The definitive account of the warrior-monks who stood as Christendoms shield against centuries of relentless Islamic aggression and a superlative example of Muscular Christianity for an era marred by effete and effeminized forms of the faith.In this magisterial history, Raymond Ibrahim chronicles the long and brutal conflict between Islam and the West through the eyes and lives of Christendoms original commando forces: the knights of the Temple and Hospital. These warrior monks, whose unprecedented fusion of piety and militancy remains unmatched to this day, played a pivotala "e;though overlooked if not suppresseda "e;role in defending Christian civilization against the onslaught of Islamic forces during the Crusades and beyond.Drawing on an exhaustive study of primary sources, and infused with his signature blend of rigorous scholarship and compelling storytelling, Ibrahims groundbreaking work far transcends the typical constraints of modern academic retellings, debunks widely held myths (such as the persistent claim that the Templars evolved into the Freemasons), and uncovers the theological foundation that gave rise to and provided justification for these military orders. In line with Christs now ignored directive that a two swordsa are a enougha (Luke 22:38), these two brotherhoods wielded both spiritual and martial power to safeguard the faith.WARNING: Brimming with epic battles, stunning heroism, and self-sacrificial martyrdom against the savage hordes of Islam, The Two Swords of Christa "e;the third installment of Ibrahims trilogy (following Sword and Scimitar and Defenders of the West)a "e;stands as his fiercest and most violent narrative to date.
