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timsin10's review against another edition
4.0
Schaeffer traces the history of Western philosophy, art, and theology from the Roman Empire to the 1970s when he wrote this book. I agree with much of his analysis, and he's proved prescient in some ways (e.g. he foresaw the current debate over euthanasia). Yet at times his analysis is so broad that it at best lacks nuance and at worst misrepresents certain ideas. The book is structured chronologically, and I think he does a better job with the 20th century thinkers; consequently, I liked the last half of the book much better. Overall good but doesn't have the scholarly rigor I had hoped or expected.
jaredfields's review against another edition
5.0
Its amazing how a book concerning the cultural state of our world written in the 70s seems just a relevant today.
jedwardsusc's review against another edition
1.0
Schaeffer was fundamental to my thinking as a teenager. It's interesting to come back to this book as an adult. The narrative is still compelling. It's simplicity reminds me why I liked it so much growing up. Schaeffer's analysis of art, science, philosophy, etc.... is a very different story.
gbdill's review against another edition
5.0
Similar to C.S. Lewis’ book entitled, “Mere Christianity”, this book has made me view my faith from a completely different perspective. In “Mere Christianity” my faith was examined almost in a philosophical manner. In “How Should We Then Live?” it was viewed through the lens of historical culture. It was sad to see the history of Christianity erode from every vestige of our society, taking a backseat to humanism. Whose fault is this? As Christians, have we become complacent in our personal peace and affluence as Dr. Schaeffer described much of secular society? As Christians, are we to become more assertive in our conveying of the Good News of Christ to society not only on an individual basis but through art, music, and literature? What has gone wrong, why has Christianity been ascribed to the junk drawer of antiquated beliefs? For one thing, this book has affirmed what I have believed for many years that we are all selfish and only have concern for ourselves. I see this primarily in Western civilization and not so much in Eastern culture. I believe we are only destroying ourselves with apathy and political correctness so as not to offend anyone. This runs counter to what Jesus taught. He most certainly was not apathetic and He most certainly offended many, especially the elite. If Christianity fails our country and Western culture as a whole, Western civilization as we know it will cease to exist. We will only destroy ourselves.
This book has helped me understand the core of the problems we face in our society. The root cause is humanism. The belief that man has no need for God and that man can achieve his or her own destiny on their own achievement. This is followed by apathy and the vulnerability to accept any other alternative theories or ideologies void of God. As the Bible already predicts, this will ultimately lead to an authoritarian form of government, led by a future charismatic leader with whom the Bible describes to be the Antichrist. This will only lay a path towards more tribulation and culminating in a great battle that will occur at Armageddon. The good news is this will ultimately lead to the return of our Lord and our Savior, Jesus Christ.
This book has helped me understand the core of the problems we face in our society. The root cause is humanism. The belief that man has no need for God and that man can achieve his or her own destiny on their own achievement. This is followed by apathy and the vulnerability to accept any other alternative theories or ideologies void of God. As the Bible already predicts, this will ultimately lead to an authoritarian form of government, led by a future charismatic leader with whom the Bible describes to be the Antichrist. This will only lay a path towards more tribulation and culminating in a great battle that will occur at Armageddon. The good news is this will ultimately lead to the return of our Lord and our Savior, Jesus Christ.
ashlurtis's review against another edition
challenging
informative
slow-paced
3.75
Even though the title is not misleading, I was not fully prepared for how in depth this book would be. I could definitely see it being used as a textbook, with all of its references and studies sprinkled throughout. For me, the beginning moved quickly, the middle and ends much much slower.
I think this book is really well written and clearly communicates the points Schaeffer intends, but I still found myself wishing for the reading experience to be OVER haha. I think it's just the depth of the content that became overwhelming after a while. At first, it was kind of fun to feel like I was back in school again, and then it was less fun. There are a LOT of things to think about in this book.
I do really appreciate the structure and clarity provided here and I am glad I read this book, but I am not sure I would want to read it again...
I think this book is really well written and clearly communicates the points Schaeffer intends, but I still found myself wishing for the reading experience to be OVER haha. I think it's just the depth of the content that became overwhelming after a while. At first, it was kind of fun to feel like I was back in school again, and then it was less fun. There are a LOT of things to think about in this book.
I do really appreciate the structure and clarity provided here and I am glad I read this book, but I am not sure I would want to read it again...
reaganwaggoner's review against another edition
3.0
Some well-stated thoughts and observations by a guy who looks like he should live in the fifth century. Even so, well written and expressed. I certainly do not agree with his entire philosophy, but I enjoyed entertaining it.
“As my son Frankie put it, Humanism has changed the Twenty-third Psalm: They began - I am my shepherd. Then - Sheep are my shepherd. Then - Everything is my shepherd. Finally - Nothing is my shepherd.”
― Francis A. Schaeffer,
This quote honestly summarizes most of the book.
“As my son Frankie put it, Humanism has changed the Twenty-third Psalm: They began - I am my shepherd. Then - Sheep are my shepherd. Then - Everything is my shepherd. Finally - Nothing is my shepherd.”
― Francis A. Schaeffer,
This quote honestly summarizes most of the book.
aidanfordays's review against another edition
4.0
A very accurate retelling of history and why things are the way they are today. A great work of scholarship and easy to follow.