Among Christian thinkers and scholars, philosophers are the most derided, criticized, and ignored. Well-meaning critics misquote Colossians 2:8 ("See to it that no ones takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit...." ESV), claiming Paul called Christians to reject philosophy altogether because of its deceptive nature.
These critics don't realize that ignorance of philosophy (whether secular or Christian) is precisely what leads to the deception St. Paul warns about. How can we defend the Christian faith with no knowledge of opposing ideologies? We can't, and Revolutions in Worldview educates older students in the history of Western thought.
Major Western zeitgeists (German for spirit of the age) that have influenced the trajectory of secular culture and Christianity are explored in-depth. Several Reformed authors contribute essays on Greek philosophy, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, the Enlightenment, the 20th century, etc.
A timeline and glossary, study questions, graphics, indexes, important quotes, and recommended reading make this perfect for group study. High schoolers, college students, and adults will understand the context of Christian thought, the current intellectual situation, and the direction things are headed.
Contributors include John Frame, Vern Poythress, Peter Leithart, Carl Trueman, and editor W. Andrew Hoffecker (whose essay on the Enlightenment is excellent). Each author has a unique perspective, making Revolutions in Worldview more like a learned discussion than a collection of essays. As theologians, these men are adept at showing the spiritual significance of ideas.
Why is this relevant? Because no age stands alone, and the ideas influencing society now are rooted in ideas of the past. If we want to advance the Kingdom of Christ, we must know our enemies and how to confront them. Revolutions in Worldview is a crucial text for those wanting to strike at the root of threats to the Christian faith and godly reason.
Review by C. Hollis Crossman
C. Hollis Crossman used to be a child. Now he's a husband and father who loves church, good food, and weird stuff. He might be a mythical creature, but he's definitely not a centaur. Read more of his reviews
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