📖 Overview
How Now Shall We Live? examines the intersection of Christian faith and modern culture through a comprehensive worldview analysis. Colson and Pearcey present a framework for understanding and engaging with contemporary social issues from a biblical perspective.
The book breaks down competing worldviews in society and contrasts them with Christian perspectives on creation, human nature, ethics, and purpose. Through real-world examples and historical analysis, the authors demonstrate how beliefs shape both individual choices and broader cultural movements.
The text provides practical guidance for Christians seeking to live out their faith in an increasingly secular world. It addresses topics including education, science, art, politics, and social justice while maintaining focus on core biblical principles.
This work stands as an exploration of how Christian beliefs can provide coherent answers to fundamental questions about reality, truth, and meaning. The authors make the case that Christianity offers not just personal salvation but a complete framework for understanding and transforming culture.
👀 Reviews
Readers describe this as a comprehensive examination of Christian worldview that connects faith with practical living. The book's analysis of competing worldviews and their real-world implications resonates with many readers.
Liked:
- Clear explanations of complex philosophical concepts
- Practical examples and case studies
- Strong historical context
- Systematic breakdown of worldview differences
Disliked:
- Length and repetition of certain points
- Some readers found the tone too combative
- Several note it can be academically dense for casual readers
- Critics say it oversimplifies opposing viewpoints
Ratings:
Amazon: 4.7/5 (584 reviews)
Goodreads: 4.2/5 (2,831 ratings)
Specific Reader Comments:
"Helps Christians understand how to engage culture without compromising beliefs" - Amazon reviewer
"Too black and white in its analysis of secular viewpoints" - Goodreads reviewer
"The examples from history and current events make abstract concepts concrete" - ChristianBook.com review
📚 Similar books
Total Truth by Nancy Pearcey
This book expands on the worldview analysis introduced in How Now Shall We Live, examining the split between sacred and secular thinking in Western culture.
The Universe Next Door by James W. Sire The text presents a systematic overview of major worldviews that shape modern thought and culture.
Culture Making by Andy Crouch This work explores the Christian's role in creating and cultivating culture rather than merely critiquing or consuming it.
The God Who Is There by Francis Schaeffer The book traces the historical development of secular thought and provides a Christian response to modern intellectual challenges.
Proper Confidence by Lesslie Newbigin This work examines the relationship between faith and reason in a post-Enlightenment world, addressing many of the same epistemological concerns as Colson and Pearcey.
The Universe Next Door by James W. Sire The text presents a systematic overview of major worldviews that shape modern thought and culture.
Culture Making by Andy Crouch This work explores the Christian's role in creating and cultivating culture rather than merely critiquing or consuming it.
The God Who Is There by Francis Schaeffer The book traces the historical development of secular thought and provides a Christian response to modern intellectual challenges.
Proper Confidence by Lesslie Newbigin This work examines the relationship between faith and reason in a post-Enlightenment world, addressing many of the same epistemological concerns as Colson and Pearcey.
🤔 Interesting facts
🔹 Charles Colson was once known as President Nixon's "hatchet man" before his dramatic conversion to Christianity in 1973 during the Watergate scandal. After serving time in prison, he dedicated his life to prison ministry and Christian worldview teaching.
🔹 The book's title is inspired by Francis Schaeffer's seminal work "How Should We Then Live?" which similarly explored the relationship between Christian faith and cultural engagement.
🔹 Nancy Pearcey, co-author of the book, studied under Francis Schaeffer at L'Abri Fellowship in Switzerland and went on to become a leading voice in Christian apologetics and worldview studies.
🔹 The book won the ECPA Gold Medallion Book Award in 2000, recognizing excellence in evangelical Christian literature.
🔹 The authors examine competing worldviews through what they call the "three-part grid" - creation, fall, and redemption - providing a framework for understanding how different belief systems answer life's fundamental questions.