How Now Shall We Live?

Rating:
Summary: A Christian Inspiration/Apologetic Masterpiece
Review: Chuck Colson considers "How Now Shall We Live?" to be his "legacy" book. In it he covers many areas of modern-day life using a strongly focused Biblically-based perspective. At almost 600 pages, the book is somewhat lengthy, but never boring, and unarguably worth the time. I loved reading this book from front to back. Colson uses his experience and wisdom to discuss a wide range of topics like the most recent developments in the evolution debate, post-modernism, Western Culture, and many other aspects of modern-day life. This is a book that I have recommended to many friends, and I have heard nothing but strongly enthusiastic responses from those who have read it. This is a book that all believers will love reading and be greatly encouraged yet deeply challenged by. Chuck Colson is an amazing man and a great writer. Buy this book even if you don't have time to read it right away because you will read it at some point and truly enjoy the time you spend doing so.

Rating:
Summary: An Excellent Outline of Conservative Christianity
Review: Chuck Colson has written a masterful text on one Biblical worldview. Unfortunately, in my opinion, the worldview from which he writes is one of dogmatic judgmentalism and not the worldview that I believe Jesus lived out.

Colson states clearly that the Christian religion is one that is "devoted to an all-powerful, sovereign, omniscient God who demands righteousness and obedience... who dispenses severe judgment."

Colson's world is one which is black and white with few shades of gray. God has laid down the law (as revealed in Scripture) and everyone should be fully obedient to it, and if not should be prepared to suffer the consequential punishment. This is similar to the worldview of fundamentalist Islam in the sense that the God that is revealed through the Sacred Scripture of tradition must be obeyed at all costs. The God revealed in the Sacred Scripture is the only real God, all others are false and harmful and will be eliminated in the end.

I believe Chuck Colson to be a very sincere and devout Christian who wants, with everything in him, to do the right thing. It seems that he believes that his version of Christianity is absolutely the only correct version of any faith, and therefore he is willing to die to defend it. But it may be interesting to note that other fundamentalist leaders of different faiths have the same level of conviction, believing with equal intensity that their understanding of God is the only correct view. I have no doubt that if Mr. Colson was born to devout Buddhist parents that he would more than likely now be a Buddhist. He is a Christian only because of his life context and circumstances.

There are many Biblical texts that seem to contradict Colson's worldview. Such as Mt. 5.44-47: "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?

This text, a statement of Jesus about God, seems to indicate that God does not meet out judgmental punishment to the evil and unrighteous. This statement appears to be saying that God showers his unconditional love and blessings on all people, regardless of perceived rightness or wrongness.

My recommendation is for everyone to read this excellent book by Colson with the understanding that it is one man's and one group's interpretation of Scripture and of life and that there are many other ways to understand and interpret Scripture and life. It is my opinion that Mr. Colson has not yet come to the spiritual awareness and worldview contained in the statement by Paul that "Christ is the end of the law," and from Jesus that the "Kingdom of God is within." It is my prayer that one day he will. I believe that the greatest revelations for Mr. Colson, the tangible awareness that the abundant life is here now, may come soon.

Rating:
Summary: A Ready Defense
Review: Chuck Colson writes an easy-to-read apologetical argument that appeals to the intellect and to the heart. Rather than giving straight facts, Colson weaves victorious testimonials with defenses of the Christian faith from a philosophical, scientific and sociological perspective. How Now Shall We Live is an updated version of Francis Schaeffer's How Shall We Then Live while being more applicable to today's culture. Colson's book begin's with a definition of a world view, pointing out its three distinct parts: Where did we come from and who are we?, What has gone wrong with the world? and What can we do to fix it?. He traces these three parts throughout the entire book, answering these three questions from a Christian perspective and contrasting it with other world views. Finally, he tells Christians how to respond to other views, answering the question, "How now shall we live?" How Now Shall We Live can be seen as an apologetical handbook for compassionate believers and nonbelievers. Although a long book, it is written with 45 short chapters that keep the reader from being bogged down and giving up on the book. How Now Shall We Live is a well-planned and concise world view analysis that uncovers common misrepresentations and answers challenges to the Christian faith.

Rating:
Summary: It's a crazy world...
Review: Living in the 21st century as a Christian can be a confusing process. It seems like the entire world is looking at things in a totally different way. And you know what? They do...

Colson bases this book on how we, as Christians, should take a Christ-centered "worldview" as opposed to other around us. Colson offers practical guidance on living in a way that can change the world for Christ. Colson also delves into preliminary apologetics - enough so that the reader will be better prepared to defend his or her faith after reading it.

Colson is very conservative. You will find yourself challenged in many areas of your life. I was challenged by thinking about the music I listen to and the television programs I watch. While I didn't agree with each of Colson's conclusions, each one was extremely thought-provoking.

Rating:
Summary: Presenting the Christian Worldview
Review: This book does an excellent job in serving two primary purposes. The first is in making the intellectual case for Christ. The second is presenting Biblical Christianity, not as something that involves only spiritual side, but as an entire worldview that involves every aspect of our lives. For those of us who have a difficult time making the case for Christ except in spiritual terms, this book can be a big help (beginning with such fundamentals as the case for the existence of God). And, perhaps more importantly, it helps us better understand our role as Christians in the world at large. I heartily recommend it. And a final note. As much as I admire Chuck Colson, and whereas he provided the anecdotes, I suspect that Nancy Pearcey did most of the heavy lifting in writing this book.

Rating:
Summary: Keep On Hand For Future Reference
Review: This book is divided into three major parts, the first part being the most powerful, in my opinion. Mr. Colson does an excellent job as he thoroughly explains evolutionism and creationism, why the theories exist, and why creationism is the only theory that is actually truth. Colson includes and excellent story about a father and his troubled daughter whom he raised in a Christian family and seems to be losing her faith in the church. Very convincingly, this story is used to show how a child being raised in today's society can live in a Christian family but be totally turned off to Christian values just because of public education's belief system mixed with a plethora of outside negative societal influences. I would recommend keeping this book for future reference just for part one alone! If you ever need to defend Christianity, this is an excellent source. Virtually all subjects are talked about such as crime, sex, drugs, music, and art. Though the book is long, it is very intelligent and worth your time. I wish that I could convince many others whom I know to read this!

Rating:
Summary: Truly a valuable resource to understand the days we live in
Review: This is an excellent book. Chuck Colson and Nancy Pearcey have done an outstanding job of equipping the reader with a clear understanding of how important the Christian worldview is and how to fight against worldviews that oppose biblical Christianity. Don't be discouraged by some of the heavy reading early in the book when the authors are explaining scientific terms and theories. Press on, and believe me, you will discover a treasure house of great reading material. I'm glad there is a study guide for the book, because so much of the material is worth going back to for study. This book will serve as a reference guide for me for years to come.