In the name of sanity.

by Eric Metaxas

Who doesn’t have questions about God? But where in the world can you go to get answers? Eric Metaxas has been there, so he gets it. Which is why he’s written this shockingly down-to-earth book on the big questions everyone asks (but not always out loud).Totally conversational and sometimes flat-out hilarious, this book * How can a good God create a world that has evil and suffering?* Is God anti-sex?* Doesn’t science make God obsolete?* What’s the real story on miracles?* If God is everywhere, why go to church?* Don’t we already have God within us?* Isn’t God too busy running the universe to care about the details of my day?These questions (and many more) get no-nonsense answers that don’t hide behind dull theological language. So get the lowdown (and more than a few laughs) on what are probably the most important questions anyone has.

Genres: Philosophy, History

Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 1954

About the author

In a decidedly eclectic career, Eric Metaxas has written for VeggieTales, Chuck Colson, Rabbit Ears Productions and the New York Times, four things not ordinarily in the same sentence. He is a best-selling author whose biographies, children’s books, and works of popular apologetics have been translated into more than 25 languages.

Reviews

[Stefano Solventi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Bah.

[Dave · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was better and worse than 'The Condition of Man.' Worse in that it is more uneven. But this book is a collection of essays/speeches, which allows him to concentrate on more specific questions that highlight his strengths. His best stuff here deals with mankind relating to his environment, especially our machines.

Most approach the question of technology by saying something like, "Technology is morally neutral, and can be used for good or bad by people." Mumford's take is more nuanced. He seems to say that 1) Technology enters a context in which it is much more likely/not likely that it will be used for good or bad. We must be careful, discerning, and responsible. 2) Technology should be viewed not just on what it can accomplish, but how it accomplishes its tasks. His main concern here is how technology can separate us from our humanity if we are not careful and watchful. He urges us to return to 'technics' that enhance, rather than detract, from our humanity.

I don't disagree with him, but I was disappointed that Mumford does not seem to offer any way to get there. Maybe its unfair since these were short speeches/essays. How to make sure, short of a philosopher king telling us what to do, we create only 'good' technology in a free market society is beyond me -- perhaps there is no 'solution.' In regards to argument #1 of his above -- he uses nuclear fission as an obvious example. But he does not deal with the scenario that the U.S. dealt with, namely that the Nazi's might possibly developed it first. In a fallen world, do we then have to develop it too? I don't think there is an obvious answer, but he does not deal with this question.

I thought this article on what he calls 'Authoritarian and Democratic Technics' http://www.primitivism.com/mumford.htm summed things up better than his work in the book. So if you are curious, my recommendation is to see the link.

[Elizabeth]

c1954 first edition
dustjacket is quite frayed book is ok