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Assumptions that Affect Our Lives
A clash and contrast between Greek philosophy and Hebrew wisdom and their role in shaping Western Christianity.
192 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1996
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
February 21, 2023
A good little book contrasting Greek and Hebrew worldviews and how they affect our lives now. A great read if you're developing a strong biblical worldview.
December 29, 2014
Straightforward. Direct. Organized. Earth-shaking. A call to philosophical arms. Superb: every American needs to read this. I didn't remember this book holding such great principles when I studied it years back. I'm glad I reviewed it.
I almost gave it five stars, if not for the fact that it could have been even longer and deeper. The author's biting sarcasm also surfaces on occasion, little jeers that I could have gone without. But that's nothing compared to the rich common sense this book contains.
"We live in a day when self-expression is valued above self-control."
This is a foundational read for an American of any religion or creed who is developing his personal worldview (aka: everyone). Overman's perspective is unique in that he contrasts the Hebrews and the Greeks, very directly pointing out cultural differences and tracing them through American history, noting distinctions that the church wouldn't even recognize. He covers issues like the nature of mankind, natural law, the importance of responsibility and morality, the definition of true freedom, the foundation of family, the dangers of humanism, and the intertwining of education and theology.
I almost gave it five stars, if not for the fact that it could have been even longer and deeper. The author's biting sarcasm also surfaces on occasion, little jeers that I could have gone without. But that's nothing compared to the rich common sense this book contains.
"We live in a day when self-expression is valued above self-control."
This is a foundational read for an American of any religion or creed who is developing his personal worldview (aka: everyone). Overman's perspective is unique in that he contrasts the Hebrews and the Greeks, very directly pointing out cultural differences and tracing them through American history, noting distinctions that the church wouldn't even recognize. He covers issues like the nature of mankind, natural law, the importance of responsibility and morality, the definition of true freedom, the foundation of family, the dangers of humanism, and the intertwining of education and theology.
May 14, 2012
I have read a number of books on Apologetics. Expecting a rehash of the same material I was pleased with this authors approach. The author has added a somewhat new dimension, a new dynamic to the table. He calls it the Hebrew model and throughout the book he contrasts the Hebrew model with the Greek model. Though he equates the Hebrew model with the Biblical model he not only uses the Bible as his foundation but he also brings pout how the Hebrews applied the OT to their living and thinking. This brings a freshness to the worldview discussion which is intriguing and helpful. Of the many “worldview” books to choose from this is the one I would recommend to someone interested in this topic, whether it’s the first book they are reading or they are a seasoned reader. I consider this a great find.
April 15, 2018
An excellent and very readable book that looks at how Greek ideas have influenced Western society more and more. It compares Greek thinking with the biblical, Hebraic way of thinking. Many parts of life and society are looked at, such as the idea of 'God', morality, family, philosophy, government and education. Each chapter is concluded with a summary and some questions for further study or discussion. This book was an eye-opener in many areas, and I've been mulling some of things over ever since. I would love to return to it soon and spend time working through the questions! The book was first published in 1996, but it could have been written today, it is so topical. Highly recommended, especially to Christians who would like a better understanding of why society is changing the way it is.
May 10, 2023
This is an excellent book to make you think about the unstated assumptions that affect our culture and society. The author compares the Ancient Greek model with the Ancient Hebrew / Biblical model, and shows how much of modern Western culture (since the Enlightenment) has diverged away from Christian assumptions.
It was written in the 1990s, and I first read it then. Now, reading it again 25 years later, it’s easy to see how our culture has moved even further away from its Christian heritage, which makes the book’s message even more relevant today.
It was written in the 1990s, and I first read it then. Now, reading it again 25 years later, it’s easy to see how our culture has moved even further away from its Christian heritage, which makes the book’s message even more relevant today.
March 12, 2020
Read with my 11th grader, this book was with her homeschool curriculum- My Father's World. Had some excellent discussions as she solidifies her opinions in a Biblical worldview and thinks about issues that face our world.
March 16, 2023
So good! I learned so much and I never found the reading tedious. Sometimes the giant words would throw me but those moments were few and far between. I recommend this book to everyone and I’ll definitely be rereading.
May 17, 2019
Great book!
Awesome book! Gives a good understanding on what is happening in present day America and how it needs to change.
