The Christian Intellectual Tradition from the Reformation to the Modern Era
- World Religions
- History & Biography
- Ethics, Culture & Social Issues
- Publisher: Baker Academic (Baker Publishing Group)
- Published: 2025
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Publisher's Description
This reader with commentary helps Christians understand and critically examine major arguments that have been made in the Western intellectual tradition through an examination of great texts. The book explores themes related to the natural world, human nature, politics, and God. The core of a liberal arts education lies in the debates made possible by a shared set of texts and questions. Combining their expertise in science, theology, political science, and history, the authors guide readers through the most important sections of classic texts from the Reformation to the modern era, explaining their significance and the debates they sparked. The texts are organized around four themes: God, science, society, and human nature. Rather than simply summarizing the texts, this introduction presents them in a way that allows readers to engage directly with the material. The authors provide historical context, point out potential themes and connections, and encourage readers to explore the ideas and questions the texts raise. Reflection questions are included. This book facilitates teaching for professors from a wide variety of disciplines and will work well for students in great books courses. In addition, it will be of interest to Christian classical learning organizations, including high schools.
Endorsements (4)
“Reeves et al. combine their expertise across various disciplines to provide what might be best labeled a great-texts primer, which affords key insights into how noteworthy thinkers across time and contexts sought to answer life’s big, enduring questions related to the natural world, human nature, politics, God, and more. This book will be a helpful resource for Christians endeavoring to participate competently in the ongoing dialogue of the Christian intellectual tradition as it is shaped by the great debates of past and present.”
“Josh Reeves and his colleagues have done Christian scholars and their students a great service. This volume is a concise yet nuanced introduction to the intellectual landscape we find ourselves navigating. Anyone interested in determining where opportunities for faithful Christian existence may reside should not only read this volume but also consider the insightful ways the selections are organized.”
“This book is a much-needed antidote in today’s educational landscape that privileges vocational training and STEM learning over the humanities and social sciences. Showing that science and religion are companions instead of antagonists in the conversation about God, nature, and society, this reader provides students with excellent introductions to primary texts with reflective questions to guide them in their readings. With excerpts from John Calvin and Martin Luther to Margaret Cavendish and Dorothea Dix, this is a thoughtful and engaging book for Christians who are committed to liberal education.”
“For those of us searching for a life worth living, nothing is so formative and beneficial as a liberal arts education. Circling around the famous ‘big questions,’ this volume provides a magnificent introduction to the Western liberal arts tradition, illuminating it from a Christian perspective that fosters key intellectual virtues like empathy, critical sense, and humility.”
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