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Inklings on Philosophy and Worldview: Inspired by C.S. Lewis, G.K. Chesterton, and J.R.R. Tolkien
Teens live in a complicated world. They are constantly bombarded by messages from their friends, parents, teachers, the internet, and their churches, and not all of these messages agree or line up with each other. How do students figure out who to listen to? How do they figure out what is true?
Inklings on Philosophy and Worldview will show teens practical ways to filter out the wrong messages and focus on what is real. Using teachings from highly respected, loved, and well-known writers, teacher Matthew Dominguez will show teens the power of story as he guides them through a study of world religions, philosophies, and worldview, and gives them a firm foundation to stand on as they prepare to face the world.
Inklings on Philosophy and Worldview will show teens practical ways to filter out the wrong messages and focus on what is real. Using teachings from highly respected, loved, and well-known writers, teacher Matthew Dominguez will show teens the power of story as he guides them through a study of world religions, philosophies, and worldview, and gives them a firm foundation to stand on as they prepare to face the world.
224 pages, Paperback
Published August 4, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 13, 2023
“Teens live in a complicated world,” the synopsis begins. And it’s no wonder, when books like this are supposedly helping them to determine what they believe.
This book was one long mess of new-age gibberish, dressed up in religious terms. Too careful never to offend another worldview, Dominguez argues that Christianity has something of all world views within it. Christianity somehow unites all contradictory world views, even pantheism! While it is true that all worldviews or philosophies have evidence of the Truth within them by common grace, it is heresy to suggest that Christianity is really just a collection and amalgamation of all worldviews. Christianity is not the unification of all worldviews; it is the redemption of all those that are broken. It is an altogether better way, the True way. It is not simply a collection of all ways.
If you were thinking this sounds like Richard Rohr, you’d be right. Richard Rohr's religious perennialism and pantheistic theology is evident throughout Dominguez' philosophy. Dominguez sites him several times, sometimes in the same breath as C S Lewis, Tolkien, and Chesterton. (This book has nothing to do with those Inklings, sadly). He gives nothing but his own personal anecdotes to prove his ideas, rarely ever turning to the Bible (for obvious reasons, I’m guessing). For Rohr and other New-Age theorists, the Bible is not infallible and does not claim to represent Truth. In Dominguez' philosophy, faith is an existential choice that the author simply chose to trust. It is not, for him, a belief that rests upon solid evidence or rationality.
Dominguez, like Rohr, argues for the paradoxical and further, contradictory, nature of faith. Dominguez even implies that the Inklings and Chesteron agreed with this contradictory nature of faith (all quotes that attempt to justify this fact are taken out of context). He says that we all choose a worldview “trust list” based on our feelings. He completely throws out any historical or actual proofs for Christianity. This book is indicative of a soft, new-age, postmodern “theological” movement that has neither backbone, clarity, nor conviction. If you are considering an actually helpful book to give “confused teens,” here are some suggestions:
1-Total Truth by Nancy Pearcey
2-The Francis A Schaeffer Trilogy
3-The Young Christians Survival Guide by Donald T Williams
4-Consequences of Ideas by R C Sproul
This book was one long mess of new-age gibberish, dressed up in religious terms. Too careful never to offend another worldview, Dominguez argues that Christianity has something of all world views within it. Christianity somehow unites all contradictory world views, even pantheism! While it is true that all worldviews or philosophies have evidence of the Truth within them by common grace, it is heresy to suggest that Christianity is really just a collection and amalgamation of all worldviews. Christianity is not the unification of all worldviews; it is the redemption of all those that are broken. It is an altogether better way, the True way. It is not simply a collection of all ways.
If you were thinking this sounds like Richard Rohr, you’d be right. Richard Rohr's religious perennialism and pantheistic theology is evident throughout Dominguez' philosophy. Dominguez sites him several times, sometimes in the same breath as C S Lewis, Tolkien, and Chesterton. (This book has nothing to do with those Inklings, sadly). He gives nothing but his own personal anecdotes to prove his ideas, rarely ever turning to the Bible (for obvious reasons, I’m guessing). For Rohr and other New-Age theorists, the Bible is not infallible and does not claim to represent Truth. In Dominguez' philosophy, faith is an existential choice that the author simply chose to trust. It is not, for him, a belief that rests upon solid evidence or rationality.