Awesome book! Gives a good understanding on what is happening in present day America and how it needs to change.
October 11, 2019
It is extremely rare that I state that a book has changed the way I view things, but this one has. I will be pondering the content and returning back to this book time and time again.
February 11, 2021
I mainly disliked this book because the author stated many 'facts' that just didn't sound right and then never cited his sources.
March 11, 2024
Very good! Gave a background of how Darwinism and Evolution affects our thinking.
October 28, 2024
Kids' high school assigned reading that I was encouraged to read by a college friend (NR). Glad I did! And once again impressed with MFW lesson plans.
March 7, 2014
"I think everybody needs to read it." --Destry
I read Assumptions That Affect Our Lives: How Worldviews Determine Values that Influence Behavior and Shape Culture by Dr. Christian Overman with my teens this past school year. This book is so outstanding, it's one of those I have a hard time reviewing. I agree with Destry; my temptation is to just say go get this book right now and read it. Period.
Why are you still here reading this review? Do you need further convincing? Let's see if I can organize my racing brain.
This book is written from the premise that we all have certain assumptions--a pattern of thought, if you will--that shape what we believe and how we live. Many times we don't even examine why we believe what we believe, or how our beliefs are affecting the choices we make. This book breaks down how the choices we are making, both as individuals and as a culture, are revealing underlying beliefs.
It's a bit scary.
This is a huge topic, but Dr. Overman did a wonderful job making it easier to understand (his acknowledgements give credit to his wife for 'reviewing the manuscript with an eye for understandability for everyday people', so I am also grateful to her). He breaks it down into its most basic form as a comparison between Hebraic thought (that of those people who believed in God and attempted to follow His commandments) and Greek thought (in which people believe there is no absolute truth and worship the created rather than the Creator). He shows that our belief system is something like a map, and if our map is flawed, we simply won't reach our destination. It doesn't matter how talented we are, how hard we work, how sincerely we are attempting to arrive if our map is flawed.
Now aren't you ready to check this book out so you can examine your map? This is serious business.
Overman challenges us to a history quiz. "What time and place in history do the following statements describe?
People, especially the educated ones, have rejected traditional religion.
The upper class is consumed with the pursuit of pleasure.
Education stresses knowledge more than character, and produces masses of half-educated people.
Public athletic games have turned into professional contests.
Homosexuality is popular.
Men who want to watch dances by unclad women do not have to go far to find them.
The dramas of the day are full of seduction and adultery.
A women's liberation movement has brought women into active roles in a previously male-oriented culture.
Motherhood is devalued, and the bearing of children is viewed as an inconvenience.
Abortion is commonly practiced, as well as infanticide.
The similarities between decadent Greece and present day America are stark and sobering. Even more sobering is the fact that many of these descriptions so fitting for America today would have been unthinkable just two generations ago. We've come a long way in a short time. The descriptions of ancient Greece listed above are those given by historian Will Durant in his well-known book, The Life of Greece, published in 1939. He writes about these characteristics of Greek culture near the latter part of the book, in a subsection entitled, "The Morals of Decay." This was Greece near the end of her life" (20, emphasis mine).
"It all has to do with thinking. What was once unthinkable, became acceptable thought. And what is accepted thought, sooner or later is acted out. Our assumptions have changed. What most Americans assumed years ago to be true about ourselves and our offspring, many no longer hold to be true. There has been a large scale shift of assumptions about who we are and what determines our values. At the present time in our history, many Americans have assimilated those same assumptions held by the ancient Greeks that allowed a few Nazi Germans to justify the elimination of bed-wetters. These very same assumptions are now allowing a multitude of apple-pie-eating Americans to eliminate 4,000 pre-born children a day, before they have an opportunity to sleep in a bed, let alone wet one" (70).
Briana shares her favorite idea she took from the book: "There is no such thing as secular. There is no area that God is not present in. As Colossians says, in Him all things exist and hold together. Instead of secular and spiritual dividers, we should designate things as either natural or supernatural; God is present in both." I thought this was a great lesson for her to retain, especially considering our tendency to "compartmentalize" God and our belief in Him. It's tempting to relegate God to Sunday and think education, employment, relationships, government, etc. somehow operate independently of Him.
