A short but very powerful book, which has completely changed my perspective of Christianity. I’ve been quite belligerent to theology, but Nietzsche has shown me, at the very least, that to analyze these structures with the regular sensitivity, to let sentiment get in the way, ruins the entire process. You cannot make a meaningful analysis by being “respectful of other peoples beliefs”. Too often, what this actually means is to not say anything that can delegitimize these beliefs.
Some phrases should have been reconsidered before publication though, for instance I suspect that he exaggerates the extent to which early Christianity was responsible for weakening the Roman Empire, and when he says ‘war is a disturber of science’, I must say that the whole of the 20th century has been suggesting the complete opposite.
Though the style is like Twilight of the Idols, it is more pointed, specific, and there is a clear set of points Nietzsche repeats. Much of what he says, particularly the psychological thoughts on faith, was not only interesting but introduced new ideas to me.