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O que aconteceu com a raça humana?
“Se uma mulher pode matar os próprios filhos, então o que ocorrerá depois?”, uma vez perguntou madre Teresa. De fato, o que pode? Com a depreciação do valor da vida humana, como nos casos Roe versus Wade e Baby Doe, ninguém está a salvo. Com a substituição do valor absoluto da própria vida humana pela “qualidade de vida”, todos corremos perigo. Cientistas de renome já pedem um intervalo após o nascimento (por volta de uma semana) para decidir se os recém-nascidos têm “qualidade suficiente de vida” para lhes ser permitido viver. Comitês “médicos” desejam decidir se a “qualidade de vida” dos idosos ou de qualquer pessoa portadora de uma enfermidade grave é alta o suficiente para permitir que continuem vivos. Neste livro comovente, o renomado cirurgião pediátrico e ex-chefe do Departamento de Saúde dos Estados Unidos, C. Everett Koop, se uniu a um dos principais pensadores cristãos do século XX, Francis A. Schaeffer, para analisar as consequências amplas e assustadoras da perda de direitos humanos ocasionadas pela prática do aborto, do infanticídio e da eutanásia. Eles enxergavam o momento em que viviam como um divisor de águas. Faziam-se escolhas que minavam os direitos humanos no nível mais básico. As práticas antes rotuladas “impensáveis” passavam a ser consideradas aceitáveis. A destruição de vida humana, dos mais jovens e dos mais idosos, passou a ser promovida em larga escala por médicos, tribunais, pais e cidadãos silentes. “Mas o que eu posso fazer? Sou apenas uma pessoa.” Você pode começar lendo este livro. Sim, ele vai chocar você. E ele o fará chorar. Mas ele também ajudará a perceber como você pode fazer a diferença.
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Como eu descreveria Francis A. Schaeffer e sua obra? Pessoalmente, considero-o meu mentor e, quanto à obra, vejo-a essencialmente ministerial, no sentido bíblico. Aliás, o sentido bíblico era a diretriz de sua vida e obra. Depois de questionar a fé cristã do modo mais profundo, no coração e na mente, Schaeffer construiu um legado maravilhoso de conhecimento da Palavra e de conhecimento do homem e do mundo. Sua visão teorreferente (obrigado pelo neologismo, Davi Charles Gomes) o fez falar do Deus que intervém e que não está calado, produzindo uma cosmovisão fundamentada nos pilares de criação, queda e redenção, cuja expressão se mostrou intensamente influenciada pela teologia de Van Til. Veio daí as suas aplicações dos conceitos de justificação/santificação pela graça mediante a fé à realidade da vida nova num mundo de morte da razão. Neste livro escrito com C. Everett Koop, O que aconteceu com a raça humana?, eles discorrem sobre a alta realidade da dignidade humana criada à imagem do seu Autor, Cristo, ante a dura realidade da morte que tenta impedir a vida de vir à luz presente. Eles acenderam um alerta urgente, na mente do verdadeiro cristão e de seus observadores do mundo, sobre a premência de um novo vocabulário sobre a ética cristã relativamente ao aborto, eutanásia e infanticídio. Nada mais atual para este nosso tempo que já ultrapassa todos esses temas.
A capa da edição de 1979 comentava: “Práticas que uma vez foram rotuladas de ‘impensáveis’ são, agora, consideradas aceitáveis. A destruição da vida humana, de crianças, jovens e velhos, vem sendo sancionada em uma escala crescente e alarmante, pela profissão médica, por cortes judiciais, por familiares e por cristãos silenciosos”.
Há, pelo menos, três razões para que, depois de 40 anos, as opiniões e conclusões desta obra sejam ainda tão atuais: primeiramente em função da perenidade da Palavra e da pregação profética; em segundo lugar, porque, além de pregadores, seus autores manejaram com arte tanto a exegese bíblica quanto a cultura moderna; e, em terceiro e último lugar, a razão principal, isto é, porque aprouve a Deus que a verdade em amor fosse preservada nestas páginas escritas a fim de serem transmitidas para as tábuas escritas de nossos corações.
— Dr. Wadislau Martins Gomes
Autor de Personalidade centrada em Deus
####
Como eu descreveria Francis A. Schaeffer e sua obra? Pessoalmente, considero-o meu mentor e, quanto à obra, vejo-a essencialmente ministerial, no sentido bíblico. Aliás, o sentido bíblico era a diretriz de sua vida e obra. Depois de questionar a fé cristã do modo mais profundo, no coração e na mente, Schaeffer construiu um legado maravilhoso de conhecimento da Palavra e de conhecimento do homem e do mundo. Sua visão teorreferente (obrigado pelo neologismo, Davi Charles Gomes) o fez falar do Deus que intervém e que não está calado, produzindo uma cosmovisão fundamentada nos pilares de criação, queda e redenção, cuja expressão se mostrou intensamente influenciada pela teologia de Van Til. Veio daí as suas aplicações dos conceitos de justificação/santificação pela graça mediante a fé à realidade da vida nova num mundo de morte da razão. Neste livro escrito com C. Everett Koop, O que aconteceu com a raça humana?, eles discorrem sobre a alta realidade da dignidade humana criada à imagem do seu Autor, Cristo, ante a dura realidade da morte que tenta impedir a vida de vir à luz presente. Eles acenderam um alerta urgente, na mente do verdadeiro cristão e de seus observadores do mundo, sobre a premência de um novo vocabulário sobre a ética cristã relativamente ao aborto, eutanásia e infanticídio. Nada mais atual para este nosso tempo que já ultrapassa todos esses temas.