I could go on and on about the tons of information packed into this book. I could have written a blog post responding to each chapter if I had just had the time. It's really that good. What are you waiting for? wink, (and no I don't receive a commission, I just think it's that great).
I read Assumptions That Affect Our Lives: How Worldviews Determine Values that Influence Behavior and Shape Culture by Dr. Christian Overman with my teens this past school year. This book is so outstanding, it's one of those I have a hard time reviewing. I agree with Destry; my temptation is to just say go get this book right now and read it. Period.
Why are you still here reading this review? Do you need further convincing? Let's see if I can organize my racing brain.
This book is written from the premise that we all have certain assumptions--a pattern of thought, if you will--that shape what we believe and how we live. Many times we don't even examine why we believe what we believe, or how our beliefs are affecting the choices we make. This book breaks down how the choices we are making, both as individuals and as a culture, are revealing underlying beliefs.
It's a bit scary.
This is a huge topic, but Dr. Overman did a wonderful job making it easier to understand (his acknowledgements give credit to his wife for 'reviewing the manuscript with an eye for understandability for everyday people', so I am also grateful to her). He breaks it down into its most basic form as a comparison between Hebraic thought (that of those people who believed in God and attempted to follow His commandments) and Greek thought (in which people believe there is no absolute truth and worship the created rather than the Creator). He shows that our belief system is something like a map, and if our map is flawed, we simply won't reach our destination. It doesn't matter how talented we are, how hard we work, how sincerely we are attempting to arrive if our map is flawed.
Now aren't you ready to check this book out so you can examine your map? This is serious business.
Overman challenges us to a history quiz. "What time and place in history do the following statements describe?
People, especially the educated ones, have rejected traditional religion.
The upper class is consumed with the pursuit of pleasure.
Education stresses knowledge more than character, and produces masses of half-educated people.
Public athletic games have turned into professional contests.
Homosexuality is popular.
Men who want to watch dances by unclad women do not have to go far to find them.
The dramas of the day are full of seduction and adultery.
A women's liberation movement has brought women into active roles in a previously male-oriented culture.
Motherhood is devalued, and the bearing of children is viewed as an inconvenience.
Abortion is commonly practiced, as well as infanticide.
The similarities between decadent Greece and present day America are stark and sobering. Even more sobering is the fact that many of these descriptions so fitting for America today would have been unthinkable just two generations ago. We've come a long way in a short time. The descriptions of ancient Greece listed above are those given by historian Will Durant in his well-known book, The Life of Greece, published in 1939. He writes about these characteristics of Greek culture near the latter part of the book, in a subsection entitled, "The Morals of Decay." This was Greece near the end of her life" (20, emphasis mine).
"It all has to do with thinking. What was once unthinkable, became acceptable thought. And what is accepted thought, sooner or later is acted out. Our assumptions have changed. What most Americans assumed years ago to be true about ourselves and our offspring, many no longer hold to be true. There has been a large scale shift of assumptions about who we are and what determines our values. At the present time in our history, many Americans have assimilated those same assumptions held by the ancient Greeks that allowed a few Nazi Germans to justify the elimination of bed-wetters. These very same assumptions are now allowing a multitude of apple-pie-eating Americans to eliminate 4,000 pre-born children a day, before they have an opportunity to sleep in a bed, let alone wet one" (70).
Briana shares her favorite idea she took from the book: "There is no such thing as secular. There is no area that God is not present in. As Colossians says, in Him all things exist and hold together. Instead of secular and spiritual dividers, we should designate things as either natural or supernatural; God is present in both." I thought this was a great lesson for her to retain, especially considering our tendency to "compartmentalize" God and our belief in Him. It's tempting to relegate God to Sunday and think education, employment, relationships, government, etc. somehow operate independently of Him.
I could go on and on about the tons of information packed into this book. I could have written a blog post responding to each chapter if I had just had the time. It's really that good. What are you waiting for? wink, (and no I don't receive a commission, I just think it's that great).
July 10, 2019
“There is a big difference between separation of church and state, and separation of God and state.”
Assumptions That Affect Our Lives is coming from a Judeo-Christian perspective. Overman shows in the western world how other worldviews have influenced our values and behaviors. Worldview is how we see the world. It influences how we interact with the world, view the world, walk about in our world. Assumptions That Affect Our Lives is wonderfully organized. It's a quick read and informative. Overan explores the ideas of every aspect of our lives. Assumptions That Affect Our Lives is a great introductory book on how to look at the life we live in a Western World, with our mesh of different worldviews.
