History of European Morals From Augustus to Charlemagne (Vol. 2 of 2)

"History of European Morals From Augustus to Charlemagne (Vol. 2 of 2)" by William Edward Hartpole Lecky is a recount of the moral changes in Europe from the reign of Augustus to Charlemagne. It emphasizes Christianity's important role in changing these morals, contrasting it with pagan beliefs. The narrative examines how religious groups and teachings impacted society's actions and thoughts and how these compared to ancient philosophical ideas. Lecky's work starts by setting the scene for an extensive examination of the moral standard that Christianity brought to the Roman Empire, particularly during Constantine's time. It discusses popular misunderstandings about the moral teachings of Christianity and Paganism, arguing that while Pagan ethics were theoretical and often separated from the people, Christian morals were part of religious life, promoting a transformative moral culture. Lecky explores how Christianity sought to combine ethics with spirituality, creating a sense of sin and virtue, leading to social changes, and reshaping views on human life, kindness, and things like killing babies and gladiator fights.