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How Should We Then Live? The Rise and Decline of Western Thought and Culture
by Francis A. Schaeffer
by Francis A. Schaeffer
Bill's review
bookshelves: culture, dmingml, history, theology, christian-life
Feb 09, 12
bookshelves: culture, dmingml, history, theology, christian-life
Read in February, 2012
I'm still working through some of this book, but I have absolutely loved what Schaeffer has to say, especially in regards to the dangers of a society that is primarily concerned with personal peace and affluence. He asserts that such a society will eventually allow an authoritative type of government to rise into existence out of a fear of losing "comfort". This certainly does not happen quickly, but is something that develops over time.
Interesting, but our culture today bears the marks of Schaeffer's description. When I speak with young people today about their hopes and dreams, and about their definition of success, they nearly always communicate this idea of "comfort"--of personal peace and affluence. They are willing to sacrifice much for achieving, and maintaining, this aspect of their life. To Schaeffer, this is an extremely dangerous place to be as a society.
Schaeffer also challenged me, personally, when he talked about the industrial age, and the crimes against humanity that occurred during that period of history. People were abused for the sake of the accumulation of wealth. Schaeffer criticized the wealthy for not using their wealth compassionately. Wealth has been given for a purpose-that we might be a blessing to others. At what points will my generation be critiqued for our lack of concern for the poor and oppressed?
This will be a review in process...more to come.
Interesting, but our culture today bears the marks of Schaeffer's description. When I speak with young people today about their hopes and dreams, and about their definition of success, they nearly always communicate this idea of "comfort"--of personal peace and affluence. They are willing to sacrifice much for achieving, and maintaining, this aspect of their life. To Schaeffer, this is an extremely dangerous place to be as a society.
Schaeffer also challenged me, personally, when he talked about the industrial age, and the crimes against humanity that occurred during that period of history. People were abused for the sake of the accumulation of wealth. Schaeffer criticized the wealthy for not using their wealth compassionately. Wealth has been given for a purpose-that we might be a blessing to others. At what points will my generation be critiqued for our lack of concern for the poor and oppressed?
This will be a review in process...more to come.
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Bob...I already respected you on the level of a "perfect 10" prior to this post...now, knowing you were one of those who actually went to see Schaeffer (L'abri) puts you in still a higher class. ;) There is a lady here in my area who spent about a year there. It is interesting to hear her stories.We you by chance at Woodstock? :)
He is absolutely right about the crime of focus on accumulation of wealth. Unfortunately we (all of society including the church) have not heeded his chastisement. We have even glorified the accumulation of wealth (I hate that modern term "wealth creation")!
Phyllis and I had the humble privilege to meet and sit at Schaeffer's feet for a Sunday service at La'bri (sp?) when we took a vacation to Europe in '75. It was a special moment for us. We drove up this little windy road (all roads in the hills of Switzerland are little and windy ;) on that Sunday morning but did not know where to find Schaeffer's fellowship. We found the only "church" in town and went in to sit. It was old and cold and dark and pretty empty. Few came. We soon realized it could not be the La'bri church. Fortunately someone in the church could speak enough English to understand our question and communicate to us where to go. Though cool that morning (early May), the sun was out and the fellowship was outside sitting on the hillside overlooking the beautiful foothills of the Swiss Alps. A very memorable day!