The Shadow of the Antichrist: Nietzsche's Critique of Christianity

by Stephen N. Williams

There have been many recent studies of postmodernism by Christian writers, but few have considered the continuing influence of Friedrich Nietzsche, the nineteenth-century German philosopher who was sharply critical of orthodox religion. Stephen Williams fills that gap with this study of Nietzsche and his continuing importance.

In this book, winner of a Christianity Today 2007 Book Award, Williams is particularly concerned with Nietzsche's critique of Christianity. Nietzsche's negative account of religion has cast a long shadow over twentieth-century philosophy, and Williams suggests that thoughtful Christians need to consider his case carefully.

Christian students of intellectual history and pastors will find this study a compelling account of an important strand of philosophical theology that has had great influence on contemporary culture.

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction

312 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Ian Clary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very helpful book that details Nietzsche's critique of Christianity. Stephen Williams is a first-rate theologian who knows Nietzsche's thought very well, I was very impressed with his command of Nietzsche's work as well as secondary works on Nietzsche. I'm convinced more than ever that we live in a post-Nietzschean world and are suffering the consequences of it. Only a robust Christianity, not one that falls to the caricatures that Nietzsche presented, can answer our cultural malaise. When I finished this book I came away with a real sadness for the life that Nietzsche lived. Though I don't want to get too Freudian, I believe that the loss of his father at a young age spurred his hatred for God and Christianity. His is a philosophy of father hunger.
I wish I could say more about this book, but I'm in quarantine in Northern Ontario with spotty internet access, so I'll leave it with this: if you want to understand Nietzsche's thought, his critique of Christianity, and the culture we live in, you won't go wrong with Williams' well-written book. It will provide thoughtful fodder for a way to respond to our culture with a vigorous faith.

[Joel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Useful as an overview of Nietzsche's thought. Not useful as a response to it.