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Total Truth - Study Guide Edition Upcoming Release
This week I received a copy of the study guide for Nancy Pearcey's Total Truth: Liberating Christianity from Its Cultural Captivity (Study Guide Edition) which is due to be released shortly. What I especially enjoy about it is that she has introduced new material in the form of recent events (e.g. Ron Reagan speaking on ESCr and cloning at the DNC). For each chapter of the book, she provides new material and examples showing the conflict between worldviews in the areas of bioethics, origins, and even the church and Christian higher ed. On page 485, Nancy takes the reader back to chapter 1 where she discusses how its possible "to be Christian in our beliefs yet secular in the way we live." She provides even more content to that discussion:
The vast majority of Christian colleges and universities perpetuate the sacred/secular divide, according to a study by Robert Benne (Quality of the Soul, 2001). He calls it an 'add-on' approach because it treats Christianity as something added on to the curriculum-through chapel, Bible studies, and prayer groups-while the course content is esentially the same as any secular university. These colleges define themselves as Christian because of their ethos and atmosphere, not because they teach a distinctive vision of the world.
The upshot is that many of our churches and schools are turning out young people who are Christian in their religious life but secular in their mental life-who unthinkingly absorb secular worldviews.
I couldn't help but to be personally impacted by this additional example. Recently, I've been faced with people in my life who wear their faith on their sleeve yet act in ways that are usually less than Christian. It's this behavior that shows how the Church has been secularized and why Total Truth is an important tool for Christian worldview education today.
Total Truth: Liberating Christianity from Its Cultural Captivity (Study Guide Ed.)
Ugh. I'm not even there yet, but she described my college to the T. For that reason, though, I'm wondering how plausible it would be for me to get my hands on this so that I could introduce it to (albeit a very small portion of) the campus. This is exactly what it needs to hear.
I'm always curious when someone says, "act in ways that are usually less than Christian". Could that be elaborated upon? Less than Jesus acted...less than His disciples, less than the goal.... or what? Devilish?
I just never know what people mean with this vague, but ominous sounding phrase. Maybe someone could post something dealing with this as the main topic.
"ways that are less than Christian" ....lying under the guise of normative business practices. That's one example.
Well, if we say that behavior that is less than Christian is behavior that falls short of biblical standards, then it's not so vague after all, seeing as biblical standards are pretty explicit. (Once I learned the literary term for "less than..." phrases, but I've forgotten it now. Anybody know?)
its possible "to be Christian in our beliefs yet secular in the way we live."
I posted something on a similar topic a while ago - there is a popular preaching whose message includes embracing the culture (but not the sin) in order to reach the people in it. My post, however, focused on how sometimes what we look like on the outside can (CAN) reflect problems giong on on the inside. My example, from this man's book, was specifically Goth.
http://mzellen.blogspot.com/2005/07/on-critical-speaking.html
I don't own Total Truth yet (for shame!) but I'm waiting to buy the study guide edition since it's due to be released on my birthday (9/20). I may pre-order it from Christianbook (cbd.com) but I'm still froogling (froogle.com) and bookfetching (bookfetch.info) to find the best deal. I keep a wishlist in Amazon (since that's the best place to find reviews) and then compare prices using the tools I just mentioned. For new books, Walmart.com and Overstock.com seem to have consistently low prices and shipping. Used books are good on eBay.com or half.com but sometimes the shipping makes it cost more than buying it new! Or if there's a bunch of books/things you want at once, it can be better to go the new route--that's when I tend to use CBD.
That's all for Frugal Book Shopping today--see you next time... ;)
Sarah, thanks for the example. If we could stay at some of the obvious points such as that, we would probably be fairly safe... it is when it gets broadened back out, as in "falls short of biblical standards" that we venture into unfair territory that allows for some of the more rigid and unmerciful attitudes.
I think we take for granted that the spectrum of experience is much like our own, but it is surprising how many anathemas are thrown around by Protestants who have their pet views of who falls short and what the response to that should be.
====
Because I so highly respect Schaeffer and knowing that Pearce comes from a background influenced by that thinking -this book seems important to read. I intend to look for it in the bookstore this week.
Does the blog plan a discussion on this book?
Correction: Pearcey
:) I knew that (agh)
Actually, Ilona, Nancy Pearcey has agreed to be one of our guest bloggers (see "Honorary Intellectuelles" blogroll)...I just haven't been able to pin her (or the others) down on a time to join us yet, but I did mention perhaps when the new edition comes out, so we'll see...
I'm lookng forward to reading Nancy's book. I have a major concern, however, in view of the fact that a 'world' view begins at the effect-end of the causal spectrum.