Dominguez, like Rohr, argues for the paradoxical and further, contradictory, nature of faith. Dominguez even implies that the Inklings and Chesteron agreed with this contradictory nature of faith (all quotes that attempt to justify this fact are taken out of context). He says that we all choose a worldview “trust list” based on our feelings. He completely throws out any historical or actual proofs for Christianity. This book is indicative of a soft, new-age, postmodern “theological” movement that has neither backbone, clarity, nor conviction. If you are considering an actually helpful book to give “confused teens,” here are some suggestions:
1-Total Truth by Nancy Pearcey
2-The Francis A Schaeffer Trilogy
3-The Young Christians Survival Guide by Donald T Williams
4-Consequences of Ideas by R C Sproul
June 21, 2021
I have been teaching Christian philosophy for many years now. Matt Dominguez’s book, Inking on Philosophy and Worldview is a great resource. His use of worldview is masterful in getting various perspectives and views across concerning the nature of reality, morality, purpose and more. It is simple to read but encourages students to think deeply about the questions and issues that build the framework for our lives. Additionally, he demonstrates to the students how to be humble, reasonable, and understanding when engaging with various perspectives that are different than one’s own. His Christian angle on the matters do not hinder the honest, objective presentation of the worldviews in question. In fact, it enhances it. Furthermore, this Christian perspective also provides great theological understands and personally transformative application.
I taught four sections of philosophy based on Matt’s book this last school year. It was a pleasure to do so, and the fruit of understanding seen in my students was wonderfully rewarding. I had multiple students from each section comment on the impact the class has had on them. I heard statements like, “Mr. Paul, this is the best Bible class I have ever had”, “I’ve spent my whole life in Christian school and not class has helped and changed my perspective on life as much as this one”, “This is the best class ever!”, “This class blew my mind and helped me make sense of the world we live in”, “I love how this class is not just about learning facts, it is about living life.” These were just a sampling of the things that were expressed to me. It is not unusual to have one or two students a year say something about the impact of a class. However, I had 15 students voluntarily come up to me and tell me these things or leave me a note. These responses were unprovoked and unsolicited. This means that over 20% of my students were deeply impacted by my course and Inklings on Philosophy and Worldview was the curriculum at the heart of it.
I taught four sections of philosophy based on Matt’s book this last school year. It was a pleasure to do so, and the fruit of understanding seen in my students was wonderfully rewarding. I had multiple students from each section comment on the impact the class has had on them. I heard statements like, “Mr. Paul, this is the best Bible class I have ever had”, “I’ve spent my whole life in Christian school and not class has helped and changed my perspective on life as much as this one”, “This is the best class ever!”, “This class blew my mind and helped me make sense of the world we live in”, “I love how this class is not just about learning facts, it is about living life.” These were just a sampling of the things that were expressed to me. It is not unusual to have one or two students a year say something about the impact of a class. However, I had 15 students voluntarily come up to me and tell me these things or leave me a note. These responses were unprovoked and unsolicited. This means that over 20% of my students were deeply impacted by my course and Inklings on Philosophy and Worldview was the curriculum at the heart of it.
May 22, 2021
This book is great. Where was it in 1994? I needed this so much when I was thirteen. I still need it today. An excellent overview of the fundamentals of understanding the big ideas of life. Excellent.
February 10, 2021
Where to begin? I just finished reading this brilliant work, written by a dear friend and brother. One of the best things in life is to see your people thrive. It’s hard to tell whether I love this book so much because I know the heart of the author or because of how masterfully it is written - either way, this is an incredible piece of writing, and I am so impressed. Dominguez remains one of the best teachers I have ever had - he is intentional, creative, imaginative, and thorough - and encouraged me to think deeply and critically about life and literature. In his classes I learned to open my mind to new ways of thinking and to ask important questions. I felt safe and seen and heard, not only by Dominguez, but by every student in class with me. This is what ‘Inklings on Philosophy and Worldview’ does for the reader - it creates a safe space to learn and ask questions about the things that matter most to us in the whole world.
‘Inklings’ brings together everything right and good about the study of philosophy - Dominguez takes his time to clearly lay out different ways of understanding the world in a way that anyone can understand. Don’t be fooled by the suggested reader level and age; this book is for anyone and everyone who wants to gain the skills and tools to step into important and meaningful conversations with anyone they meet. Having been a student of his, there was much that was familiar (specifically and delightfully all the quotes, references, and prioritization of the great Inklings), but the majority of this work was fresh and new.
‘Inklings’ brings together everything right and good about the study of philosophy - Dominguez takes his time to clearly lay out different ways of understanding the world in a way that anyone can understand. Don’t be fooled by the suggested reader level and age; this book is for anyone and everyone who wants to gain the skills and tools to step into important and meaningful conversations with anyone they meet. Having been a student of his, there was much that was familiar (specifically and delightfully all the quotes, references, and prioritization of the great Inklings), but the majority of this work was fresh and new.
