reviews
Feb 25, 2010
Deja
rated it: 
This is out of print, but my father got it from the library and scanned in every page for me. (It's only 67 pages, but still, an act of love, no?)
Madsen was a Mormon, a scholar of religious philosophy (at Harvard Divinity School, I think), and this book is a set of essays on the doctrine of man's eternal nature and the implications of our intelligence stretching out in both directions. He sets all of this into the great questions of the philosophy, and answers them in simple (if oc More...
Madsen was a Mormon, a scholar of religious philosophy (at Harvard Divinity School, I think), and this book is a set of essays on the doctrine of man's eternal nature and the implications of our intelligence stretching out in both directions. He sets all of this into the great questions of the philosophy, and answers them in simple (if oc More...
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Dec 15, 2010
Tamra
rated it: 
What a great little book! I found this on my husband's grandfather's bookshelf and took it home with me.
It's straight-forward and well put (except the Preface, which you should avoid at all costs). I thought it was easy to read, but I also have a background in philosophy and the theological questions with their typical answers or lack thereof. I thought Madsen did a good job of summing up some of the philosophical views and their implications, and answering those views, while stil More...
It's straight-forward and well put (except the Preface, which you should avoid at all costs). I thought it was easy to read, but I also have a background in philosophy and the theological questions with their typical answers or lack thereof. I thought Madsen did a good job of summing up some of the philosophical views and their implications, and answering those views, while stil More...
Nov 12, 2011
Adam
rated it:
For what it is it has to get 5 stars. For how it is is presented I would maybe give it 4 stars. Obviously it was written for those who have philosophical and theological backgrounds, but if a book like this is going to be put together then it would be more useful to have it a little more approachable. All the same, it is a good intellectual challenge, and of course his clarifications of the divine are his right given his spiritual gifts. I would recommend it to anyone who is willing to give it t
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Jul 04, 2008
John
rated it:
In 1970 a wise Sunday school teacher gave me this book, which opened my mind to the philosophical brilliance of the teachings of Joseph Smith. Largely because of this teacher, and the works of Truman Madsen, I began a scintillating intellectual journey toward spiritual things.
This book raises issues much pondered by modern philosophers in chapters titled: Evil and Suffering, Identity or Nothing, Freedom and Fulfillment, Creation and Procreation, Whence Cometh Man, The Spirit and th More...
This book raises issues much pondered by modern philosophers in chapters titled: Evil and Suffering, Identity or Nothing, Freedom and Fulfillment, Creation and Procreation, Whence Cometh Man, The Spirit and th More...
Sep 21, 2009
Russ
rated it:
I learned a ton from this book, but it's one of the more difficult to grasp books I've read because Madsen takes everything from a philosophical approach and is constantly quoting the thinkers of the world.
It also depicts the depth of how Joseph Smith thought about the eternities, and quotes him frequently.
It also depicts the depth of how Joseph Smith thought about the eternities, and quotes him frequently.
Jun 29, 2011
Carol
rated it:
I had to think while reading this book. Sometimes I had to read the same paragraph (or sentence) three or four times. And there were times I had no idea what he was talking about. But I will certainly read it again. There are so many wonderful, shining truths!
Jan 28, 2010
Andre
rated it:
Truman Madsen is a brillian writer and thinker and this is his masterpiece. I highly recommend it for anyone who is striving to learn the purpose of life.
Aug 09, 2010
Ernie
rated it:
Truman Madsen (the late) is a great author. He stays focused on his subject matter.
May 19, 2008
Rae
rated it:
Madsen discusses Mormon and other Christian and non-Christian philosophies regarding man as an eternal entity. He has excellent chapters on freedom, suffering, and intelligences, along with discussions of humanism, fatalism, determinism and existentialism. I enjoy Madsen very much and go through spurts when I read his stuff again and try to get more understanding. I like the fact that he makes me reach upward in my thoughts.
Apr 03, 2008
Marilyn
rated it:
"...it is only a rootless prejudice of our time that morbidity is profundity, and that any insight that seems consoling is bound to be a wishful and vagrant bromide." Madsen does not confuse "the Garden of Eden and the Garden of Gethsemane. What matters is that Christ and his prophets are, in all history, those most immersed in these realities and therefore in ours." This is a book of understanding and therefore, hope.
Jul 02, 2008
Brent
rated it:
read long (>35yrs) ago, still remember his discussion of "the problem of evil"
May 12, 2008
Brenda
rated it:
This is a book that changed the way I see life and purpose and religion.
Jan 22, 2012
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