In this explosive book, Francis Schaeffer shows why morality andfreedom have crumbled in our society. He calls for a massivemovement-in governme... read full description
reviews
Dec 11, 2010
Bob
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People have mixed feeling about this book, I think because most Christians have a rather mechanical view of Romans 13 and the relation between the Christian and the state. It seems most Christians apply Rom 13 rather woodenly and fail to contextualize both Paul's day and ours. Schaeffer points out that the grounds for Christian disobedience to the state is much greater than just preaching issues and this is where most Christian wince. I found the book extremely helpful in forming and understandi
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Jan 28, 2009
Lobaby
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A little dated by its situation within the 1980s American zeitgeist.
But some key points survive well - especially his treatment of worldview, and the universality of faith in something for all humans, whether acknowledged or not.
It was good to go back to the source, but a lot of more current Christian writers have done a great job at incorporating his ideas and bringing them into light - ie Tim Keller, Chuck Colson...
I still want to think more about the constructs S More...
But some key points survive well - especially his treatment of worldview, and the universality of faith in something for all humans, whether acknowledged or not.
It was good to go back to the source, but a lot of more current Christian writers have done a great job at incorporating his ideas and bringing them into light - ie Tim Keller, Chuck Colson...
I still want to think more about the constructs S More...
Nov 25, 2011
Jacob
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It is hard to critique Schaeffer, given the man's love for the lost and for culture. I will focus much of my critique on Schaeffer's political ethic expressed in A Christian Manifesto. Here Schaeffer, following Samuel Rutherford, argues that when Caesar goes beyond his authority Christians are to, in increasing levels of intensity and in this order: 1) protest in the public square, 2) flee to different lands, and finally 3) resist by armed force led by the lesser civil magistrate. I can critique
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Mar 14, 2010
Gregory
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Excellent! Prophetic (written in 1981).
From the beginning: "The basic problem of the Christians in this country in the last eighty years or so, in regard to society and in regard to government, is that they have seen things in bits and pieces instead of totals."
Shows how the secular, humanist worldview is antithetical to the Christian worldview, and demonstrates the moral, political, and legal consequences which flow from each worldview.
From the beginning: "The basic problem of the Christians in this country in the last eighty years or so, in regard to society and in regard to government, is that they have seen things in bits and pieces instead of totals."
Shows how the secular, humanist worldview is antithetical to the Christian worldview, and demonstrates the moral, political, and legal consequences which flow from each worldview.
Sep 25, 2010
I read this at 20 years old shortly after I came to faith in Christ. Sadly, I do not remember much though I do remember wrestling with the material Schaeffer put forward. I need to re-read this one.
Feb 03, 2009
I'm not sure if I'll like this book or not, so I'm a little nervous to read it. :-) It was, however, only 50 cents at Goodwill, so I figure it was a bargain. ;-)
Jul 21, 2008
Karen L.
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I found this book though it was written in the 80's to seem to be very relevant for today. Schaeffer was a wise man who saw the rise of Humanism in the American culture as a danger to our religious freedoms and a danger to our Christian world view. Perhaps he is one of the early Christian philosophers of our century to speak of this term " world view." He seemed to be called by God in his latter years to warn America of what freedoms we could loose if we did not wake up spiritually. E
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Dec 07, 2008
Danno
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This was a book that did an excellent Job at making you think, was a little preachy at the end, but was an amazing book
Oct 17, 2010
John
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Very thought provoking. Not sure I agree with the late Professor's view on civil disobedience or even armed resistance.
Dec 05, 2008
Braven
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Food for thought....one of his last books before he died. Thought provoking and debatable.
Nov 12, 2011
Bungz
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Personally, this book wasn't very relevant to me as i live in a country where secularism doesn't mean separation of church and state. And humanism as well is hardly an issue. While i would like to research on why church-state separation is a huge issue in the West, this is hardly an issue in India.
That being said, i would have to say i gleaned some principles and nuggets of wisdom from the book. It was a quick read despite being dense in nature.
It would be irrelevant to star
That being said, i would have to say i gleaned some principles and nuggets of wisdom from the book. It was a quick read despite being dense in nature.
It would be irrelevant to star
Jun 27, 2008
Scott
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This is a good book for anyone wondering how a Christian is to interact with the government. In some ways, it is dated because it was written in the early 80's, but it is amazing how much of what he discusses is coming to fruition.
I would recommend this book to everyone who is looking for a balanced understanding of how a Christian is duty bound to support and hold their government accountable.
I would recommend this book to everyone who is looking for a balanced understanding of how a Christian is duty bound to support and hold their government accountable.
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Sep 02, 2007
Robert
rated it:
Not bad as an intellectual voice of conservative theology. Too often it wasn't Schaefer's philosophy that was coming through, but rather quotes, statistics and examples of others. I was under the impression that Schaeffer would have deeper and thoughts and explanations for conservatism in the church, but it was kind of a bear to get through even at 150 pages.
Feb 21, 2008
Weston
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If you want a Christian philosophy of political engagement, read this book. If you want your eyes pealed wide open to see the cultural secularism that we are embattled against today, read this book. If you want your heart inflamed to seek a reassertion of the Kingdom of Christ in politics and government, I'm telling you, read this book.
Oct 13, 2008
Tillatha
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I think I would have liked this book more if it hadn't been so preachy toward the end.. and if I were a devout Christian ha. The man makes some good points and his writing was well and clear, but it was overly opinionated in parts. My bible-loving friend recommended it to me and I'm always willing to try something new. :)
Jan 08, 2011
Claire
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A very thought-provoking read. I agreed with a lot of it, but some of it went too far for me. I was struck by how much the 1970's perspective sounded just like today's analysis of today's problems and looming outcomes. Same characters under different names.
Apr 02, 2008
Stephen
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I use this book as one of the texts for my Government class.
A true modern classic. The exposure of the disengagement of the Christian mind (now almost thirty years) certainly was (is) prophetic.
A true modern classic. The exposure of the disengagement of the Christian mind (now almost thirty years) certainly was (is) prophetic.
Feb 02, 2008
Jonathan
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A clear and articulate discussion of why a comprehensive Christian worldview must be developed and why a true worldview cannot be compartmentalized.
Feb 05, 2008
Larry
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if taken to its logical conclusion, we'd be blowing up abortion clinics behind pat robertson riding a white steed