Assumptions That Affect Our Lives is coming from a Judeo-Christian perspective. Overman shows in the western world how other worldviews have influenced our values and behaviors. Worldview is how we see the world. It influences how we interact with the world, view the world, walk about in our world. Assumptions That Affect Our Lives is wonderfully organized. It's a quick read and informative. Overan explores the ideas of every aspect of our lives. Assumptions That Affect Our Lives is a great introductory book on how to look at the life we live in a Western World, with our mesh of different worldviews.
March 24, 2024
i read this book for my worldview class and i really enjoyed this!! i love the consistency with mr overman’s points - i feel like some authors can be very inconsistent with this skill. this is a great read if you want a solid apologetics book!
~full rating 5⭐️
~full rating 5⭐️
November 27, 2013
Have you ever asked yourself why you believe what you believe? Or wondered what the Bible says about a controversial topic? Or cried out to God, how did America come to this?
I read a book that answers these questions, called Assumptions that Affect Our Lives: How Worldviews Determine Values that Influence Behavior and Shape Culture, by Dr. Christian Overman. I read it and discussed it with my parents, and all of us were impressed and challenged by it. Dr. Overman uses striking word pictures to illustrate the difference between the ancient Greek model (the worldly lifestyle) and the ancient Hebrew model (the Christian lifestyle) as he addresses topics from God and creation to mankind and education.
I came away from each chapter astounded, impressed, challenged, and inspired. This book digs to the very roots of the two different worldviews and shows us how such a worldview brings forth such ugly or desirable fruit.
Please read this book. Of all the books I read for school, this is the one that I will never forget. And neither will you if you read it. It is very educational and beautifully powerful in its message about assumptions and how they affect our lives.
I read a book that answers these questions, called Assumptions that Affect Our Lives: How Worldviews Determine Values that Influence Behavior and Shape Culture, by Dr. Christian Overman. I read it and discussed it with my parents, and all of us were impressed and challenged by it. Dr. Overman uses striking word pictures to illustrate the difference between the ancient Greek model (the worldly lifestyle) and the ancient Hebrew model (the Christian lifestyle) as he addresses topics from God and creation to mankind and education.
I came away from each chapter astounded, impressed, challenged, and inspired. This book digs to the very roots of the two different worldviews and shows us how such a worldview brings forth such ugly or desirable fruit.
Please read this book. Of all the books I read for school, this is the one that I will never forget. And neither will you if you read it. It is very educational and beautifully powerful in its message about assumptions and how they affect our lives.
June 16, 2016
Before reading this book I knew our Western culture was shaped by the Greeks, but I had no idea to what degree Christianity was influenced. My mind has been opened to assumptions I have been operating under, biases that are very much prevalent within the Christian church today. By contrasting Greek and Hebrew thought, and then Hebrew thought to our modern Western culture, Overman demonstrates the pervasive influence of Plato and other ancient Greek philosophers on the thinking of the early Christian church fathers, and thus also the Church today. Just being aware of this bias, namely the duality between the non-material and material, is liberating. The author gives an interesting synopsis of the history and causes of this duality in Greek philosophy, and why it infiltrated Christianity.
This book reads easily and the language is not overly academic. I read this book because it was a reading assignment for my 8th grader, and I recommend it without reserve to youth as well as adults who are unfamiliar with the ubiquitous Greek influence on our thinking.
This book reads easily and the language is not overly academic. I read this book because it was a reading assignment for my 8th grader, and I recommend it without reserve to youth as well as adults who are unfamiliar with the ubiquitous Greek influence on our thinking.
October 15, 2015
Everybody has a philosophy of life. They may even know the name of it, but few know the assumptions that their philosophy is built upon. Our assumptions (or presuppositions) in turn give shape to what we value and then to how we live out our life. In very general terms, Overman attempts to describe the assumptions of various preeminent worldviews that hold sway in Western culture. He posits that Socrates, Plato and Aristotle have had a major impact on past and present day philosophies; he contrasts the pagan philosophies with Judeo-Christianity; and he describes Modernism and Post-modernism. The thrust of the book is to educate Christians about the philosophical assumptions that have produced the variety of isms that they will encounter and to help them be involved in the great cultural debate.