A capa da edição de 1979 comentava: “Práticas que uma vez foram rotuladas de ‘impensáveis’ são, agora, consideradas aceitáveis. A destruição da vida humana, de crianças, jovens e velhos, vem sendo sancionada em uma escala crescente e alarmante, pela profissão médica, por cortes judiciais, por familiares e por cristãos silenciosos”.
Há, pelo menos, três razões para que, depois de 40 anos, as opiniões e conclusões desta obra sejam ainda tão atuais: primeiramente em função da perenidade da Palavra e da pregação profética; em segundo lugar, porque, além de pregadores, seus autores manejaram com arte tanto a exegese bíblica quanto a cultura moderna; e, em terceiro e último lugar, a razão principal, isto é, porque aprouve a Deus que a verdade em amor fosse preservada nestas páginas escritas a fim de serem transmitidas para as tábuas escritas de nossos corações.
— Dr. Wadislau Martins Gomes
Autor de Personalidade centrada em Deus
200 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1979
22 people are currently reading
574 people want to read
About the author
Francis A. Schaeffer
95 books809 followersFrancis August Schaeffer was an American Evangelical Christian theologian, philosopher, and Presbyterian pastor. He is most famous for his writings and his establishment of the L'Abri community in Switzerland. Opposed to theological modernism, Schaeffer promoted a more historic Protestant faith and a presuppositional approach to Christian apologetics which he believed would answer the questions of the age.
Wife: Edith Schaeffer
children: Susan Schaeffer Macaulay
Wife: Edith Schaeffer
children: Susan Schaeffer Macaulay
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
March 4, 2014
First I will admit up front that for me this is one of those books I was going to agree with. We often discuss here reading books from a point of view that is one opposed to our own. I try to do that if for no other reason than to see what's actually thought and said in those books.
You can't disagree if you don't know what you're disagreeing with.
That said I want to ask, even beg that no matter what your default political or for that matter religious stance is you pick up this book and try to read it with an open mind.
The book was published in 1979. I am not going to try and convince you to read it other than by saying it is one of the most prescient reads I've ever come across. The book opens with a discussion of what is "thinkable and what is "unthinkable". Things that were, "unthinkable" over time can become "thinkable". The look at what was thinkable and then of what would become thinkable in the near future (became thinkable in our recent past and our present) are spot on.
They are also frightening...or at least should be.
If it wouldn't be misleading I'd put this book on my Horror shelf as it is true to life horror.
Much of what's said here are things I was already aware of so I'm sure others will be to. However the laying out of them (in a coherent order) and their implications are something I wish more people would think about.
I'm going to ask that you please approach this with an open mind. If at the end you think the book is wrong or the writers are wrong, at least then you'll have considered and thought about it.
I personally don't see how anyone can read this and come away unchanged.
You can't disagree if you don't know what you're disagreeing with.
That said I want to ask, even beg that no matter what your default political or for that matter religious stance is you pick up this book and try to read it with an open mind.
The book was published in 1979. I am not going to try and convince you to read it other than by saying it is one of the most prescient reads I've ever come across. The book opens with a discussion of what is "thinkable and what is "unthinkable". Things that were, "unthinkable" over time can become "thinkable". The look at what was thinkable and then of what would become thinkable in the near future (became thinkable in our recent past and our present) are spot on.
They are also frightening...or at least should be.
If it wouldn't be misleading I'd put this book on my Horror shelf as it is true to life horror.
Much of what's said here are things I was already aware of so I'm sure others will be to. However the laying out of them (in a coherent order) and their implications are something I wish more people would think about.
I'm going to ask that you please approach this with an open mind. If at the end you think the book is wrong or the writers are wrong, at least then you'll have considered and thought about it.
I personally don't see how anyone can read this and come away unchanged.
October 30, 2020
Que livro! Pesado, mas excelente! Impossível lê-lo e não se condoer diante da realidade brutal do aborto e da eutanásia.
October 27, 2019
Excelente! Escrito em 1979, mas extremamente atual e revelante. Leitura obrigatória!
