The Christian Worldview, Truth Rising, and this Civilizational Moment with Guest John Stonestreet

In 'How Now Shall We Live? ', Charles W. Colson, Nancy R. Pearcey, and Harold Fickett offer a transformative framework for Christians to confront the deepest moral and ethical questions of modern society. The book emphasizes the importance of a holistic Christian perspective that addresses every sphere of life, from family and education to politics, science, art, and music. It compares and contrasts Christianity with secular humanist worldviews, providing tools for believers to understand, engage, and shape the world around them in truth, justice, and compassion.

Written between 413-426 CE, 'The City of God' is a response to pagan claims that the sack of Rome by barbarians was a consequence of the abolition of pagan worship by Christian emperors. Augustine argues that Christianity saved the city from complete destruction and that Rome’s fall was due to internal moral decay. The book divides humanity into two metaphorical cities: the City of God, characterized by devotion to God, and the City of Man, characterized by self-love. It also outlines Augustine’s theological interpretation of human history, from the Creation to the Second Coming of Christ, and critiques paganism and pagan philosophy while presenting the true history of the City of God.

In this book, Niall Ferguson argues that Western civilization's rise to global dominance was driven by six powerful new concepts, or 'killer applications,' that emerged in the fifteenth century. These include competition, science, the rule of law, modern medicine, consumerism, and the work ethic. Ferguson explains how these factors allowed the West to surge past its Eastern rivals and dominate the world for the past five centuries. However, he also discusses how the Rest have now adopted these 'killer apps,' while the West has lost faith in itself. The book chronicles the rise and fall of empires and the clashes and fusions of civilizations, offering a bold and insightful recasting of world history.

In 'The Body: A Guide for Occupants', Bill Bryson takes readers on a detailed tour of the human body, explaining its anatomy, physiology, and the history of medical science. The book is filled with extraordinary facts, witty anecdotes, and insightful stories about the body's systems, organs, and the microbes that inhabit it. Bryson also delves into the history of medical discoveries, highlighting both the advancements and the misconceptions of the past. The book is written in an accessible and engaging style, making complex scientific topics easy to understand and enjoyable to read.

In 'Total Truth', Nancy Pearcey offers a razor-sharp analysis of the public/private split and its impact on Christianity. She argues that this division hampers efforts at personal and cultural renewal by relegating Christian principles to the private sphere. Pearcey makes a passionate case that Christianity is not just religious truth but truth about total reality. The book includes practical, hands-on steps for developing a Christian worldview and features examples from the lives of real people to illustrate her points.

string

In 'Born Again,' Charles W. Colson chronicles his profound journey from the heights of political power to the depths of public disgrace and personal despair, culminating in a life-transforming encounter with Christianity. The book explores the intricacies of political intrigue, the personal toll of scandal, and offers a compelling testimony of redemption and renewal. Colson's conversion began with his reading of C.S. Lewis’s 'Mere Christianity' and was influenced by various individuals, leading to a spiritual rebirth that transformed his life and priorities. The memoir includes his experiences in prison, where he began to apply his faith and influence others through Bible studies and ministry.