The writing style is didactic, yet clear and concise. It is perhaps a little different approach to philosophy, but it holds. It is good enough to re-read later or to reference.
The writing style is didactic, yet clear and concise. It is perhaps a little different approach to philosophy, but it holds. It is good enough to re-read later or to reference.
November 9, 2018
A pretty tough read for me, but it made me think. A LOT. About my worldview and where it came from. It has changed my thinking for the better.
I didn't know the difference between Hebrew and Greek thought, nor that our society is so immersed in Greek thought and actions.
Overman talks about how so much Western/Dualistic thinking has entered into our Christian thinking without us even being aware, and how much even the early church fathers believed in the ideas of the early philosophers, like Aristotle, Plato, etc...
While at times this book seemed over my head, I did glean quite a bit, and will go over it again with a highlighter.
I found most interesting the differences between the way the Greeks and the Spartans raised their children, and how the Spartans saw them as wards of the state, sending them away from their parents as young as seven and teaching them the way of soldiering, toughening them up, etc..Brutal!
I didn't know the difference between Hebrew and Greek thought, nor that our society is so immersed in Greek thought and actions.
Overman talks about how so much Western/Dualistic thinking has entered into our Christian thinking without us even being aware, and how much even the early church fathers believed in the ideas of the early philosophers, like Aristotle, Plato, etc...
While at times this book seemed over my head, I did glean quite a bit, and will go over it again with a highlighter.
I found most interesting the differences between the way the Greeks and the Spartans raised their children, and how the Spartans saw them as wards of the state, sending them away from their parents as young as seven and teaching them the way of soldiering, toughening them up, etc..Brutal!
August 10, 2011
This book was remarkable! Thus I will make the following remarks: Overman caused me to check my own assumptions and it has made a possetive difference in the way I process things, also he showed a great deal of understanding and knowlege as he continually braught up well documented historical accounts. This book is written by a Christian but is not necesarily for a Christian, if you have a reletive or friend and you have trouble seeing eye to eye this book might help you get a better understanding of why they think differently from you. In conclusion I recomend this book!
September 23, 2013
This book took me a long time to read, but when I would just get to it I really did enjoy it and found myself understanding things I hadn't before which made reading this book exciting! It was written in a way that was pretty easy to understand, but the chapters were *really* long, so it was a lot to take in at once!
I would definitely recommend this to students! (Or really anyone old enough to grasp the contents. ;))
I would definitely recommend this to students! (Or really anyone old enough to grasp the contents. ;))
May 21, 2012
The saying: "If you don't know your history you are bound to repeat it," sums up this book quite nicely. This easy to read book takes you on a journey to find out where our modern worldview (assumptions)have come from. The basic idea is that if you know where the wrong idea came from you will be better enabled to help yourself, or another person to realize the truth.
September 6, 2008
He explains the differences between Greek (western, humanism) and Hebrew culture, thought process, etc. He also provides solid history on humanism, which if you are unaware is the main faith of western countries. This is basic philosphy, yet easy to read.
January 27, 2009
I like the way this was written: great examples throughout history of the differences between Greek and Hebrew thought. He parallels these throughout different moveemnts in history up to today and the trouble we're heading into with a postmodern mindset.
December 12, 2015
Love this book! I have read it two or three times now and each time find it a clear, interesting, and helpful explanation of the origins and implications of different ways of thinking. One of my favorites!
February 2, 2013
Awesome primer on Greek vs. Hebraic thinking. This book delves deeply into the assumptions that affect our daily lives. Are we thinking the way God intended? Or have we adopted the thoughts of the world without realizing it? Highly recommended.
March 30, 2016
Very informative and easy to read. Dr. Overman does a great job of walking through various world views and discussing the flaws within. Strong call to Christians to know Scripture and engage the cultures around them.
Read
March 9, 2008This is another book we're working through during high school. Our focus is worldviews--building our Christian worldview and understanding the secular/humanist worldview too.
Want to read
March 2, 2010Recommended by Doug Schiable
July 11, 2011
Much food for thought. There was a lot of historical information I didn't know about Hebrew and Greek thought and worldviews. This book was very understandable and helpful. I highly recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews