A Brief Book Summary from Books At a Glance
by Benjamin J. Montoya
About the Author
Francis A. Schaeffer (1912–1984) authored more than twenty books, which have been translated into a score of languages and sold millions worldwide. He and his wife, Edith, founded L’Abri Fellowship international study and discipleship centers. Recognized internationally for his work in Christianity and culture, Schaeffer passed away in 1984, but his influence and legacy continue worldwide.
Introduction
We have probably all heard people say, “Christianity is not a religion; it is about a relationship!” But did you know that that kind of thinking buys into an unbiblical idea that our culture wants us to believe? Did you know that this larger perspective actually leads to meaningless, if followed consistently? Francis A. Schaeffer has written several landmark books that help us understand the world around us, and how the history of philosophy has impacted us all. Consider this important book to learn more about how people try to escape from reason through a different view of the world around us than what the Bible offers.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 1
If we want to understand how people try to escape from reason, we must begin by considering a division that Thomas Aquinas made between grace and nature. He held to a two-story view of truth:
Grace—Universals
Nature—Particulars
On top is grace, the universals about God, heaven, etc. The bottom is nature, everything we can observe in creation. Whether or not he intended to do so, Aquinas presented people with a two-tiered view of truth that many others would pick up on. His view influenced artists, including the likes of Leonardo. But the problem was that people began to think that the universals in life could no longer be attained—hence why he did not paint much.
Chapter 2
What is the biblical view when it comes to thinking about this two-story view of the world? If we consider both biblical teaching and Church History, looking at the Reformation, we see a unity of grace and nature. After all, God created everything we see, and he has given us his Word to understand grace and nature truly. John Calvin noted how the knowledge of God and of ourselves are two subjects deeply intertwined, not knowing where one begins and the other ends—arguably one of the primary points of his Institutes, as a side note. Without a doubt, people began to break away from this view as time went on, but to understand the biblical perspective, God sees unity, and so should we, as Christians. . . .
[To continue reading this summary, please see below....]The remainder of this article is premium content. Become a member to continue reading.
Already have an account? Sign In