Chance or the Dance: A Critique of Modern Secularism [Paperback]

Thomas Howard (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1989

Contrasting the Christian and secular worldviews, Howard refreshes our minds with the illuminated view of Christianity as it imbued the world in times past—showing that we cannot live meaningful lives without this Christian understanding of things. An inspiring apology for Christianity, and a stirring critique of secularism.

Product Details

• Paperback: 150 pages
• Publisher: Ignatius Pr (March 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0898702291
• ISBN-13: 978-0898702293
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #201,030 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A gem from a gifted writer, June 3, 2006

By 

Richard J. Grebenc "rgrebenc" (Cleveland, OH USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Chance or the Dance: A Critique of Modern Secularism (Paperback)

This book was originally published in 1969, yet it remains fresh and relevant today. Truly a critique of secularism, Howard contrasts the "old myth" (where everything meant everything) to the "new myth" (where nothing means anything). In his chapters he takes on different aspects of these contrasting worldviews, from dishrags and borzoi dogs to sex and beyond. From serious subjects to laugh out loud moments. A fairly quick read, but one that could be repeated several times to catch all the insights of a gifted writer who certainly can turn a phrase with the best. Definitely recommended.

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A modern masterpiece, May 30, 2007

By 

Eric Metaxas (New York, New York) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Chance or the Dance: A Critique of Modern Secularism (Paperback)

Thomas Howard's CHANCE OR THE DANCE? is a little-known modern classic, the sort of book that has changed many lives and is changing them still. In prose that is as beautiful as any you will read, Howard lays out the fundamental question that faces us today, whether to accept a view of the world that says we are extraordinary creatures whose lives have eternal meaning and beauty, or to accept a view that says we are cosmic accidents whose lives have no meaning at all. Simply among the very best books of the latter half of the 20th century.

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12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another Gem, August 7, 2007

By 

Chad Toney - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Chance or the Dance: A Critique of Modern Secularism (Paperback)

Thomas Howard never fails to get me thinking. He also quite often sends me to my dictionary or m-w.com. One of his biggest strengths is his ability to bring meaning to just about any subject.

He spends a whole chapter on poetry, bringing all of his skills as an English professor to bear in his analysis of this monumental work:

One foot up, one foot down,

That's the way to London Town.

I'm not kidding. His insights are actually incredible and if I taught any kind of literature, I would make this chapter required reading for my students.