The Book that Made Your World
How the Bible Created the Soul of Western Civilization
- Apologetics
- Ethics, Culture & Social Issues
- Publisher: Nelson Books (Thomas Nelson)
- Published: 2012
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Publisher's Description
Understand the world around you better when you learn how the Bible transformed and sustained Western culture for the past millennium. Whether you're an avid student of the Bible or a skeptic of its relevance, The Book That Made Your World will reshape your perception of its influence on virtually every facet of Western civilization. In The Book That Made Your World, Indian author, philosopher, and intellectual, Vishal Mangalwadi systematically illustrates how precepts from the Bible became the framework for societal structure throughout the last millennium. From politics and science to academia and technology, the Bible became the key that unlocked the Western mind. Through Mangalwadi's wide-ranging and fascinating investigation, you'll discover: What triggered the West's passion for scientific, medical, and technological advancement How the biblical notion of human dignity informs the West's social structure and how it intersects with other worldviews How the Bible created a fertile ground for women to find social and economic empowerment How the Bible has uniquely equipped the West to cultivate compassion, human rights, prosperity, and strong families The role of the Bible in the transformation of education How the modern literary notion of a hero has been shaped by the Bible's archetypal protagonist Journey with Mangalwadi as he examines the origins of a civilization's greatness and the misguided beliefs that threaten to unravel its progress. Learn how the Bible transformed the social, political, and religious institutions that have sustained Western culture for the past millennium, and discover how secular corruption endangers the stability and longevity of Western civilization.
Endorsements (20)
“world depends entirely upon what the Bible, and it alone, teaches about reality and how to live.”
“Not since Francis Schaeffer’s How Should we then Live? in 1977 have we had so lucid and far-ranging an explanation of what troubles the global community. RANALD MACAULAY MA (Cantab), founder of ‘Christian Heritage,’ Cambridge, England Discover moving history you wish you were exposed to in school, page turning prose that captures the past in epic significance, and hope that could only be expressed by one who has tasted the nature of the God who creates, cares for, and loves people, many of whom now face the ultimate challenge.”
“In polite society, the mere mention of the Bible often introduces a certain measure of anxiety. A serious discussion on the Bible can bring outright contempt. Therefore, it is most refreshing to encounter this engaging and informed assessment of the Bible’s profound impact on the modern world.”
“truth claims” of other worldviews, and discusses their inadequacies for providing hope for a world engaged in ever increasing upheaval. I’m persuaded that reading this book will become an important part of the Christian university curriculum.”
“that it finds readers willing to have their minds shaken and their hearts, yes, their hearts, stirred as well.”
“Vishal’s book is one of a kind; vast in scope, penetrating in its depth, and prophetic in its message. If we fail to listen and recover the importance of the Bible in personal and public life, then the sun may set on the West. This book is a tract for our times and a must read for anyone concerned with impacting our culture.”
“The Book That Made Your World examines the Bible’s world-changing influence. Its insights give a clear call to remember what has been forgotten. Utilizing a unique global perspective, Vishal Mangalwadi delivers both a vital warning and a clear hope for Western culture.”
“He sees what made us strong in the past and the consequences of our rejection of Biblical truths in shaping our lives and our nation. May we have ears to hear and eyes to see.”
“Biblical illiteracy is almost universal in Europe today. We need Vishal’s clear, prophetic, Eastern voice to jolt us back to reality before our rich biblical heritage slips beyond our grasp.”
“In this wide-ranging and insightful book, Vishal Mangalwadi not only enables us to see from his special perspective the significance of the Bible in establishing many of the blessing of Western culture that we too easily take for granted, but also to see more clearly the dangers involved in turning away from a biblical worldview. I heartily recommend it to all who want fresh eyes to see and a heart to care about the world to which the Lord has called us.”
“The Book That Made Your World reinforces my 8-year-old assessment that Vishal Mangalwadi understands America better than our own leaders do.”
“Mangalwadi’s perspective is that of a widely-read Christian from the “Global South.” From it he provides a sober, unflattering assessment of our identity crisis, showing how it results from an under-nourished, severely atrophied world-view, increasingly divorced as we are from the biblical foundation that once gave us both coherence and a self transcending sense of purpose.”
“Though I do not agree with everything he writes, I think every person who wants to understand the modern world must read this book.”
“Titanic’s fate. Many are seeing the West headed towards catastrophe, but this highly readable, Eastern overview of our history could reshape our future.”
“must read stack” or Kindle queue. You will find yourself cheering as the Bible receives the credit it deserves. Vishal’s unique view of Western Civilization through the lens of the East is brilliant!”
“Vishal Mangalwadi stands outside Western civilization today and peers in with eyes enriched by studies in Eastern thought and a perceptiveness unspoiled by Western nihilism. He sees what we apparently no longer see—that Western “exceptionalism” has its taproot in The Bible, and warns us of the coming cultural demise. This book must be read!”
“Vishal Mangalwadi offers a refreshingly different perspective from what students are taught about what has made America such a source of hope, freedom, and productivity. He explains that America became a shining light because its founding citizens read and reread one book. Neglect that book, he warns, and the light will dim.”
“Many modern intellectuals have ridiculed the Bible so loudly and so long that much of the American public is not even aware of its indispensable role in the making of our unique civilization. In The Book That Made Your World it is an Indian scholar that turns the tables on Western secularists, shining the light of truth. I believe this compelling and illuminating scholarship will serve as an effective textbook for years to come. DR. MARK J HARRIS, president, Business for Community Foundation Read this book for a rich history lesson and a moving reminder of how the Bible has empowered freedom, education, technology, science, and the very soul of Western civilization. Vishal has a unique way of bridging the gap from the East to the West, speaking with prophetic alarm about what civilization will face if it forgets the Bible’s positive influence and foundational value.”
“Vishal Mangalwadi recounts history in very broad strokes always using his cross-cultural perspectives for highlighting the many benefits of biblical principles in shaping civilization.”
“I have been a great admirer of Vishal Mangalwadi, and his latest work only enhances my admiration. His uniquely Indian perspective on the centrality of the Bible for the development of the West and its emphasis on human dignity makes The Book that Made Your World essential reading for any thinking Christian. And it serves as a stark warning to the Western world that we forget the Bible and the Christian faith only at great peril to our liberty and even our survival.”
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