Good Ideas from Questionable Christians and Outright Pagans: An Introduction to Key Thinkers and Philosophies

By Steve Wilkens

Book Overview

"What indeed has Athens to do with Jerusalem? What concord is there between the Academy and the church?" - Tertullian, 3rd century

Such skepticism about the place of philosophy in the life of Christians persists down through the ages. As a student, author Steve Wilkens had deep reservations about studying the works of "pagans" or even "questionable Christians." Now a teacher at a Christian university, Wilkens has developed a deep appreciation for teaching and studying philosophy. In fact, he believes that the life of faith can be enriched by good philosophical reflection. In this book Wilkens helps you begin the same journey.

Using generous quotations from the original sources, Wilkens provides an introduction to the study of philosophy by exploring a single key issue from each of the following philosophers: Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Aquinas, Descartes, Kierkegaard, Marx, Nietzsche and Sartre. The questions considered include

Why ask why?Is a just society possible?Is God responsible for evil?Can you be certain of anything?Is morality all about power? Do you really want to be free?

Wilkens encourages you not to be a mere spectator but to actively and critically engage the questions and ideas these philosophers raise. Here is a book for beginning students, thoughtful Christians or anyone who wants to explore life's deepest questions.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0830827390
• ISBN13: 9780830827398
• Release Date: December 2003
• Publisher: IVP Academic
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.89 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

good service

Vendor provided very good service, and on time. Book came in excellent conditions.

Must read by Christians. But recomended for ALL!!!

(I have rewritten this review on 8/18/2008) This is quite interesting survey of several key philosophers: Socreates, Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Aquinas, Descartes, Kierkegaard, Marx, Nietzsche, Sartre. Book introduces reader to those philosophers and their views in interesting way to help reader see how to understand people around us and deal with their arguments. I remember reading this book couple years ago. It was fun. If you're looking to intro to key philosophers from Christian perspective, this is a fine book.