Sproul's survey of the ongoing impact of history's most influential philosophies urges readers to take prevailing cultural mind-sets seriously . . . because ideas do have consequences. The greatest thinkers of all time are impacting us still. From public-policy decisions and current laws to world events, theology, the arts, education, and even conversations between friends, history's most influential philosophies have wrought massive consequences on nearly everything we see, think, and do. Thus it is critical for Christians to understand the ideas that are shaping them. The greater their familiarity with the streams of thought that have saturated Western culture through the ages, the greater their ability to influence this culture for Christ. With The Consequences of Ideas, now in paperback, R. C. Sproul expertly leads the way for thoughtful readers. Tracing the contours of Western philosophy from the ancients to the molders of modern and postmodern thought-including Plato, Aquinas, Descartes, Kant, and Freud-Sproul proves that ideas are not just passing fads; they endure for generations to come and demand our serious attention.
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"Great intro. to some philosophical giants. This book will do two things: (1) open your eyes to the underlying philosophies that shape our time;(2) help you identify which philosophers interest you so that you can pursue their writings further. Overall, well worth the time."
— Michael (4 out of 5 stars)
" A great introduction to philosophy from a Christian perspective that is as unbiased as books come (no such thing as no bias). Gives an overview of all the famous philosophers from classic to modern with a critique concerning their most famous works. "
— Charles, 12/4/2013" Great simplistic overview of historical philosophy to modern times. It could be simplistic but the for the purpose of the book it served its cause. "
— Zeke, 11/7/2013" Great all-in-one philosophy rundown. Sproul gives the gist of each philosopher and how each changed our world and how some of those philosophies are still evident today. "
— Adam, 10/14/2013" Excellent introduction to the ideas of historical philosophers. "
— Matt, 10/13/2013" I good intro run through of philosophical thought that has shaped the way we think and see things today. R.C. has an uncanny ability to write and develope big ideas for small people (like me). Four stars cause I am a presuppositionalist:) "
— Stuart, 7/14/2013" This book is a great tool in recovering the lost art of thinking critically and logically. "
— Stacy, 3/23/2013" Helpful history of major philosophers and their influence. I wish he would have expounded more on the consequences of their ideas. "
— Jim, 7/4/2012" Good, informative, and brief overview of Western philosophy from a Reformed Evangelical perspective. Sproul writes in the introduction that he intended this work for "educated laypeople". I think that's fair. "
— Skipper, 6/22/2012" Could have been so much more... That's what I kept thinking the whole time. Its not that it was wrong at points as much as it was absent from many others. "
— Eric, 5/22/2012" This book was a great complimentary text with Dr. Frame's History of Philosophy and Christian Thought Class. It summarizes both Christian History and Philosophy using terms that I could understand. It was a quicker read than most history and philosophy books I read. "
— Eric, 10/25/2011" I was really hoping to hear him talk about the implications of these ideas, but it's really just historical overview. This would need some studying to really get . . . "
— Lindsey, 5/31/2011" Great little book! It had many interesting anecdotes and bits of info I had never seen anywhere before. "
— Bud, 5/28/2011" Great all-in-one philosophy rundown. Sproul gives the gist of each philosopher and how each changed our world and how some of those philosophies are still evident today. "
— Adam, 2/22/2011" Great simplistic overview of historical philosophy to modern times. It could be simplistic but the for the purpose of the book it served its cause. "
— Zeke, 10/12/2010" I good intro run through of philosophical thought that has shaped the way we think and see things today. R.C. has an uncanny ability to write and develope big ideas for small people (like me). Four stars cause I am a presuppositionalist:) "
— Stuart, 8/4/2010" Excellent introduction to the ideas of historical philosophers. "
— Matt, 5/28/2010" This book was a great complimentary text with Dr. Frame's History of Philosophy and Christian Thought Class. It summarizes both Christian History and Philosophy using terms that I could understand. It was a quicker read than most history and philosophy books I read.<br/> "
— Eric, 1/31/2010" A great introduction to philosophy from a Christian perspective that is as unbiased as books come (no such thing as no bias). Gives an overview of all the famous philosophers from classic to modern with a critique concerning their most famous works. "
— Charles, 2/22/2009" I actually haven't read this book, but I have watched the video series, which was the basis for the book. It is an excellent and enjoyable overview of the history of philosophy. "
— Rebekah, 4/8/2008" An excellent resource explaining both ancient and modern philosophies as well as their effects on popular thought. Sproul is king! "
— Eric, 8/16/2007Dr. R. C. Sproul, the founder and chairman of Ligonier Ministries, is known for his ability to communicate the deep truths of the Christian faith. He is president of Reformation Bible College, preaches at Saint Andrew’s Chapel, and teaches on the daily radio program Renewing Your Mind. He has written more than eighty books.
Sean Runnette, an Earphones Award–winning narrator, has also directed and produced more than two hundred audiobooks, including several Audie Award winners. He is a member of the American Repertory Theater company and has toured the United States and internationally with ART and Mabou Mines. His television and film appearances include Two If by Sea, Cop Land, Sex and the City, Law & Order, the award-winning film Easter, and numerous commercials.