December 24, 2021
Just excellent. This was my first Schaeffer and I now understand all the hype. What a strong and penetrating presentation of Christian anthropology and its import for a host of bioethical matters such as abortion, euthanasia, and physician assisted suicide. The eerie part of this work is that it was written decades ago and the cultural situation in the West it is addressing has only plummeted. Well worth the price and time.
January 16, 2022
Pretty good.
Read
January 22, 2016First I will admit up front that for me this is one of those books I was going to agree with. We often discuss here reading books from a point of view that is one opposed to our own. I try to do that if for no other reason than to see what's actually thought and said in those books.
You can't disagree if you don't know what you're disagreeing with.
That said I want to ask, even beg that no matter what your default political or for that matter religious stance is you pick up this book and try to read it with an open mind.
The book was published in 1979. I am not going to try and convince you to read it other than by saying it is one of the most prescient reads I've ever come across. The book opens with a discussion of what is "thinkable and what is "unthinkable". Things that were, "unthinkable" over time can become "thinkable". The look at what was thinkable and then of what would become thinkable in the near future (became thinkable in our recent past and our present) are spot on.
They are also frightening...or at least should be.
If it wouldn't be misleading I'd put this book on my Horror shelf as it is true to life horror.
Much of what's said here are things I was already aware of so I'm sure others will be to. However the laying out of them (in a coherent order) and their implications are something I wish more people would think about.
I'm going to ask that you please approach this with an open mind. If at the end you think the book is wrong or the writers are wrong, at least then you'll have considered and thought about it.
I personally don't see how anyone can read this and come away unchanged.
You can't disagree if you don't know what you're disagreeing with.
That said I want to ask, even beg that no matter what your default political or for that matter religious stance is you pick up this book and try to read it with an open mind.
The book was published in 1979. I am not going to try and convince you to read it other than by saying it is one of the most prescient reads I've ever come across. The book opens with a discussion of what is "thinkable and what is "unthinkable". Things that were, "unthinkable" over time can become "thinkable". The look at what was thinkable and then of what would become thinkable in the near future (became thinkable in our recent past and our present) are spot on.
They are also frightening...or at least should be.
If it wouldn't be misleading I'd put this book on my Horror shelf as it is true to life horror.
Much of what's said here are things I was already aware of so I'm sure others will be to. However the laying out of them (in a coherent order) and their implications are something I wish more people would think about.
I'm going to ask that you please approach this with an open mind. If at the end you think the book is wrong or the writers are wrong, at least then you'll have considered and thought about it.
I personally don't see how anyone can read this and come away unchanged.
January 26, 2014
Dr. C. Everett Koop, (1916-2013) prior U.S. Surgeon General, and Francis A. Schaeffer, (1912-1984) U.S. Jesus-Following social commentator were prophetic about the comjng state of societal deterioration, back in 1979.
They wrote:
“The thinkables of the eighties and nineties [and certainly the 21st Century so far] will certainly include things which most people today find unthinkable and immoral, even unimaginable and too extreme to suggest.
"Yet–since they do not have some overriding principle that takes them beyond relativistic thinking–when these become thinkable and acceptable in the eighties and nineties, most people will not even remember that they were unthinkable in the seventies. They will slide into each new thinkable without a jolt." (p3)
The slippery slide predicted by Dr. Koop and Pastor Schaeffer, has continued to tilt precipitously, maybe inevitably.
Read the book to find out what's yet to come!
Blessings and enjoy!
GaryFPatton (2014-01-25 © gfp'42™)
They wrote:
“The thinkables of the eighties and nineties [and certainly the 21st Century so far] will certainly include things which most people today find unthinkable and immoral, even unimaginable and too extreme to suggest.
"Yet–since they do not have some overriding principle that takes them beyond relativistic thinking–when these become thinkable and acceptable in the eighties and nineties, most people will not even remember that they were unthinkable in the seventies. They will slide into each new thinkable without a jolt." (p3)
The slippery slide predicted by Dr. Koop and Pastor Schaeffer, has continued to tilt precipitously, maybe inevitably.
Read the book to find out what's yet to come!
Blessings and enjoy!
GaryFPatton (2014-01-25 © gfp'42™)
September 21, 2025
The subject of this book at first seems out of place for Francis Schaeffer to have co-written. As I have made my way through Schaeffer’s entire corpus, this one seems a bit misplaced from the major focus that Schaeffer had through his other works on culture, politics, theology, philosophy, and so forth. This is a polemic against abortion, euthanasia, and infanticide that was ramping up as a result of Roe v Wade coming to surface 50 years ago.
The book begins by providing the scientific process involved in abortions, which is sickening. Then moves towards the justifications for abortion. And finishes with a defense of life and how Christians can work to end it. A first step was the overturning of Roe v Wade, which we have seen a couple years ago. But it can’t end there.
