This book is a necessity for all Christians, both Catholic and Protestant. Even though the author is Catholic (as am I) I feel that Evangelical Christians would find just as much use in it. We are not so different, after all, it seems, when put up against our common enemy, secularism. It's a quick and easy read, but it packs a punch. Anyone who doubts that there is a culture war either seriously doesn't keep up with the news, or is living under a rock. The war is real, frightening at times, but we will win it. I especially recommend this book for anyone who tends to think the outcome is hopeless. The author reminds us that we are doing God's work, and God doesn't fail. He lays out a battle plan for us, and gets us familiar with the enemy and his trickery. I really think this is the time for all traditional Christians, and to expand on that, all traditional worshipers of the God of Abraham, to put aside our differences for a common goal. We shouldn't be fighting with each other, we should band together and fight those who want to destroy all that's dear to us.
For Christian eyes only- or is it?
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 19 years ago
I think Kreeft explains this clearly in the beginning, but a non-Christian, or even an unorthodox, non-normative Christian, will simply not understand this book. The irony to me is this: I am an Evangelical Baptist, Kreeft a devout Catholic. I vehemently agree with Kreeft on every point as a brother in Christ; having far more in common with him than with modernist "Baptists" who have simply folded up camp and retreated fearfully from ideological opponents. Kreeft himself says in the book that he has more in common with me than with a Kennedy in his own state. He is right. Non-Christians will probably find this book horrible. I don't think Kreeft was writing for a broad audience here- he realized that sometimes it is important, even necessary to preach to the allegedly obedient "choir." The chapter with Satan discussing the battle plan is a page right out of the "Screwtape Letters." I think I have truly found a kindred spirit in Peter Kreeft, I would love to just talk to him someday. Back on topic: The essence of this book is a call ideally to all Americans to a state of higher moral and spiritual purity. In this sense he will have vehement detractors; I laughed when he said the book would be banned in Canada as "hate speech" not because I thought he was paranoid, but because it seemed very plausible. Finally his book uncovers an interesting dichotomy. Those in power reserve the right to define "progress." Christians who believe otherwise are subtly or not so subtly labeled as extremists and perhaps considered "regressive." It shows an inherent flaw with people who push "tolerance" as the cardinal virtue, because there are a large group of people who they themselves cannot tolerate, or even hate. This is because they view themselves as profoundly correct and opponents as incorrect. Once truth and morality are relativized, however, it is illogical to impose any standard whatsoever. Kreeft lays out a number of conundrums and deftly deciphers them. Christians who look at the world with dissatisfaction should read this book.
Brilliant!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 19 years ago
I am now a big fan of Kreeft. This book is concise and clear. It does not require amass of education to get through it. We can sit around and say, "what is with the world today?" or read this book and find out what is with the world today AND take steps to take it back. Kreeft has a gift of presenting the information necessary for today's society in a direct, no nonsense way. Worth the read!
Required Reading
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 21 years ago
Every Christian in America and Europe has to read this book. The Culture War in which we are engaged must be won and it can not be won if we do not know who the enemy is and how we can beat that enemy. Some of what Dr. Kreeft has to say is difficult to accept; it is the truth.
Another gem by Peter kreeft
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 21 years ago
This is the 16th book I have read by Peter Kreeft. It is another solid book filled with wisdom and much common sense. The author goes into why he believes we are a culture that is in trouble, and What is the most important battle. He then tells us what we must do to change the world. It is a short book and easy to read, but it is has an important message.
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