The Rise and Decline of Western Thought and Culture
"This book is a personal analysis of the key moments in history which have formed our present culture, and the thinking of the men who brought those moments to pass. This study is made in the hope that light may be shed upon the major characteristics of our age and that solutions may be found to the myriad of problems which face us as we look forward toward the end of the twentieth century."
—Francis Schaeffer
With these words, Dr. Francis A. Schaeffer begins this monumental work on the condition and direction of Western Civilization. As one of the foremost evangelical thinkers of our day, Dr. Schaeffer has long pondered the fate of declining Western culture, and concludes that not only have we lost sight of our roots, but of our direction as well.
He begins his brilliant analysis with the fall of Rome, tracing Western man's progression throughout the ensuing ages. From ancient Roman ties to the Middle Ages, through the Renaissance, the Reformation and the Enlightenment, up to our present scientific Atomic Age, each step of our cultural development is scrutinized.
Drawing upon forty years of study in theology, philosophy, history, sociology and the arts, Dr. Schaeffer traces the causes and effects of human though and action as they are played out in life and society. From his depth of knowledge and Christian commitment, he contemplates the reasons for modern society's very sorry state of affairs and presents the only viable alternative: living by the Christian ethic, acceptance of God's revelation, and total affirmation of the Bible's morals, values and meaning.
Table of Contents:
Publisher's Foreword
Acknowledgments
Author's Note
List of Illustrations
- Ancient Rome
- The Middle Ages
- The Renaissance
- The Reformation
- The Reformation—Continued
- The Enlightenment
- The Rise of Modern Science
- The Breakdown in Philosophy and Science
- Modern Philosophy and Modern Theology
- Modern Art, Music, Literature, and Films
- Our Society
- Manipulation and the New Elite
- The Alternatives
Special Note
Chronological Index
Topical Index
Additional Information:
Chapter 1 Excerpt
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Customer Reviews
Schaeffer's HSWTL Is A Classic
TammyA of Oregon, 7/17/2010
Francis Schaeffer's "How Should We Then Live" is a Christian classic on apologetics and philoshophy, and deservedly so.
It analyzes the philosophies of western civilization as they developed from its roots in Rome to our post-modern age (up to the 1970's).
More importantly, Mr. Schaeffer contrasts secular thinking throughout the ages to biblical thinking. In the text, Mr. Schaeffer states "Most people catch their presuppositions the way a child catches a cold." He challenges the reader to examine what they believe and why they believe that and contrast it to biblical thinking.
Throughout the ages, he examples how biblical thinking is based upon God's truth and the only thinking that will bring man true peace and happiness.
Mr. Schaeffer also clearly understood that how a culture thinks and what it believes is reflected in its arts. He therefore brings in examples of different artistic works throughout the periods which reflect the prevailing cultural philosophies....art indeed does reflect real life...at least the real thoughts the culture had about God, man, and how to perceive the world about them...which is a very telling story indeed.
This is not an easy read, but it is a valuable read. Take time to go through the book and contemplate its messages with your student.
I also recommend the small companion study guide by Jeremy C. Jackson if you would like a chapter outline and some pre-written questions to help you get discussions started.
There is also an excellent video series done by Mr. Schaeffer that presents these ideas in visual format.