This is profoundly a cultural, theological, and political issue that must be dealt with. As Steve Wilkins pointed out years ago, pro-choice individuals are not anti-kids, they are anti-inconvenience. This was likely true for most people near the beginning, but I do think that is now the minority view. Pro-choice individuals are anti-kids AND anti-inconvenience. I think Schaeffer proves this to be the case here.
This is not a happy or encouraging book, but it is a book that is worth reading anyway to understand how evil our culture was and still is.
Peter Kreeft has stated it well when he wrote that “Abortion is the Antichrist’s demonic parody of the Eucharist. That is why it uses the same holy words, ‘This is my body,’ with the blasphemously opposite meaning.”
The book begins by providing the scientific process involved in abortions, which is sickening. Then moves towards the justifications for abortion. And finishes with a defense of life and how Christians can work to end it. A first step was the overturning of Roe v Wade, which we have seen a couple years ago. But it can’t end there.
This is profoundly a cultural, theological, and political issue that must be dealt with. As Steve Wilkins pointed out years ago, pro-choice individuals are not anti-kids, they are anti-inconvenience. This was likely true for most people near the beginning, but I do think that is now the minority view. Pro-choice individuals are anti-kids AND anti-inconvenience. I think Schaeffer proves this to be the case here.
This is not a happy or encouraging book, but it is a book that is worth reading anyway to understand how evil our culture was and still is.
Peter Kreeft has stated it well when he wrote that “Abortion is the Antichrist’s demonic parody of the Eucharist. That is why it uses the same holy words, ‘This is my body,’ with the blasphemously opposite meaning.”
May 13, 2020
Livro incrível. Afinal com Schaeffer não poderia ser diferente. Ele aborda com excelência assuntos como aborto, infaticídio e eutanásia. Além de comportamentos da sociedade de maneira geral. Mesmo escrito em meados de 1950/1960 não poderia ser mais atual. Recomendo a leitura !
August 23, 2022
Very good book. An exploration of what happens to our view of humanity when we no longer hold to the Christian view as people being imagers of God and instead proceed to act out the logical conclusions of humanism. In the end humanism becomes anti-human.
September 13, 2021
I'll tell you this much--Schaeffer and Koop nail abortionists to the wall. Bully for them. This book was written in the 1970s, but it's not like the "procedure" has gotten much less grisly over the years. They then turn their sights to infanticide (same thing, I know) and then euthanasia, showing how the same "pro-life" (a term I don't think used in the book) ethic informs one's stance toward these other horrors.
The second book is typical Schaeffer, as he shows ably over hundreds of years and philosophy how we have sunk to this point. Not much that you can't get elsewhere in his writings (just realized I've read at least 10 of his books!), but a good summary and all the more true now 40 years on.
If people of his stature write books like this today, I don't know where they are hiding. Kudos to Crossway for this reprint.
The second book is typical Schaeffer, as he shows ably over hundreds of years and philosophy how we have sunk to this point. Not much that you can't get elsewhere in his writings (just realized I've read at least 10 of his books!), but a good summary and all the more true now 40 years on.
If people of his stature write books like this today, I don't know where they are hiding. Kudos to Crossway for this reprint.
August 10, 2021
"The wide-open door of abortion-on-demand leads naturally to infanticide which leads naturally to euthanasia," said Francis A. Schaeffer with C. Everett Koop MD.
A person's worldview will dictate the answer to vital questions on these moral/ethical issues posed in this volatile book. What of abortion? What of infanticide? What of euthanasia? Such questions reach back even before Hitler's extermination drive of the "unwanteds".
Humanism vs Christianity...Holocaust & Death Pills vs Hippocratic Oaths. Western and Eastern philosophies vs God's view and Word. What are the consequences when subscribing to one or the other? Philosophers and Scientists do not have all the answers, that's why the "God-view" is necessary. Learn more by reading this book.
BE INFORMED. Know your answer BEFORE you need to know it; before the unthinkable becomes the thinkable, urge the authors. Make your view be not the generally accepted worldview, but God's view of human beings being made in the image of God. This equals VALUE. Subsequently, your solutions to "what to do with" the unwed expectant mother, the parents of a baby born with some severe physical defect or the aged parent in an Alzheimer befuddlement, will stem from that.
Shaeffer and Koop are very informative on these moral/ethical issues. I highly recommend this book as an absolute must, for all followers of Jesus Christ. The authors stress, this is NOT a Roman Catholic issue; it is an all-encompassing Christian issue, which gets no one off the hook.
Acknowledgements, notes, a bibliography of more of Schaeffer's books and a Scripture Index will be found at the end of the book. There is mention of a film series on this topic as well (already on YouTube, by Schaeffer, Vision Video).
~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~
August 2021
Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the Advanced Reader Copy given by the publisher.
A person's worldview will dictate the answer to vital questions on these moral/ethical issues posed in this volatile book. What of abortion? What of infanticide? What of euthanasia? Such questions reach back even before Hitler's extermination drive of the "unwanteds".
