization of society. This process of secularization has continued in the modern world, and it has led to a decrease in religious violence. However, Lima argues that the roots of religious violence still run deep in Western culture, and that it is important to be aware of this history in order to prevent future violence.

The Wicker Man: A Symbol of Religious Violence

The Wicker Man is a powerful symbol of religious violence. The story of the Wicker Man is told in the ancient Celtic myth of King Arthur. In this myth, King Arthur is sacrificed by being burned alive in a giant wicker man. Lima argues that the story of the Wicker Man is a metaphor for the religious violence that has plagued the West. He argues that the Wicker Man represents the power of religious ideology to turn people into killers.

Conclusion

In "The Wicker Man: The Margins of the West," Luiz Costa Lima offers a powerful and disturbing account of the history of religious violence in the West. He argues that this violence is rooted in the very foundations of Western civilization, and that it is important to be aware of this history in order to prevent future violence. This book is a must-read for anyone who is interested in the history of religion, violence, and power in the Western world.