Whatever Happened to the Human Race? (Paperback)

~ (Author), Francis A. Schaeffer (Author)
Key Phrases: legalized euthanasia, relative morality, Supreme Court, United States, New York (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Update copyright page for print key to reflect 10th printing. Pack 68 per carton.

Product Details

• Paperback: 180 pages
• Publisher: Crossway Books; Rev Sub edition (June 1, 1983)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0891072918
• ISBN-13: 978-0891072911
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #236,908 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Easy, Yet Comprehensive Analysis Of Moral Decline, May 31, 2001

By	K.H. - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

Dr. Schaeffer and Dr. C. Evert Koop have written a masterful book on the "roberry of life" in the world, and particularly, Western Culture. Interestenly, this text, written over 20 years ago addresses the "devaluation of human life" and prophetically predicts the acceptance of redefining what it means to be a person and alive.

Ideas now coming to the forefront on news programs and the like, are already discussed here. Items such as "genetic" knowledge and its impact on abortion and infanticide. Further, Euthanasia is also discussed.

The last two chapters deals with "The Basis For Human Dignity" and what should be the response of the Christian. The arguments are solid, yet, written in a style that lay-people can easily understand and follow. This book crosses educational lines and denominational barriers between Protestants, Catholics, and Orthodox; since it is a subject of great importance to all Christians. A must have.

1.0 out of 5 stars A book for true believers--, November 16, 2009

By	D. Carter "Smoky Mountain Carpenter" (Brevard, NC) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Supposedly, when Abraham Lincoln was once asked to write a "blurb" for a book that he really didn't care for, he sent the following response:

"Those who like this kind of book will find it just the kind of book they like."

I don't know whether the story is true, but it is certainly applicable to this book which is a manifesto for true believers. Like a number of similar works, it is important because it gives an insight into the thinking of individuals who can only see the world in Manichean terms of good (themselves) and evil (all those who disagree). "Secular Humanism" becomes a kind of modern form of Satanism in the eyes of men like Schaeffer and the contribution of thoughtful philosophers, ethicists and non-fundamentalist Christians to the kind of complex problems posed in real life are caricatured beyond recognition (as well as the complex history of the response of Christians to the issue of abortion.) It is not surprising that Schaeffer became so enamored of the ideas of Rousas John Rushdoony. Rushdoony, of course, is the father of "Christian Reconstructionism" which calls for an America based on old-Testament vengeance that makes strict forms of Muslim Sharia look like a free-thinking paradise. (Rushdoony believes that homosexuals, adulterers and even recalcitrant children should be stoned to death).

Since much of this book is based upon fears of a "slippery slope" leading to a future secular America (euthanasia, infanticide, mass abortion, etc.), it's hard to respond. But I have read his later book, "A Christian Manifesto" and, as a historian, I do feel qualified to comment on at least the historical references in the work dealing with the founding of the United States. It is a complete distortion of the settled facts, totally ignoring the importance of Enlightenment thinkers and twisting beyond recognition the role of reformation Christian thought.

I don't think that Schaeffer is dishonest in his distortion of the views of those with whom he disagrees; I simply believe he is blinded by the kind of theological/ideological blinders that make it impossible to carry on a rational discussion. Which brings me back to Lincoln's quote: "Those who like this kind of book will find it just the kind of book they like."

7 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Accurate and Prophetic, May 29, 2001

By	Ken Karpinski (USA: Anywhere) - See all my reviews

This book is very accurate prophesy as to what would happen when abortion became legal in any country that legalized it. First came taking life in the womb before it is born, then came taking it in infancy (i.e "Baby Doe" cases in the 1980's, China's infanticide of second children and our country's Susan Smith murder case and "prom parents" in the 1990's). A must for those who think abortion, infanticide and euthanasia are "rights" that are freely chosen.