Humanism vs Christianity...Holocaust & Death Pills vs Hippocratic Oaths. Western and Eastern philosophies vs God's view and Word. What are the consequences when subscribing to one or the other? Philosophers and Scientists do not have all the answers, that's why the "God-view" is necessary. Learn more by reading this book.
BE INFORMED. Know your answer BEFORE you need to know it; before the unthinkable becomes the thinkable, urge the authors. Make your view be not the generally accepted worldview, but God's view of human beings being made in the image of God. This equals VALUE. Subsequently, your solutions to "what to do with" the unwed expectant mother, the parents of a baby born with some severe physical defect or the aged parent in an Alzheimer befuddlement, will stem from that.
Shaeffer and Koop are very informative on these moral/ethical issues. I highly recommend this book as an absolute must, for all followers of Jesus Christ. The authors stress, this is NOT a Roman Catholic issue; it is an all-encompassing Christian issue, which gets no one off the hook.
Acknowledgements, notes, a bibliography of more of Schaeffer's books and a Scripture Index will be found at the end of the book. There is mention of a film series on this topic as well (already on YouTube, by Schaeffer, Vision Video).
~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~
August 2021
Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the Advanced Reader Copy given by the publisher.
July 29, 2021
Whatever Happened to the Human Race? was an enlightening read. Despite being initially written approximately 40 years ago, it is relevant today.
After the culture shift of the sexual revolution and the drive for abortion rights, Francis Schaeffer and Dr. Everett Koop make such a compelling argument on the value of human life. They differentiate the Christian worldview and position from the prevailing Western worldview found in the materialism of secular humanists today. The authors argue that there needs to be a basis or a foundation for the value of human life so as to make wise, moral, and ethical decisions in all areas of life. What they are combatting are the competing dogmas of medical professionals in the field. These professionals are arguing for the right to terminate life. Termination in the form of abortion to euthanasia is valid because of a lack of quality of life or perceived value. Schaeffer and Koop remain steadfast: if the human race allows for the disposal of beings who are perceived to have little value, who gets to deem a person's worth?
As believers in God's word and the work of Jesus Christ, we are not to be anti-abortion or anti-euthanasia, but instead pro-people. We are to value a person no matter how small, how unproductive, or how seemingly insignificant because God determines that each human being is worthy of honor. We are each bearer of his divine image. Schaeffer and Koop argue that if God's word is not the foundation of our value of human significance, then who gets to determine a person's worth? And how slippery is that slope?
I appreciated reading this book so much. It was a lot to read and reflect on. It is also fairly academic in tone and voice as it is less story-focused and more information-focused. However, I believe if a Christian wants to know how to argue for a common metric for measuring human value, they would find Whatever Happened to the Human Race? an invaluable resource.
After the culture shift of the sexual revolution and the drive for abortion rights, Francis Schaeffer and Dr. Everett Koop make such a compelling argument on the value of human life. They differentiate the Christian worldview and position from the prevailing Western worldview found in the materialism of secular humanists today. The authors argue that there needs to be a basis or a foundation for the value of human life so as to make wise, moral, and ethical decisions in all areas of life. What they are combatting are the competing dogmas of medical professionals in the field. These professionals are arguing for the right to terminate life. Termination in the form of abortion to euthanasia is valid because of a lack of quality of life or perceived value. Schaeffer and Koop remain steadfast: if the human race allows for the disposal of beings who are perceived to have little value, who gets to deem a person's worth?
As believers in God's word and the work of Jesus Christ, we are not to be anti-abortion or anti-euthanasia, but instead pro-people. We are to value a person no matter how small, how unproductive, or how seemingly insignificant because God determines that each human being is worthy of honor. We are each bearer of his divine image. Schaeffer and Koop argue that if God's word is not the foundation of our value of human significance, then who gets to determine a person's worth? And how slippery is that slope?
I appreciated reading this book so much. It was a lot to read and reflect on. It is also fairly academic in tone and voice as it is less story-focused and more information-focused. However, I believe if a Christian wants to know how to argue for a common metric for measuring human value, they would find Whatever Happened to the Human Race? an invaluable resource.
August 17, 2021
Theologian Francis A. Schaeffer and former U. S. surgeon general C. Everett Kopp in What Happened to the Human Race? argue against on-demand abortion, infanticide, and euthanasia. Planned Parenthood slaughters thousands of babies each year. How did the West end up in this predicament? The rejection of Judeo-Christian values during the Enlightenment Period. Humanism placed man at the center and makes man “the measure of all things.” It evaluates human beings’ worth based on our feelings, taste, and preferences. It reduces human beings to random by-products of the world– machines or molecules — with no inherent value or worth. You find all kinds of consequences of this thinking towards the vulnerable populations in the West by legalizing on-demand abortion, infanticide, and euthanasia. They are considered a burden, inferior, and a social-economic drain
Christian must stand up to abortion and any other practices or laws that devalue human life. Schaeffer calls us to fight with more than just our words. We must proclaim the gospel, but we need to fight to uphold the value of human life in our deeds as well. We have to be willing to care for the vulnerable population. We must protect them because they are created in the image of God, therefore they have immense value and worth. We have to help women considering an abortion. Could we try to adopt or help in other means? We must value the elderly no matter the cost to our comfort.