God's word always deals at the initiative point of the process. I hope Nancy will express the Creator's paradigm definitive of human nature, and the Christian's advantages, as premise for identity, thought, and behavior capable of producing a 'world view' superior to any man-made humanism. America is surely evidence of that superiority. Recall that Mr. Jefferson referred to individual's "endowed Liberty." The Lord answered His own question, "What is man...?" earth's Choicemaker. selah
Hi James,
I don't think a worldview begins at the effect-end of the causal spectrum. At the same time I think a teleological perspective is part of it.
Nancy's book is more ontological really. She uses Schaeffer's two-grid analysis quite effectively too.
I don't see her saying "America is surely evidence of that superiority" though - and disagree with that myself. I think that is painting over the secular reality.
"Sarah, thanks for the example. If we could stay at some of the obvious points such as that, we would probably be fairly safe... it is when it gets broadened back out, as in "falls short of biblical standards" that we venture into unfair territory that allows for some of the more rigid and unmerciful attitudes."
Ilona,
I'm always just a bit perplexed to hear this, because it seems to me that the far wider problem these days is too much leniency and indifference within the Church, so I'm hoping you can help me understand - what constitutes unfair territory? Is it that biblical standards are unintelligible, or at least unclear to most people? Do you think it is presumptuous to make any judgment based on what Scripture says, or are you simply saying that there are some (fundamentalists, for example) who hold dogmatically to views that are not explicit in Scripture? Could you provide some examples?
"...it is surprising how many anathemas are thrown around by Protestants who have their pet views of who falls short and what the response to that should be."
I guess if we three (you, Sarah and I) were discussing this in person, this wouldn't be a problem, but since I get the impression that you were referring to me in the first paragraph, are you doing the same here? If so, could you provide an example of how I do this (and if not, how anyone else does)? Thanks - I'm genuinely curious, not trying to be snarky.
Actually, Laura, you are right and I am right on this one, but I think I propbably have the more experience in how devastating the rigid can be.
"are you simply saying that there are some (fundamentalists, for example) who hold dogmatically to views that are not explicit in Scripture?" LOL! I am a fundamentalist who can hold quite dogmatically, but I tend to argue that it is indeed explicit in scripture...
"what constitutes unfair territory?" Quickly rejecting a fellow Christian due to a perceived "missing the target". I think that is unfair territory that is often trespassed. We too often have ideals of what "Christian" is and means without scriptural basis, though we think we are on that base. Try arguing that out in a discussion sometime, you might be surprised how difficult it is.
"Is it that biblical standards are unintelligible" That is taking things a bit far. They are often misunderstood and misapplied. And people get deeply hurt and wounded by that, which in turn abrogates those very standards. It usually happens in applications rather than abstracts.
I am sorry you felt I was referring personally to you. No, I was speaking generally, and am too sloppy to make the point properly. This gets me in trouble. I tend to follow points and sometimes forget the whole context of the conversation.
but on how anyone does.. that is easy. i.e. If you are on an online forum... and if there is someone who believes that only one form of baptism is the "one which will get you to heaven" ( that is very sloppy-just take it loosely), then you will likely , if you pursue a discussion on it, get some anathemas thrown your way.
It happens in RL too, I guess I take for granted that many have seen this dynamic, but maybe not.
I try really hard to not be snarky with fellow Christians, but my online manners are not the most refined. I just must apologize for that and any discomfort I gave you before this reassurance.
To bring this into context with worldview and some of what Schaeffer's views:
Biblical standards become unintelligible when we don't work them into our lives. If we are working them into our lives, this would give more openness that might be deemed " leniency and indifference", but is actually an active engaging of those who don't have our same vocabulary.
You can preach like a prophet on fire if you are living the standards of faith in love and good conscience.
But simply preaching a broad undefined "Biblical standards" in a rigid way tends to be used abusively.
This is why I am interested in the book, to see how, or if, it shines some light on the why and the how of being clearly like Christ without crushing those He came to save.
Hi Ilona,
I'm going to be sloppy (and presumptuous) and say I think you'll love the book. (Now I've done it...)
Here's why, from what you said:
If we are working them into our lives, this would give more openness that might be deemed " leniency and indifference", but is actually an active engaging of those who don't have our same vocabulary.
I've read Total Truth and this is crucial. The book is not about having a a trendy intellectual set of techniques and tricks but firmly connects intellect with character and motivation - the private values that exude into our public shpere. I think you will like what she says because it is not about rigidity at all.
No need to apologize, Ilona - thanks for the clarification. I too am interested in your last question...I'm afraid I'm far from achieving that balance myself.
Ahhh, I am definitely going to have to shell out the $$ for this one and ignore the fact that I've just spent an unspeakable amount on textbooks...
