Loving God with All Your Mind: Thinking as a Christian in the Postmodern World

by Gene Edward Veith Jr.

Our world is alive with fascinating new ideas, discoveries, and technologies. But for Christians this can also present problems-especially when the values of postmodernism and secular university life conflict with basic Christian principles. What should Christians do when their beliefs come under attack in the classroom or the public square? Loving God with All Your Mind shows us that the answer is neither wholesale rejection of intellectual life and culture, nor blind acceptance of it. The answer lies in understanding that Jesus is Lord of all of life and that everything in life must be carefully viewed in the light of what Christ's lordship means. Gene Edward Veith unfolds a dazzling critique of the postmodern intellectual world and culture. He affirms the part that is good and true, but he also shows crucial weaknesses that have such a hold over contemporary thought. This book shows Christians how to survive and flourish in a postmodern world while affirming the truth of the Christian faith.

Genres: Christian, Theology, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Christian Living, Religion, Devotional

160 pages, Paperback

First published October 7, 2003

About the author

Gene Edward Veith Jr., is the Culture Editor of WORLD MAGAZINE. He was formerly Professor of English at Concordia University Wisconsin, where he has also served as Dean of the School of Arts & Sciences. He is the author of numerous books, including Postmodern Times: A Christian Guide to Contemporary Thought and Culture, The Spirituality of the Cross: The Way of the First Evangelicals, and God at Work: Your Christian Vocation in All of Life.

Postmodern Times received a Christianity Today Book Award as one of the top 25 religious books of 1994. He was named Concordia's Adult Learning Teacher of the Year in 1993 and received the Faculty Laureate Award as outstanding faculty member in 1994. He was a Salvatori Fellow with the Heritage Foundation in 1994-1995 and is a Senior Fellow with the Capital Research Center. He was given the layman’s 2002 Robert D. Preus Award by the Association of Confessional Lutherans as “Confessional Lutheran of the Year.”

Dr. Veith was born in Oklahoma in 1951. He graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 1973 and received a Ph.D. in English from the University of Kansas in 1979. He has taught at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College and was a Visiting Professor at Wheaton College in Illinois. He was also a Visiting Lecturer at the Estonian Institute of Humanities in Tallinn, Estonia. He and his wife Jackquelyn have three grown children and live in Cedarburg, Wisconsin.

Reviews

[Brian Eshleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book manages to challenge and provoke thought but to do so in a positive and encouraging way. It equips the Christian to be skeptical of the culture's intellectual climate, and, at the same time, to engage with its errors in a compelling and upbeat way – as in the process of challenging error and heresy Christ is glorified.

[Stuart Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book especially for students going through secular education and trying to develope a christian worldview. Veith deals with false assumptions and accusations commonly thrown against christians and shows how having a Biblical worldview is the basis for all learning.

[Jonathan Bauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book. Not a point for point apologetic work, but more of a comprehensive framework for the Christian's approach to academics and learning. I'd love to know what he wrote in '87 and what he wrote in '03. It seems as though Veith has had just the right thing that Christians need to hear at this time and place all along. If he's had it since '03 it would be impressive enough. If he's had it since '87....

[Luke Vandall · Rating 4 out of 5]

An accessible introductory analysis of the use of the Christian mind. It would be a great place for high school students to begin their encounter with the secular world in college.

[Amor Victorino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excelente book. May the Lord help us to continue our pursuit of knowledge, and while we acquire it, with it may we glorify the Lord.

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gene Veith is one of my favorite modern Christian authors - a voice of truth and reason in the mad world of post-modernity. He always renews my hope and belief that Christianity WILL survive the modern world, and spurs me on to do more of what God has called me to do. This title in particular focuses on the world of academia, and how contrary to popular cynicism, Christianity actually provides a unique advantage to anyone seeking true knowledge and understanding.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

The basic premise of this book is that Daniel became excellent in Babylonian culture and literature and God used this to further His name. Veith equates this with "secular" wisdom, stating that our privilege and responsibility as Christians is to pursue intellectual excellence in every area of life for the glory of Christ. It inspired me to be a better thinker.

[Bryan Neuschwander · Rating 4 out of 5]

I especially liked the exploration of Daniel, the reliance throughout on G. K Chesterton (who was brilliant), the penultimate chapter, and, of course, the lines from Yeat's "Second Coming" from the conclusion.

[K B · Rating 4 out of 5]

recommended reading for all Jr. and Sr. high school students and their parents as they begin their search for college years. Very Good advice and information about how Christians need approach the subject of higher education.

[Jeremy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read probably around 2005.