Revolutions in Worldview: Understanding the Flow of Western Thought

by W. Andrew Hoffecker (Editor)

Revolutions in Understanding the Flow of Western Thought traces the historical development of the Western mind through ten eras. It explores the fundamental ideas that revolutionized the way in which people thought and acted from the ancient Greeks and the biblical writers through the Medieval, Renaissance, Reformation, Enlightenment, Modern, and Postmodern periods.

Genres: Philosophy, History, Nonfiction, Theology, Christian, Cultural, Church History

448 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2007

Reviews

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Andrew Hoffecker and the other authors of this volume have accomplished a challenging and important task: tracing the history of Western thought through an analysis of worldviews. The stated thesis is “that Western thought has experienced a series of changes so profound that they should be called revolutions” (xiii).

While the authors provide Christian critique of the various worldviews, this critique does not overwhelm the narrative. For the most part, the writing style is clear and accessible, and each author exhibits a competent covering of their respective eras. Three other features make this volume appealing: an annotated bibliography at the end of each chapter provides a platform for further research, a glossary in the back gives students quick glosses to unfamiliar terms and names, and discussion questions at the end of each chapter serve to direct potential discussion and cement the ideas in students’ minds.

An additional, although unstated, thesis might be that the worldviews tend to disintegrate into absurdity whenever they stray from the biblical worldview. Another theme that runs throughout the book is that the penchant toward human autonomy inevitably leads to self-destruction, although the seeds of that destruction may not be evident for centuries.

[Timothy Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael Payne summarized well that contrary to Nagel’s view, the Christian worldview is a “View from Somewhere,” - “a place where subject and object can dwell without falling prey to the idolatry that results from pursuing one extreme or the other.”

Given that people act in accordance with their thinking, the fundamental beliefs of man throughout time has influenced every possible facet of human life. Individually and collectively, worldview is enacted inexorably. Knowing this, it is incumbent upon every person to learn to recognize the seductive patterns of thinking that lead to consequences that inevitably befall half-truths or aberrant philosophies that (Rom.1) suppress Truth.

All the contributors to this work elucidated admirably on the great conversations of ideas.

This was very much a joy to read.

[Timothy Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5-4? I think I may be biased towards the later essays (medieval and onwards) because I just taught on early church history and a lot of what I read was on the development of Hellenistic and Christian thought.

[Jerome · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for every Christian theologian and philosopher.

[Gary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Only really started this, but I have decided to review each chapter, as the authors differ.

The first is by Frame, as he covers ancient philosophy. At times his explanations are helpful, but overall he is too negative, and more than a little simplistic in his analysis of their teachings. It became rather grating for him to repeatedly conclude that they could have done much better if they had had access to the Scriptures, which seems a rather pointless observation.

Durrid, writes on the Hebrew worldview. Which is quite good. I appreciated the presentation of various understandings of the Days of Creation. Unlike Frame he seems to have some space for Natural Law as a source of Divine wisdom.

[Mitchell Traver · Rating 4 out of 5]

Covers a lot of ground. Good summaries and insightful commentary in a number of chapters. Edited books aren’t my preference, mostly because the book can read disjoinyed and without a unifying theme and voice. Still had to land on four stars just because I think, especially from a Reformed Christian point of view, this book is too substantive to be anything less. Not my favorite historical overview, but helpful.

[Jonathan Prudhomme · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book! It’s a very succinct survey of how thought has developed across the centuries.

[Steven Blann · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great resource for a concise understanding of worldviews across western history

[Bracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Revolutions in Worldview: Understanding the Flow of Western Thought is the perfect balance of philosophy, history and theology all in one book. The book is written from a broadly reformed perspective, thereby providing it with insights not commonly found with books written by authors who derive from a particular denominational viewpoint. The historical chronological order in which the book is presented allows the reader to see the seed and roots of ideas and philosophies which they would otherwise not see. So far so good, I'm enjoying this book a lot.

[M. J. Denning]

The thesis of this book is that Western thought has experienced a series of changes so profound they should be called revolutions. Chronicling these revolutions should enable Christians living in the twenty first century to understand the flow of Western thought. That is: how key ideas persisted over time; how unique perspectives such as the nature of the deity, the question of human nature, and that of the cosmos got their original impetus and developed to their present state; how ideas spawned debates that remain with us; and how shifts from theism to secularism have intensified.

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book because I had read W. Andrew Hoffecker' s other book on worldviews. When I saw that this included Greeks Bearing Gifts by John Frame I was thrilled. I had used that with my Omnibus class and felt that Frame hit the nail on the head. There is much we as Christians can gain from the Greeks but some Christians have gone too far. Most of the other chapters were of the same high caliber. I am considering using this with my 11th grade Omnibus next year as a text.

[Allegra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very informative. Basically it is an overview of the progression of worldview through the ages. It was a little slow going for me because although it is an overview it was hard to keep all the pieces in mind unless you already thoroughly understood the philosophies and movements. I learned a lot and enjoyed the last chapter on how language has been manipulated in a post-modern society.

[Corey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good overview of western philosophy and thought. Various contributions from a variety of scholars within the Reformed tradition. Was disappointed that George Berkeley was completely omitted. Some chapters were stronger than others, but overall it was helpful as an overview.

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

two enlightenment; or no enlightenment?

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book on the subject. I greatly recommend it.

[Jacob Aitken · Rating 3 out of 5]

Essays are a mixed bag. If you are into "worldview stuff," then this is your book.

[Craig · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this for my philosophy class. Some essays were excellent and helpful. Others were over my head. I'm sure I will use this as a resource for philosophy in the future.

[Jesse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good stuff. Leithart's essay is really good.

[Dayo Adewoye · Rating 5 out of 5]

a very helpful historical overview of an important subject.