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

Steve Wilkens (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 30, 2003

"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.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Steve Wilkens reliably and accessibly communicates the views of some of the great philosophers and distills their sober and sound wisdom for Christians. A healthy antidote to all who believe that their own theologies have cornered the market on truth." (Kelly James Clark, Professor of Philosophy, Calvin College, and author of Philosophers Who Believe )

"Anyone who wonders whether philosophers might actually have something to teach Christians should read this book. Wilkens does a masterful job of clearly explaining some of the most influential philosophers, carefully unpacking the implications of their thought, and evenhandedly assessing their respective strengths and weaknesses. And ultimately, he demonstrates that each of these philosophers does indeed have something to teach us." (Bruce Ellis Benson, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Wheaton College, and author of Graven Ideologies: Nietzsche, Derrida and Marion on Modern Idolatry )

About the Author

Steve Wilkens (Ph.D., Fuller Theological Seminary) is professor of philosophy and ethics at Azusa Pacific University in Azusa, California. He has also taught as an adjunct faculty member at Mount San Antonio College, Glendale Community College, Fuller Theological Seminary, and Azusa Pacific University's C. P. Haggard Graduate School of Theology. His books include Good Ideas from Questionable Christians and Outright Pagans (2004), Christianity and Western Thought, Volume 2: Faith and Reason in the Nineteenth Century (coauthored with Alan Padgett, 2000) and Bumper Sticker Ethics (1995). He is also coeditor with Paul Shrier and Ralph P. Martin of Christian Calling, Christian College: Higher Education in the Service of the Church (2005).

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: IVP Academic (December 30, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0830827390
• ISBN-13: 978-0830827398
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #207,158 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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