Good Ideas from Questionable Christians and Outright Pagans: An Introduction to Key Thinkers and Philosophies

by Steve Wilkens

Steve Wilkens introduces the study of philosophy by exploring a single issue from each of these well-known philosophers: Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Aquinas, Descartes, Kierkegaard, Marx, Nietzsche and Sartre.

Genres: Philosophy, School, Nonfiction

256 pages, Paperback

First published December 30, 2003

Reviews

[Terri Lynn · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was asked to read this book and give an honest appraisal though I don't think they are going to like the appraisal I am about to give. The reason for the request is that Sonlight Curriculum, a seller of homeschool curriculum from preschool for age 3 through grade 12 has chosen this book for its senior course and the hope was that I would endorse it since I love the old Greek philosophers.

I have homeschooled for almost 21 years and I have taught classes for home school students from preschool to college as well as running groups for home schoolers and acting as a consultant for parents. While I like a lot of the books Sonlight has used for science and history (the Usborne and UK books) and for readers and read-alouds (ordinary classics and Newbery and Caldecott books), I can't endorse it as a curriculum even if they give a nod to Socrates. They promote the ignorant belief in Christian mythology as if it were real science and history while as an Atheist who teaches from a secular basic emphasizing truth and logic I find it repugnant that so many keep their kids from even hearing about other ways of thinking and belief and refuse to let the kids actually research the facts because it will cause them to stop having faith in their imaginary friends and old myths. Facts and truth are nothing to be afraid of- unless you are promoting old myths. Too many kids get brainwashed after 18 years of proselytizing, church, homeschool/church school, etc and it must be quite a shock to show up in the real world which is why many of these parents try to get them in a Christian college to keep their faith in myths.

The author of this book is one such individual. He freely admits in the book that he was so thoroughly brainwashed into faith in Christian mythology, he was too scared to take a real philosophy class in college and then moved right into the theology and religion department with a goal of getting a PhD in Bible and theology so to teach and pass his ignorant beliefs onto more people without interacting with the real world. How pathetic to be afraid to hear something that might challenge one's beliefs in myths. This happened to Dan Barker who finally researched his beliefs which led him to become an Atheist and now is co-president of the Freedom from Religion Foundation (www.ffrf.org ). I recommend everyone read his book Godless: How an Evangelical Preacher Became One of America's Leading Atheists to see how that happened.

Wilkens' book does include thinkers like Socrates but only to try to twist their thinking processes into his own promotion of belief in Christian myths. This is NOT a book for those who want their teens or themselves to really see the key philosophers thoughts as they themselves would want them seen. Notice even on the cover he mocks them by having their portraits look goofy. Can you see him put a similar Jesus picture on the cover? No? Me either.

Here's an idea- just buy or check out books that were written and translated from the original philosophers and thinkers. Let them speak for themselves in their words. I know that Christian home school parents and colleges aren't about to do that anymore than the Christian home school parents are about to teach a real evolution course instead of a "Jesus made it all!" creation science course from a Christian publisher. That's a pity. Anything you have to spend 22 years forcing on a young person and carefully keeping away any other thoughts or opinions must be untruths with no factual basis or else there would be nothing left to fear.

[Grant Davis]

This book does a great job at giving a "meat and potatoes" view of some of the more prominent philosophers that have influenced culture and then it lays it beside a standard Christian worldview. This book was easy to follow and can be kept around for later reference.

[Vinnie Santini · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exceptional introduction to philosophy for those who do not like philosophy. The book engage key thinkers throughout western culture and brought out there ideas In an understandable way. Finished off with a Christian dissecting of the ideas with great insight and humility!

[Julianna E Mueller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provides a great introduction into the ideas of the philosophers, which makes me want to read even more into their original works! At the end of each chapter he provides an analysis of faults in their logic and how their philosophy contrasts with Christian beliefs. Obviously a Christian would appreciate hearing this perspective but I think it would be interesting to read about whatever your beliefs may be. I wish there were more books like this, hearing people with different beliefs analyze philosophers.

A major take away from learning about philosophers is how much their ideas predominate western thought. We're exposed to ideas just by existing in the world and it's too easy to just accept what is given to us. In the first chapter about Socrates the author explains that beliefs are more important to us if we earn them through hard work rather than having them given to us. A helpful reminder to not just accept popular ideas as the only option.

I think I enjoyed reading about Socrates the most, he sounds like quite a character, and this quote made me laugh, "When I think that any person is not wise, I try to help the cause of God by proving that he is not." Never stop asking questions!

[Stella Etienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend! This was a very good introduction to key thinkers like Descartes, Aristotle, Kiergaard, Aquinas etc. He does very good at explaining a key concept from every philosopher, talking about why it’s important/enlightening yet how it differs Christianity. Wilkens also answers Tertullian’s question “what does Athens have to do with Jerusalem?” by saying we need to hear Athens out first, and how there’s a lot we can benefit from when thinking about how to live and find answers to the big questions in life. This book makes me want to dive in more into philosophy and hear the authors in their own words.

[Anna Shaffer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, I went into this book thinking that it would be a drag. After the first couple chapters, the ideas presented were difficult to grasp, but once I had time to think on the principal, it was easier to understand. The writing was incredible, and I appreciated how many direct quotes and paraphrases there were of texts from the different philosophers. At the end of each chapter, there was a small section dedicated to pulling ideas out from each philosopher that aligned with the Christian worldview. I loved reading this, and I would read it again.

[Dvdlynch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice layman-friendly introductions to several key philosophers of the Western tradition. Lacks any bibliography so if you want to "Read More About It" you're out of luck, an odd omission in a book ostensibly aimed at beginners. My personal copy was also riddled with typos (eg. the chapter on Satre has 'being-in-itself' transposed with 'being-for-itself' at least once). Needs an editing pass and a smidgen of critical apparatus.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

[Holly Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Made me question everything! I loved it!!

[Jamie Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book. Thought provoking and challenging.

[Tommy Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good!