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Introduction to Francis Schaeffer: Study Guide to A Trilogy
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40 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 1974
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September 16, 2026
I can't believe that anyone else hasn't written a review of this pamphlet before now.
This is a study guide for familiarizing one with the three foundation works of an evangelical christian scholar from the last century. Dr. Francis Schaeffer was a giant in theological thinking and teaching in the latter half of the 20th century. This guide was published in 1974 after Schaeffer had already written over 20 books and established his L'Abri school in Switzerland. The guide focuses upon three works: The God Who is There, Escape from Reason, and He is There and He is Not Silent, which Schaffer himself says are the basis for all of his subsequent writings. The guide includes an essay written by Schaeffer explaining how he came to christianity and later to writing about it.
From my perspective the study guide is pitched for the college+ level reader because the material covered is so written. It is organized in a manner that one can use it for individual study, for a group Bible study, or even for teaching a college course. One of the purposes for which Schaeffer has written is to make the Bible understandable to a generation of young people who do not hold a similar "thought pattern" (way of thinking and reasoning). Fifty years after this guide was published the gap is so much wider and more profoundly complicated with a multiplicity of worldviews held by youth and influenced by social media and politics. Yet, the foundational teachings about universal topics such as the nature of God and His relationship to us remain the same.
On a personal note, I was first exposed to the writings of Francis A. Schaeffer in an adult Sunday School class at the Fort Leavenworth, KS, post chapel in 1981. From the start I was captivated at the high level of discourse, which I had never experienced before in any church or army chapel but which was standard for those doing business on the staff or attending the staff college. This was a major reason that motivated me to go from a lifelong church attender and member to being born again; Christ finds you where you are and He goes from there at your level. Similarly, Francis Schaeffer grew up in a church environment but left and became an agnostic philosopher. Eventually Schaeffer decided to read the Bible for intellectual honesty and became a born again Christian. Through his books, worldwide lecture tours and television appearances -- the most recognizable one was from the 1990's at Dr. D. James Kennedy's Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Florida (one can get a DVD of this sermon) -- influenced many in their decisions for Christ Jesus.
My next step is to actually use the study guide to read Schaeffer's book with a renewed interest and to write out answers to all of the key questions posited therein.
This is a study guide for familiarizing one with the three foundation works of an evangelical christian scholar from the last century. Dr. Francis Schaeffer was a giant in theological thinking and teaching in the latter half of the 20th century. This guide was published in 1974 after Schaeffer had already written over 20 books and established his L'Abri school in Switzerland. The guide focuses upon three works: The God Who is There, Escape from Reason, and He is There and He is Not Silent, which Schaffer himself says are the basis for all of his subsequent writings. The guide includes an essay written by Schaeffer explaining how he came to christianity and later to writing about it.
From my perspective the study guide is pitched for the college+ level reader because the material covered is so written. It is organized in a manner that one can use it for individual study, for a group Bible study, or even for teaching a college course. One of the purposes for which Schaeffer has written is to make the Bible understandable to a generation of young people who do not hold a similar "thought pattern" (way of thinking and reasoning). Fifty years after this guide was published the gap is so much wider and more profoundly complicated with a multiplicity of worldviews held by youth and influenced by social media and politics. Yet, the foundational teachings about universal topics such as the nature of God and His relationship to us remain the same.
On a personal note, I was first exposed to the writings of Francis A. Schaeffer in an adult Sunday School class at the Fort Leavenworth, KS, post chapel in 1981. From the start I was captivated at the high level of discourse, which I had never experienced before in any church or army chapel but which was standard for those doing business on the staff or attending the staff college. This was a major reason that motivated me to go from a lifelong church attender and member to being born again; Christ finds you where you are and He goes from there at your level. Similarly, Francis Schaeffer grew up in a church environment but left and became an agnostic philosopher. Eventually Schaeffer decided to read the Bible for intellectual honesty and became a born again Christian. Through his books, worldwide lecture tours and television appearances -- the most recognizable one was from the 1990's at Dr. D. James Kennedy's Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Florida (one can get a DVD of this sermon) -- influenced many in their decisions for Christ Jesus.
My next step is to actually use the study guide to read Schaeffer's book with a renewed interest and to write out answers to all of the key questions posited therein.
Displaying 1 - 1 of 1 review