Truth and Transformation: A Manifesto for Ailing Nations [Paperback]

Vishal Mangalwadi (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 2009

We live in times marked by much confusion and apprehension. In this landmark book, international scholar and author Vishal Mangalwadi offers a radical vision for the gospel's power to heal Western society. With insights drawn from real-life struggles against corruption and from years of study, he delves into the ideological roots of social oppression. Reform, he argues, is never without controversy. Yet reforming a culture's values is a necessary precursor to lasting liberation and hope.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Very few thinkers in the world today understand as clearly as Vishal Mangalwadi does the impact of the Bible on Western civilization. He brings a unique perspective. Born and educated in India, he sees the West as others see us, which breaks the myopic view that so many politically sensitive Westerners have today. This is refreshing, invigorating, and very valuable reading. A tour de force from someone who sees us from the outside as well as the inside." --Chuck Colson, Founder, Prison Fellowship Ministries

"There is urgency about Vishal's excellent argument. He is right on with respect to the moral and spiritual dynamics of Western civilization. As an outsider, he is in a strong position to address Western minds because of his knowledge of history and facts, and because of the level of concreteness with which he lays out his case. His logic is impeccable and forceful. Of course, our sophisticates will be dismissive of him, but multitudes of 'ordinary people' will see the point and perhaps will do something about it." --Dallas Willard, Professor of Philosophy, University of Southern California; author of The Divine Conspiracy

"The current worldwide economic crisis shows what happens when distrust rules nations. Vishal Mangalwadi illuminates the path to restoring trust by embracing truth." --Marvin Olasky, Editor-in-chief, WORLD magazine; Provost, The King's College, New York City

About the Author

Vishal Mangalwadi (1949-) MA, LLD, is an international lecturer, social reformer, political columnist, and author of thirteen books. Born and raised in India, he studied philosophy at universities, in Hindu ashrams, and at L'Abri Fellowship in Switzerland. In 1976 he turned down several job offers in the West to return to India, where he and his wife, Ruth, founded a community to serve the rural poor. Vishal continued his involvement in community development serving at the headquarters of two national political parties, where he worked for the empowerment and liberation of peasants and the lower castes. In demand worldwide, Vishal is a dynamic, engaging speaker who has lectured in 32 countries. He enjoys simplifying complex ideas and inspiring despairing hearts with hope.

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: YWAM Publishing (July 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1576585123
• ISBN-13: 978-1576585122
• Product Dimensions: 0.9 x 0.6 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #50,481 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #63 in Books > History > World > Religious > Religion, Politics & State
  • #63 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Religious Studies > Church & State
  • #68 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Religious Studies > Sociology

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 32 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars What Do We Look Like To An Easterner? June 17, 2009

By Daniel L. Marler

Format:Paperback

Interesting and profound. But also, insightful and troubling.

This book is insightful in diagnosing what has strongly contributed to Western Civilization's unparalleled achievement, development, prosperity and success. (Yes, I'm using the word "success" even though I know it is a loaded word.)

Mangalwadi points to the historical influence of biblically-centered moral values; the biblically-directed pursuit of rationality; the biblically-centered institution of marriage and sexual mores; and other foundations of Western culture. His argument for the positive results of this biblical influence is powerful and persuasive.

One of the interesting distinctions that Dr. Mangalwadi makes is the difference between the Church's influence on Western culture and the Bible's influence on Western culture. He tends to look more favorably on the Bible's influence. I realize that many people would assume that there would be no difference between the two, but the author believes that there is. If you disagree, I'll let you argue that with him. I'm just pointing it out here because I found it to be interesting.

On the other hand, the book is troubling because over and over again Mangalwadi asks some variation of this question: Why is the West abandoning the biblically-oriented cultural morals and values that have been so central to its success?

Part of what gives the book an extra edge is that the author brings such a unique viewpoint to his observations. Dr. Mangalwadi is a Christian intellectual (some folks aren't even accustomed to seeing those two words together) who was born and raised in India and educated in philosophy at secular Western universities. So, he observes and analyzes the West with something of an "outsider's" perspective.

I believe many Christians who read this book will be motivated to pray for spiritual revival and a fresh commitment to the pursuit of truth--God's truth.

Dan Marler

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars IDEAS HAVE CONSEQUENCES!! June 21, 2009

By Loves To Read VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Matthew Parris is quoted as saying, "As an atheist, I truly believe Africa needs God. Missionaries, not aid money, are the solution to Africa's biggest problem-the crushing passivity of the people's mindset...A whole belief system must... be supplanted by another." He recognizes, as does the author, that worldviews do matter. If you believe the River Ganges is a god, you will treat it much differently than people who believe the rivers are to be used to benefit humans and will harness its powers for productive uses. A society that believes marriage is a life long commitment will treat women differently than a society that believes marriage is for the convenience and benefit of the male only and that, if not satisfactory for him, can just opt out or find pleasure outside marriage or with an additional wife. While not painting Western culture with a rose-colored brush, these and many other worldviews based on the Bible are what have distinguished America from Eastern cultures, particularly India, the authors homeland. The author is warning the West that the Biblical values that were the foundation of so many of the great achievements are now being abandoned in favor of Eastern-based values which have already proven to be bankrupt. It would be easy to see this as a conservative, political call to 'reclaim America for Christ'. It is not that at all. It is an intellectual challenge written by someone who believes that the Bible influences all areas of life and that Christians are called to redeem every area of culture, that Christianity is NOT simply about 'getting saved and waiting for the rapture to take us out of this vale of tears' but is about coming to the marketplace of ideas in a pluralistic society and presenting the truth of the Bible as the foundation for transforming all of culture and doing it as servants not as fanatics with the Bible as a weapon. The truths of the Bible can stand on their own when compared to other worldviews when presented correctly and with a humble spirit. This is not light reading but is very readable for the serious lay person. If you are not convinced of the truth of the Bible, I would encourage you to read it and respond with the same kind of serious thinking as the author. If you are already convinced of the validity of Scripture, then I encourage you to read it and use it to make a difference. Perhaps this will elevate some of the conversation about the direction of our country that we so often hear on talk shows to truly serious and productive conversation. The future of our nation and culture may very well depend on it.

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Insightful, but wordy July 4, 2009

By S. Barry

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Vishal Mangalwadi has some excellent insights on the positive impact that the Biblical worldview has had on the West and provides clear contrasts of cultures with non-Biblical worldviews through his experiences in India. Through stories and examples he shows how sin, and the departure from a Biblical worldview introduces hardship, inefficiency, and pain into a culture. At times I think he gets too wordy over-developing his ideas. The book could be much shorter without sacrificing the essence of his point. But, the principles he presents and the logic he uses to develop they are excellent.