Title: The Book That Made Your World: How the Bible Created the Soul of Western Civilization

Author: Vishal Mangalwadi

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Number of Pages: 442

Can Be Purchased at: www.bookdepository.com (AUD $20.38) (USD $15.27), Koorong (for Australian buyers) $19.99

In 2011, to commemorate the 400^th anniversary of the King James Version of the Bible, Vishal Mangalwadi published The Book That Made Your World: How the Bible Created the Soul of Western Civilization. This non-fiction book takes its readers on a phenomenal journey of discovery as Mangalwadi shows how the Word of God has ‘made’ the Western world – from leading to the invention of the horseshoe to providing the foundation for human rights. As Mangalwadi says in his prologue to The Book That Made Your World, “A cursory glance may give the impression that this is a book about the Bible. Those who actually read it will know that this about great literature and great art; great science and liberating technology; genuine heroism and nation building; great virtues and social institutions.”

Born and educated in India, Mangalwadi grew up surrounded by a mixture of secular and Hindu ideas.  After Mangalwadi became a Christian as a young man, he left his city, Allahabad, and went into the rural areas of India to serve and minister to the poor and outcasts of his society. His experiences gave him many examples of what a civilization that is unfounded on Biblical truth is like and equipped him to write The Book That Made Your World. In his book he contrasts Western culture with the culture of his own country and of other nations and shows what it is that makes the West so different. At the same time, he does not put other cultures down or portray the West as being better than it is. The Book That Made Your World is not so much about different cultures as it is about the power of the Gospel.

Mangalwadi says, “The Bible was the power that revived Europe. Europeans became so enthralled with God’s Word that they rejected their sacred myths to hear God’s Word, study it, internalize it, speak it, and promote it to build the modern world.” Vishal Mangalwadi also recognizes the danger the West is falling into. He continues, “At the dawn of the twenty-first century the West is again losing its soul. Will it relapse into a new dark age or humble itself before the Word of the Almighty God?”

The Book That Made Your World  is a book for mature readers as Mangalwadi discusses certain topics and tells some stories that may disturb younger readers. While he states things as they were and are, however, his language is not offensively graphic. A general knowledge of history would enhance the reading but Mangalwadi explains the relevant historical events so well that even someone who has no knowledge of history will still gain a lot from this book.

Because of the deep, rich content of The Book That Make Your World it can be a bit challenging to read in some places and is the sort of book that needs to be ‘digested’ slowly. However, even if it takes you months to get through it, you will certainly find the journey worthwhile. The Book That Made Your World is an excellent book for anyone who wants to grow in their Christian faith, deepen their understanding of their world and see concrete evidence for the mighty power of the Gospel.

Have you ever read The Book That Made Your World? Let me know what you thought of it. I’d love to hear from you!