He argued that modernity could only find a solid ground within a world grounded in the inerrancy of scripture. Written in 1968 by francis schaeffer, this is a deep and fascinating look at how the concept of reason has changed over the centuries, to the point where people not only think differently, but claim that truth cannot be known, there are no absolutes. Much of schaeffers argument made sense to me, and from then on i believed that the differences between van tils and the traditional apologetic were somewhat less than van til understood them to be. Schaeffers thought guided me through much of my college and post college years. This is the first book that i have read by schaeffer and i. Schaeffer had a way of communicating christianity to modern culturewe need more like him today. Kierkegaards understanding of god as impossible and transcendent is relatable to the modern man, and may inspire him to seek out god. Francis schaeffer, the evangelical protestant theologian, authored a book by the title escape from reason.
This book provides an excellent introduction to his ideas. His ministry continues through his books, with over two million copies in print. Francis schaeffer 19121984 was a leading christian thinker, author, apologist. Schaeffer rejects kierkegaards understanding of god, that god is fundamentally other from reason. Building upon similar threads of reasoning that he developed in his monumental work, the god who is there, francis schaeffer in his followup work escape from reason delivers a most challenging decree to true believers not only that we must all understand the thoughtforms that permeate our time periods and cultures, but that we must also engage those. Schaeffer s work takes on a newfound relevance today in his prescient anticipation of the contemporary postmodern ethos. He unpacks humanism s presuppositions and pushes postmodernism to its logical conclusiontotal meaninglessness.
Aug 08, 2011 francis schaeffer, the evangelical protestant theologian, authored a book by the title escape from reason. Like we cannot deal with people like human beings, we cannot deal with them on the high level of true humanity, unless we really know their origin. Medicines autonomy from its faithbased moorings began at least as early as the enlightenment, 5 but the nineteenth century confirmed it. Schaeffer go to the editions section to read or download ebooks. Instead, it suggests that reason, as popularly understood is a distortion of the proper christian use of the word. Escape from reason is a philosophical work written by american theologian and christian apologist francis a. Tracing trends in twentieth century thought, francis a. Schaeffer traces trends in twentiethcentury thought and unpacks how key ideas have shaped our society.
In the book escape from reason, he shows how we arrived at this position, and what can be done about it. Escape from reason ivp classics is virtually the history of western culture in a nutshell. Escape from reason is schaeffers masterpiece of postmodern analysis. Until his death in 1984, he was also a noted speaker with a worldwide ministry. Escape from reason ivp classics kindle edition by francis a. Schaeffer shows that christianity offers meaning where there is purposelessness and hope where there is despair. Schaeffer traces trends in twentiethcentury thought and unpacks how key. A penetrating analysis of trends in modern thought.
Even more impressive to me, however, was schaeffers example as an evangelist. It is book two in volume one of the complete works of francis a. Yet despite our obsession with the emotive and the experiential, we still face anxiety, despair, and purposelessness. Jun 05, 2012 schaeffers article sought to bring them closer together. Instead, it suggests that reason, as popularly understood is a distortion of the proper christian use of. Schaeffer examines philosophy, science, art and popular culture to identify dualism, fragmentation and the decline of reason. By cris putnam the god who is there in the francis a.
Escape from reason by francis schaeffer my father introduced me to francis schaeffer, a gift for which i am very grateful. Escape from reason ivp classics schaeffer, francis a. Schaeffer s thought guided me through much of my college and post college years. This is the second book of francis schaeffer s trilogy. Escape from reason is an eyeopening explanation of how the prevailing philosophy of the day, in any given era whether correct or incorrect. Escape from reason in the god who is there, schaeffers main thesis is that modern man is characterized by his willingness to live a life of contradictions. He is the author, coauthor, or contributor to over ninetyfive books, including does god exist. Terms in this set 11 what does schaeffer mean when he writes about nature and grace nature describes the fallen world lower things. Evolution, as ferngren correctly notes, was never of major significance in clinical medicine, but darwin, his bull dog defender physician thomas henry huxley, and the x club. Escape from reason is an easy book to read, which i liked. People today are trying to hang on to the dignity of man, but they.
Although neither book is very long, they are both excellent examples of schaeffer s thinking and approach. Escape from reason is a mustread christian classic that is a short introduction to the history of philosophy and how it has affected our culture and general thought processes. The rationale for this series is that many of the great writers who have helped many christians mature are now either unknown or neglected by many who could use these authors insights into the faith. It is has been a long time since i read anything by him. Escape from reason quiz sg arts and humanities flashcards. Thomas aquinas is teh suck1 i dont remember where i got this book. Escape from reason and he is there and he is not silent are two classic works by schaeffer. This is most clear to me in his treatment of kierkegaard. Steve has added some further reading, some email correspondence between him and john, and then has reformatted everything into a question and answer format so the. His critique demonstrates christianitys promise for a new century, one. It starts with thomas aquinas and his from the forward by j.
My father introduced me to francis schaeffer, a gift for which i am very grateful. Intervarsity press, first published in 1968 it is book two in volume one of the complete works of francis a. The need to read series began several months ago with a program on c. They are historically situated as all books are, but they are more than mere period piecesthey still repay reflection and thought today.
And few books have shaped the modern churchs understanding of the culture more than his classic work, escape from reason. Inspiring generations to follow, schaeffer, an american philosopher, theologian and presbyterian pastor, is one of the most recognized and respected christian authors of all time. He reminds his readers that, because man has personality, he also has the right to begin with that knowledge and therefore seek the why behind this. Escape from reason ebook 9780830898299 by francis a. This book has been described as a penetrating analysis of trends in modern thought, and it certainly is. Apr 29, 2015 schaeffer concludes escape from reason with four consequences of pitting faith against rationality. Inspiring generations to follow, schaeffer, an american philosopher, theologian. That may seem ludicrous but francis schaeffer has managed to put the history of western culture in a comprehensive package. Schaeffer concludes escape from reason with four consequences of pitting faith against rationality.
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