Jesus Christ is the ONLY Way to GodVideo Recommendation
sis. tracy
Feb 27, 2003Dear Christian Friends:
Greetings in the name of the ONLY wise God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.
I just finished watching an incredible video series, Dr. Francis Schaeffer's "How Should we then Live?" done circa 1977.
It is an excellent primer on history IN ITS PROPER PERSPECTIVE--magnifying Christ and casting down man. For those who do not mind thinking and considering, you will be GLAD that you saw it. In the midst of watching it I knew that I needed to see it again and again. It masterfully spans the panorama of history from ancient Rome through the current day including today's mass media, genetic engineering, social engineering, materialism, etc.
This series is not merely a history lesson. It INTERPRETS history within context of Biblical reality and explains the flawed, relativistc thinking you see inside and outside of churches today.
THIS IS A KEEPER AND I LOOK FORWARD TO USING IT IN CHLOE'S HISTORY LESSONS.
Here is the description on the box--
"After 40 years of intense study and world-wide ministry, Dr. Schaeffer completed his crowning work of scholarship--to present profound truths in simple film language. Dr. Schaeffer concludes that man's only hope is a return to God's biblical absolute, the truth revealed in Christ through the scriptures.
"...While the twelve episodes on three videotapes form an innovative analysis of the past, this outstanding film series is more than history. Each episode, while focusing on a significant era, speaks clearly to 21st Century man with answers for modern problems."
From the CBD website--
"Description: Now you can own Francis Schaeffer's incisive film series on the rise and decline of Western thought and culture! Each of 12 half-hour segments focuses on a significant era of history and presents biblical, workable answers to modern problems. Featuring Dr. Schaeffer's crowning work of scholarship, this set also includes a study guide. Three slipcased videocassettes, 6 hours total."
Here is the CBD description of the book by the same name (good description of the video series too)--
Description:
"In no way does this book make a pretense of being a complete chronological history of Western culture. It is questionable if such a book could be written. This book is, however, an analysis of the key moments in history which have formed our present culture, and the thinking of the people who brought those moments to pass. This study is made in the hope that light may be shed upon the major characteristics of our age and that solutions may be found to the myriad of problems which face us."
"Thus begins a fascinating and insightful look into the rise and fall of Western thought and culture. Schaeffer begins his look at Western culture by analyzing the fall of Rome. He then moves on to the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, the Reformation, the Enlightenment, and even the atomic age. His conclusion: Western culture has lost sight of both its roots in history and its direction for the future. Can we regain our roots and develop a new sense of direction?
"Schaeffer thinks we can, but his solution is radical: only Christianity can save our culture. Why is this true? Through his analysis of the issues and problems which have brought about the general decline of Western culture and thought, Schaeffer reminds us that all cultures need to be built upon a foundation bigger than themselves. Only the "infinite-personal God" of Christianity offers a viable foundation, and therefore only Christianity can save Western culture. Schaeffer feels that Christianity can transform our culture at all levels, from the philosophic, to the scientific, to the artistic. The hope that Christianity offers for the present and future, in its promise of transformation, exposes the glaring deficiencies in our culture, and, simultaneously, offers an alternative to the apathy which has our culture in a death grip.
"It has been said that finite beings need an infinite reference point to base their lives upon. For Schaeffer, the "infinite-personal God" of Christianity and the Bible offers us that reference point, that foundation upon which to form ethics and morals, and a standard by which to judge our lives and our culture. Therefore, he urges us to live by the Christian ethic, to accept God's revelation, and to affirm the Bible's morals, values, and meaning. When we do, we offer a solution to the apathy and degradation in our society. And only then will Western culture have a future worth looking forward to."
Customer Reviews Average Customer Review: 5 out of 5
Daniel Peck from Danville, GA ( Reviewed on July 04, 2000 )
Product Rating: 5 out of 5
Comments: "Just simply an awesome book, a teacher encouraged me to read it earlier this year and I couldnt put it down. Intriging study of Western civilization, that will open your eyes to the influences our cultures have on Art, Religion, and Science and vie-versa. Highly recomended."
Justin B. Eastwood from Powhatan, VA ( Reviewed on April 17, 2000 )
Product Rating: 5 out of 5 Comments: "This is the first book authored by Schaeffer that I have read. In a succinct fashion, Schaeffer paints a picture of how men in the history of the Western world have tried to answer the fundamental questions that comprise one's world view. Schaeffer points out where man has erred in answering these questions and where he has answered them correctly, that is, in accord with God's Word. His writing style is very clear and easy to understand. Schaeffer's intent in this book is to warn the reader of the peril man is heading towards if he continues in his attempt of making himself autonomous from God. He calls Western culture to greater fidelity to the Word of God and the one true God, the Triune God of the Bible. The parallel video series is also a benefit when viewed in conjunction with reading the book."
Order the video series from CBD for about $80 ( www.christianbook.com ). I believe that www.gospeldirect.com may have it for about $70.
I also have the video series "What happened to the human race?" also by Dr. Schaeffer. I haven't watched it yet, but based on "How then should we then live?" I perceive that it is going to be good. The first segment is on abortion. I'd rather skip watching that one, but I perceive that it is important that I do so. For other video recommendations, see our "Video Recommendations" list which is updated from time to time--cancel the cable and use the money to start your Christian library.
It seems that "Deception IX: No Pentecost" should be out soon, Lord willing.
Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses (1 Timothy 6:12).
for Jesus' sake,
tracy