June 16, 2023
I dabbled in reading this book for over a year… finally just gave up 3/4ths of the way through. It was a weird read. Not helpful. :( I was really excited to read it when I got it. I should have known it would go in strange directions when homie started nodding to Richard Rohr. Whoops.
I think the only exciting tidbits I underlined were the authors direct quotes from CS Lewis and GK Chesterton (who the author claims to be very inspired by). I should have just skipped this middle man - hah.
It’s now one of those books that I’m like… “Well, I’m done with it… it’s not staying on my bookshelf… but I also don’t want to donate it or sell it and put it into someone else’s hands/mind… so what do I do with it?” Hah.
I think the only exciting tidbits I underlined were the authors direct quotes from CS Lewis and GK Chesterton (who the author claims to be very inspired by). I should have just skipped this middle man - hah.
It’s now one of those books that I’m like… “Well, I’m done with it… it’s not staying on my bookshelf… but I also don’t want to donate it or sell it and put it into someone else’s hands/mind… so what do I do with it?” Hah.
June 10, 2022
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND teens and their leaders/teachers to embark on a journey with Inklings. My teenage son has completed a homeschool group philosophy course utilizing both the Inklings book and companion guidebook. His experience was a delight of discoveries in thoughts and philosophical concepts new to a teenager that helped him to dive deeper in faith and think critically as they are introduced. I was impressed with my son's joy in learning this material as he eagerly shared with me his contemplations on topics such as the power of paradox, the impact of free will, and the seven questions asked to define different worldviews. He enjoyed excerpts from some of his favorite authors, C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and G.K. Chesterton.
Journeying with Inklings profoundly impacted his ability to articulate deep thoughts and questions and helped him to further his Christian Worldview reinforcing his faith in Jesus. As a Christian home educator this produced all the results I would hope for in a Christian philosophy course which I believe could be applied across different settings with teens in school, church, or youth group. What a joy to recommend a great resource!
Journeying with Inklings profoundly impacted his ability to articulate deep thoughts and questions and helped him to further his Christian Worldview reinforcing his faith in Jesus. As a Christian home educator this produced all the results I would hope for in a Christian philosophy course which I believe could be applied across different settings with teens in school, church, or youth group. What a joy to recommend a great resource!
September 6, 2025
3.5 stars--I probably should have been in a different mindset for reading this book, but it was an interesting way to present different worldviews.
September 30, 2022
As my son moved into his formative teenage years, I knew he would wrestle with his identity, beliefs, and understanding of the world around him. My deepest desire for him was that he would continue to find Jesus ever more the source of all truth and the lens by which he would view himself and others. However, I also wanted him to hold onto and cultivate a deep love for others and value their perspectives, even if some aspects of those perspectives ultimately did not align with his own beliefs.
My son greatly appreciated the ways in which Dominguez carefully laid out the four worldviews. Dominguez had a series of questions that he answered from each worldview that shed light on the perspective, belief system, and focus of each view. He was most impressed when, near the end, Dominguez used his "Lights On - Lights Off" illustration to show that each worldview holds some important truths that are both valuable and necessary, AND that ultimately we can find our most complete understanding of truth in Jesus. In doing so, Dominguez led my son's navigation through other worldviews with honor and respect (I Peter 3:15) by connecting truths in other worldviews with the truth of Scripture while clearly avoiding (and equipping him to avoid) universalism, syncretism and pluralism.
As a parent, hearing my son hold fast to Truth (Jesus), yet with a growing grace and love for all around him made my heart sing. I cannot be more grateful for Dominguez's guidance in my son's first dive into philosophy and worldview.
My son greatly appreciated the ways in which Dominguez carefully laid out the four worldviews. Dominguez had a series of questions that he answered from each worldview that shed light on the perspective, belief system, and focus of each view. He was most impressed when, near the end, Dominguez used his "Lights On - Lights Off" illustration to show that each worldview holds some important truths that are both valuable and necessary, AND that ultimately we can find our most complete understanding of truth in Jesus. In doing so, Dominguez led my son's navigation through other worldviews with honor and respect (I Peter 3:15) by connecting truths in other worldviews with the truth of Scripture while clearly avoiding (and equipping him to avoid) universalism, syncretism and pluralism.
As a parent, hearing my son hold fast to Truth (Jesus), yet with a growing grace and love for all around him made my heart sing. I cannot be more grateful for Dominguez's guidance in my son's first dive into philosophy and worldview.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews