Understanding the Times (Hardcover)

~ David Noebel (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

A comprehensive guide to the most popular worldviews of our day: secular humanism, Marxism/Leninism, and the New Age movement. These worldviews are then compared to biblical Christianity.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 912 pages
• Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (August 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1565072685
• ISBN-13: 978-1565072688
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 7.6 x 2.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (30 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #93,016 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

60 of 64 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Landmark Apologetic Reference Work About Various WorldViews, January 19, 2001

By	T. B. Vick "Learn 2 Discern" (The Lone Star State) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This text is simply remarkable. Noebel discusses the various religious/philosophical worldviews and how that involves the search for truth, and what Christian can do to defend their faith in light of these worldviews.

Noebel begins part 1 with a discussion about Humanism, Marxism/Leninism and Biblical Christianity. He goes into detail about each of these worldviews, who were the major figures of each movement, the literature of the movement, the impact the movement had on society, and the philosophical and/or theological ramifications of each of these movements. Later in the text, Noebel gives his own assessment of these movements, what he finds helpful, disappointing, wrong, etc. and then gives a detailed apologetical response.

Section 2 deals with the philosophical arena of humanism, Marxism/Leninism, and Biblical Christianity (this is the trend in every section). This was a particularly helpful section since many philosophy of Religion issues are under attack by humanist philosophers in one way or another. Thus, Noebel covers these issues as they have been discussed and espoused by the three groups at hand. Issues such as the Supernatural, Cosmology/Metaphysics, Epistemology, Mind-Body problem, etc. are covered. In the same vein as the first section Noebel includes various influential philosophers, thinkers, writers, etc. from each worldview who have had an impact, the literature that has been produced, quotes, and research references.

All the remaining sections follow the above pattern. The sections remaining in this text include these topics - Ethics, Biology, Psychology, Sociology, Law, Politics, Economics, and History. Each section contains the same three groups, includes the various great thinkers of the topic at hand, includes quotes, charts, summaries, etc. Furthermore, The book is very detailed, very well researched, and easy to read.

Noebel gears this massive volume (891 pages) toward High School and College age students. However, the contents are such that anyone of any age could read the text and benefit from what it contains. It must be noted, though, that this work is an apologetics type text and is written in such fashion (from a discerning point of view). However, the topics which are covered are very pertinent for Christians all over the world. If you are wanting a book that gives you a better grasp of certain primary worldviews, and also teaches you, the Christian, how to respond to these views, then you cannot go wrong with this wonderful text. I agree with J. P. Moreland's comments on the back cover which read, "" . . . simply breathtaking. I have never seen a book on general Christian apologetics that is so comprehensive, so thoroughly documented, and so accessible." Two hardy thumbs up for David A. Noebel.

43 of 47 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb comparison of the prevailing worldviews of our age!, July 24, 2000

By	Ryan Setliff "InternetPundit.com" (VA, USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

A comprehensive, yet easy to understand survey of the prevailing worldviews of our day. This is the definitive reference to understanding the ideas and forces shaping our times. David Noebel rather objectively compares and contrasts the Christian, Marxist/Leninist, Secular Humanist and New Age worldviews. By comparing and contrasting the prevailing worldviews of our time, it helps you to clarify your own worldview. It also gives the reader clearer insight into the world view bias that are shaping a New World Order. Recommended to Christians and anyone desiring to better understand their worldview. This book isn't one you just read and 'shelf away', its valuable as an excellent reference title which I regularly consult. Good reference for philosophy students as well.

Also recommended: The Universe Next Door: A Basic Worldview Catalog by James Sire

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A book everyone should own., April 21, 1999

By	Eric Blievernicht (Marshall, IL USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Understanding the Times (Paperback)

This is the sort of book everyone - and I mean everyone - should own and read. Are you aware of the hidden beliefs and assumptions that shape how others teach you, tell you in news media, and try to influence you? Probably not. That's why this is a superb resource.

Dr. Noebel takes a wide variety of educational topics and compares the three major worldviews today (Christianity, Marxism, and Secular Humanism), showing the basis and logical interrelationships for each, and how each looks at the evidence.

PS: I can quibble with a few points, and I'm sure other informed Christians could also add their own observations... but when you see people expressing hatred and fear of this book and then claim to be a Christian while everyone else loves it, what does that tell you? If the Enemy hates it, it must be good! :-)