I found this book frightening at times, especially when they talked about the Holocaust and Nazi Germany. We are quickly slipping into that mindset in every area of our society. I found the call to wake up and to fight much needed.
***Received an ARC from Crossway***
Christian must stand up to abortion and any other practices or laws that devalue human life. Schaeffer calls us to fight with more than just our words. We must proclaim the gospel, but we need to fight to uphold the value of human life in our deeds as well. We have to be willing to care for the vulnerable population. We must protect them because they are created in the image of God, therefore they have immense value and worth. We have to help women considering an abortion. Could we try to adopt or help in other means? We must value the elderly no matter the cost to our comfort.
I found this book frightening at times, especially when they talked about the Holocaust and Nazi Germany. We are quickly slipping into that mindset in every area of our society. I found the call to wake up and to fight much needed.
***Received an ARC from Crossway***
September 13, 2022
I read this in Swedish, which may have affected what I got out of it because Swedish is not my native language. I still think I got the gist, and it was one of the better Schaeffer books. He is very good on abortion, good on euthanasia(although lacking) and then he has a philosophical basis for the idea of humans as well as a chapter on how we can trust the Bible on this. Translation aside, it was an interesting read, and I may pick it up in English and read it again if I find it somewhere. It is a very important book in these times as well, when abortion is normalized and there are forces trying to push it even more - Abortion is wrong in 1981 as well as in 2022.
This book is nowhere near a complete look into abortion or euthanasia but looks at it from a human worth perspective, where the Christian idea is strong as it gives infinite worth for every life, born and unborn. It does not touch too much upon the discussion if an unborn child is a human being or just a parasite of the mother, where many of the disagreements have their roots. And, even if the fetus is looked upon as an unborn child, there is still the question of when it becomes a life - something that is not discussed here as I remember. In practice, this does not seem to matter much, and this is what Shaeffer is pointing out - the practice of abortion is bad for the mother, for society, for the survivals of abortion, and for human worth - and that should be enough to deem it wrong.
This book is nowhere near a complete look into abortion or euthanasia but looks at it from a human worth perspective, where the Christian idea is strong as it gives infinite worth for every life, born and unborn. It does not touch too much upon the discussion if an unborn child is a human being or just a parasite of the mother, where many of the disagreements have their roots. And, even if the fetus is looked upon as an unborn child, there is still the question of when it becomes a life - something that is not discussed here as I remember. In practice, this does not seem to matter much, and this is what Shaeffer is pointing out - the practice of abortion is bad for the mother, for society, for the survivals of abortion, and for human worth - and that should be enough to deem it wrong.
December 14, 2020
It is fascinating to read a book on abortion, infanticide, and euthanasia written so close to the *Roe* decision (this book was originally published in 1979). It is particularly interesting because so many of Schaeffer’s points still apply, but only more so today.
The book is structurally pretty simple: chapter 1 is on abortion, 2 on infanticide, 3 on euthanasia. From there, Schaeffer transitions to more typical Schaeffer as chapter 4 is explaining why the materialistic worldview has led to this, in contrast to the Christian worldview. Then chapter 5 is showing that the Bible presents truth as a historical reality, and how this is needed if we’re to maintain the value of humans made in the image of God. Then in chapter 6 Schaeffer explains what we must do going forward, namely, we must acknowledge Christianity is true; we must bow personally before Christ; we must fight for humanness; and we must love people.
Overall, a great book. It’s a little long winded at times, and if chapters 4-5 (which are apologetics alone) were shorter, I think it’d be a better book to hand out on the subject, even though it is dated. That being said, it is still really helpful, especially as these are crucial topics today. I recommend it fully.
The book is structurally pretty simple: chapter 1 is on abortion, 2 on infanticide, 3 on euthanasia. From there, Schaeffer transitions to more typical Schaeffer as chapter 4 is explaining why the materialistic worldview has led to this, in contrast to the Christian worldview. Then chapter 5 is showing that the Bible presents truth as a historical reality, and how this is needed if we’re to maintain the value of humans made in the image of God. Then in chapter 6 Schaeffer explains what we must do going forward, namely, we must acknowledge Christianity is true; we must bow personally before Christ; we must fight for humanness; and we must love people.
Overall, a great book. It’s a little long winded at times, and if chapters 4-5 (which are apologetics alone) were shorter, I think it’d be a better book to hand out on the subject, even though it is dated. That being said, it is still really helpful, especially as these are crucial topics today. I recommend it fully.
