An Introduction to Philosophy

“An Introduction to Philosophy: A Christian Guide to the Things That Really Matter is an excellent step into the world of philosophy. It leads the beginning student step by step from the basics into the deeper world of philosophical thought. It is clear and thorough in its treatments of the wide variety of topics in philosophy. This book is filled with helpful sidebars, illustrations, and explanations. The authors show how philosophical thinking informs how we inhabit the world and can contribute to a better life. Chapter 2, “Can I Control My Thought Life? Mental Exercises for Maintaining Good Mental Hygiene,” alone is worth the price of the book.”

Gregory E. Ganssle

“the bigger picture and personal application. If you are a newcomer to philosophy—or even if you’ve been at it for a while—you’ll find this a helpful guide to steer you into the way of wisdom. The book is quite comprehensive, but not daunting. Since every human being has a worldview or philosophy of life (and, so, we are all philosophers), this book will assist you in “taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.”

Paul Copan

“For those who love wisdom, philosophy bears tremendous potential for making sense of knowledge, reality, and meaning. Yet philosophy as a discipline can seem inaccessible and irrelevant for those who have just begun to think deeply about the nature of the world and their place in it. By contrast, An Introduction to Philosophy by Drs. Sherman, Holland, Osmundsen, and Rasor rewards the reader with access to the discipline and a compelling case for the relevance of philosophy “to the things that really matter.” This work draws deeply on the historical philosophical tradition, but it is an introduction for today. From start to finish, its authors demonstrate the relevance of philosophy for perennial questions about meaning, purpose, and human flourishing, ultimately leading the mind upward to the wisdom of God in Christ. I highly recommend it as a textbook for introductory philosophy courses and as an excellent resource for the church.”

Jason S. Hiles

“achievement is its powerful demonstration of how faith and philosophy go together. This book will equip readers to love God with all their being, including their minds, as they become conversant with critical conversations in the academy, church, and culture.”

Paul M. Gould

“Many introduction to philosophy textbooks for a Christian audience are too demanding for newcomers, or are largely superficial, or are irrelevant to the fundamental doctrines of Christian theology. This textbook strikes a difficult balance, being both accessible and useful to Christians who want to utilize philosophy in service of their faith. The authors efficiently survey the primary issues in philosophy with charity, insight, and an eye toward philosophy’s relevance to the gospel of Jesus Christ. An earnest reading will satisfy certain curiosities, raise new questions, challenge previously unexamined ideas, and encourage devotion to the Lord.”

Sanjay Merchant

“To ask what really matters is already to philosophize. You cannot fully avoid thinking about life’s big questions in the long run. Such questions—those that inform and animate the chapters of this book—will come unbeckoned at various points in your life, whether or not you are prepared for them. Even now, you have implicit assumptions about them, if not conscious answers to them. Wouldn’t it be worth it to have good answers to the questions that really matter? The authors of this new introductory text in philosophy have judiciously selected a number of issues of central importance to the human condition that demand our attention. Along the way, they skillfully guide the reader in thinking through them carefully, thoroughly, and Christianly—sensitive to the claim that God has spoken.”

Joshua W. Seachris

“A comprehensive and accessible introduction to philosophy. A guide to an intellectually robust Christian faith, designed to help the individual develop an integrated Christian worldview engaging science, logic, and the deepest questions of life.”

Eric J. Silverman

“A splendid book. Sherman, Holland, Osmundsen, and Rasor tackle the core issues of philosophy with clarity, alacrity, and sensitivity to the ways Christianity informs and is informed by philosophical reflection.”

Tim Pickavance

“What an accomplishment! This is the most thorough introduction to philosophy from a distinctly Christian perspective of which I’m aware. The book’s treatment of concepts is thoughtfully curated for the true beginner with a dynamic teacher’s voice throughout. It’s a master class in philosophy.”

Travis Dickinson

“An Introduction to Philosophy: A Christian Guide to the Things That Really Matter is a comprehensive but accessible textbook filled with wisdom for Christian life and thought.”

Keith Hess

“What an outstanding new introduction to philosophy! Sherman, Holland, Osmundsen, and Rasor have done the church a tremendous service by providing an accessible, thorough, contemporary, engaging, and truly Christ-honoring on-ramp to the study of life’s most important and enduring questions. Excellent for students of philosophy, pastors, and other church leaders who are rightly serious about critical thought, and really any Christian eager to responsibly steward their mind for Christ, in service to his kingdom.”

Dr. John Y. Kwak