August 30, 2021
Essa obra foi publicada em 1979. Foi escrita pelo pastor F. Schaeffer e pelo chefe do Departamento de Saúde dos EUA, C. Everett Koop.
O objeto do livro é a dignidade humana e o problema da relativização do valor da vida através do aborto, eutanásia, infanticídio, etc.
No capítulo um, os autores argumentam que a modernidade abandonou os fundamentos judaico cristãos do valor da vida humana. E abriu espaço para um humanismo antropocêntrico que relativiza a dignidade humana.
Em seguida, os autores tratam de como o homem perdeu significado e se tornou uma máquina sem dignidade passível de engenharias sociais. A partir disso, no capítulo três, trata-se das escolhas arbitrárias sobre vida e morte de alguém.
O capítulo quatro é o mais filosófico do livro. Os autores contrastam a cosmovisão bíblica com a cosmovisão materialista. O capítulo cinco trata da historicidade das Escrituras e como isso testifica de sua veracidade.
Os dois últimos capítulos são um chamado cristão a se pôr no mundo. Os cristãos devem se pôr no mundo e defender sua fé e a dignidade dos indivíduos. Os cristãos devem ser ativos em todas as áreas da sociedade para preservar os valores cristãos.
O objeto do livro é a dignidade humana e o problema da relativização do valor da vida através do aborto, eutanásia, infanticídio, etc.
No capítulo um, os autores argumentam que a modernidade abandonou os fundamentos judaico cristãos do valor da vida humana. E abriu espaço para um humanismo antropocêntrico que relativiza a dignidade humana.
Em seguida, os autores tratam de como o homem perdeu significado e se tornou uma máquina sem dignidade passível de engenharias sociais. A partir disso, no capítulo três, trata-se das escolhas arbitrárias sobre vida e morte de alguém.
O capítulo quatro é o mais filosófico do livro. Os autores contrastam a cosmovisão bíblica com a cosmovisão materialista. O capítulo cinco trata da historicidade das Escrituras e como isso testifica de sua veracidade.
Os dois últimos capítulos são um chamado cristão a se pôr no mundo. Os cristãos devem se pôr no mundo e defender sua fé e a dignidade dos indivíduos. Os cristãos devem ser ativos em todas as áreas da sociedade para preservar os valores cristãos.
December 30, 2024
Over the last year or so, I have taken great interest in observing the current cultural phenomenon with the rise of secular modernity that has allowed for the genocide of millions of unborn children.
Schaeffer and Koop help shed light on the evils of abortion from their two respective fields of discipline. Rather than muddying the water, these perspectives seem to build off of each other to form a more cohesive argument against such atrocities from occurring.
One of the larger takeaways I have of this book is that times of great inhumanity are not suddenly stumbled upon, they are slipped into gradually.
I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone, especially those of a Christian worldview that are sympathetic or supportive of the policies of today's current Democratic Party in the U.S. This book, written in 1979, is as relevant as any other for today's political landscape on the heels of Roe v. Wade's overturning.
May God use books like this to shine light on the evil's of abortion, infanticide and all other forms of human injustice.
Schaeffer and Koop help shed light on the evils of abortion from their two respective fields of discipline. Rather than muddying the water, these perspectives seem to build off of each other to form a more cohesive argument against such atrocities from occurring.
One of the larger takeaways I have of this book is that times of great inhumanity are not suddenly stumbled upon, they are slipped into gradually.
I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone, especially those of a Christian worldview that are sympathetic or supportive of the policies of today's current Democratic Party in the U.S. This book, written in 1979, is as relevant as any other for today's political landscape on the heels of Roe v. Wade's overturning.
May God use books like this to shine light on the evil's of abortion, infanticide and all other forms of human injustice.
July 22, 2021
This book addresses hot topics at the time but notably at this age. It details and documents each subject (abortion, infanticide, euthanasia) between historical, scientifical and biblical lenses.
The author leaves his print throughout the pages of the book. It makes you wonder how these words were written decades earlier and they apply in our times even more.
The highlight of the book is the last chapter, the practical one (“our personal response and social action”): accepting lordship of Christ in all our life, taking action in society on behalf of every human and loving care in our social life.
This book is an heritage to every christian generation.
The author leaves his print throughout the pages of the book. It makes you wonder how these words were written decades earlier and they apply in our times even more.
The highlight of the book is the last chapter, the practical one (“our personal response and social action”): accepting lordship of Christ in all our life, taking action in society on behalf of every human and loving care in our social life.
This book is an heritage to every christian generation.
September 3, 2022
I pulled this book off the shelf after not having read it for a long time. I forgot just how good this book is. Even though it was written in the late 70’s and updated in the early 80’s, it is still relevant today. I you are concerned about the direction our culture and politics are headed - and I think everyone ought to be concerned - this book is a valuable resource. I would consider it must reading alongside of Rod Dreher’s “Live not by Lies.”. Dreher’s book sounds the warning that we are sliding toward totalitarianism. Koop and Schaeffer’s book warned of the possibility 40+ years ago and explained the philosophical/theological reasons why it could happen.
October 12, 2023
This is relevant and timely. It will convict your soul and arise a new found flame in the battle against good and evil. A must read for those of us that remain firm in our pro life stance.
“If man is not made in the image of God, nothing then stands in the way of inhumanity. There is no good reason why mankind should be perceived as special. Human life is cheapened. We can see this in many of the major issues being debated in our society today: abortion, infanticide, euthanasia, the increase of child abuse and violence of all kinds, pornography ... , the routine torture of political prisoners in many parts of the world, the crime explosion, and the random violence which surrounds us. “
“If man is not made in the image of God, nothing then stands in the way of inhumanity. There is no good reason why mankind should be perceived as special. Human life is cheapened. We can see this in many of the major issues being debated in our society today: abortion, infanticide, euthanasia, the increase of child abuse and violence of all kinds, pornography ... , the routine torture of political prisoners in many parts of the world, the crime explosion, and the random violence which surrounds us. “
June 19, 2025
“For us murder is once for all forbidden; so even the child in the womb, while yet the mother‘s blood is still being drawn on to form the human being, it is not lawful for us to destroy. Too forbid birth is only quicker murder. It makes no difference, whether one take away the life once born or destroy it as it comes to birth. He is a man, who is to be a man; the fruit is always present in the seed.”-Tertullian, Apologeticus, A.D. 197
December 9, 2024
Really good book on a really challenging topic to approach and encounter. Both of the writers combined this project by presenting what they have studied in their own fields but how the practices of apologetics and medicine should entail our participation and understanding as well. Will have to reread in the coming years.
March 8, 2018
I did a year of research in Hematology at CHOP when C Everett Koop was there. I saw him there a couple of times but also at Tenth Presbyterian where we went to church. And Francis Schaefer came to Tenth to speak one Sunday. These were my 2 of my college heroes!
July 15, 2021
Unlike many well-intentioned books on the same subject, this is well-written and carefully backs up its arguments with logic and reputable sources. Consequently, it's aged pretty well and still gives readers lots to think about.
May 28, 2022
This is one of the most egregiously bad books I’ve ever read. It’s bewildering to me that Schaefer has been so influential (I know nothing of the other author). This book is chock full of logical fallacy and poor reasoning.
August 8, 2021
Very good. My edition has tiny font which is a pain but the imago dei angle in this is right in my wheelhouse. 👌
January 9, 2022
I love Francis Schaeffer's writings. He has helped me make sense of the whole instead of being fixated on the pieces.
February 4, 2025
“If man is not made in the image of God, nothing then stands in the way of inhumanity. There is no good reason why mankind should be perceived as special. Human life is cheapened. We can see this in many of the major issues being debated in our society today: abortion, infanticide, euthanasia, the increase of child abuse and violence of all kinds, pornography ... , the routine torture of political prisoners in many parts of the world, the crime explosion, and the random violence which surrounds us.”
― Francis A. Schaeffer, Whatever Happened to the Human Race?
― Francis A. Schaeffer, Whatever Happened to the Human Race?
December 17, 2012
On one level this book is very easy to read in that Fancis Schaeffer is a brilliant communicator. On another level this book is very hard to read in that it discusses the terrifying truth of how society in America has year after year continued to de-humanize humanity.
Schaeffer and Koop write a depressing but important documentary on what happens when a society arbitrarily assigns humanness apart from the fact that all humans are created in the image of God. Their work deals with abortion, euthanasia, the basis for human dignity, the importance of history and understanding it, and what our personal response as Christians needs to be regarding the devaluing of human life in American society. The the last chapter is full of a variety of pro-life organizations throughout the nation and contact information so the reader can get more involved.
While it was first published in 1979 and 1983, it is still relevant to Christians today and their need to speak out for those who cannot speak for themselves (the unborn, the infants, the infirmed, and the elderly). As with Schaeffer's How Should We Then Live, the movie with the same title that accompanies the book is well worth the watch and adds even more to the impact of this important message.
Schaeffer and Koop write a depressing but important documentary on what happens when a society arbitrarily assigns humanness apart from the fact that all humans are created in the image of God. Their work deals with abortion, euthanasia, the basis for human dignity, the importance of history and understanding it, and what our personal response as Christians needs to be regarding the devaluing of human life in American society. The the last chapter is full of a variety of pro-life organizations throughout the nation and contact information so the reader can get more involved.
While it was first published in 1979 and 1983, it is still relevant to Christians today and their need to speak out for those who cannot speak for themselves (the unborn, the infants, the infirmed, and the elderly). As with Schaeffer's How Should We Then Live, the movie with the same title that accompanies the book is well worth the watch and adds even more to the impact of this important message.
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