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Seeing Through Cynicism: A Reconsideration of the Power of Suspicion
We live in a cynical age. Cynicism is in the air we breathe; it is a cultural norm; it is the default setting and lens through which many of us view the world. Why is cynicism so pervasive? What does it promise? How does it work? And what does it deliver? In this thorough, interdisciplinary exploration of cynicism, Dick Keyes probes the intellectual and cultural underpinnings of cynicism in its modern and postmodern manifestations. In analyzing our cynicism toward individuals, institutions and God, he gives cynicism the scrutiny it deserves, arguing for its merits as a tool for discernment while pointing out its limitations. Keyes subjects cynicism to its own critique and ultimately looks beyond cynicism to alternatives that wrestle honestly with suspicion, trust and hope. Wide-ranging and vast in scope, Seeing Through Cynicism offers meaty, substantive perspectives for faithful living in a cynical world.
239 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
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139 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 29, 2018
A thorough critique of cynicism in all of culture. The target audience seemed to be quite broad in addressing both Christians and those who aren't Christians because they are cynical about faith. I was hoping it would be more pastorally focused to help overcome cynicism on a personal level - therefore I particularly appreciated the latter part of the book.
November 18, 2011
Modern life, for all its benefits, all its luxuries, is a deeply cynical time. Many people are past being deeply disturbed by scandal and hypocrisies in government, business and entertainment and especially in the Christian church. Seeing Through Cynicism is an attempt to pastorally get people to think through why we are so deeply cynical, and what a Christian model, based on an omnipotent God who makes claims of justice has to say about our deep cynicism.
Keys is a director of a US branch of L’abri Fellowship, an evangelical organization dedicated to meeting skeptics and life’s wounded directly with Christian truth. The singular statement that I think sums up Keyes work here is that the God of the Bible is in no way cynical, at all, about anything, yet he knows all and is everywhere - he sees the vanities, the hypocrisies and the deceptions that make up our daily lives; which are multiplied by billions every day. The question he explores is why, and why are we so cynical about so much?
He offers several explanations for why we are so cynical, which ultimately reflect on our attempt to resolve a theological tension on our own, outside of Biblical revelation. So in a large sense, Keyes is quite cynical about cynicism. Like many thing associated with L’abri, he doesn’t just make ad hominem attacks against a concept, but seeks to honestly understand why something arises, and seeks to discover the real theological points behind it. With cynicism, he turns from the honest assessment, and seeks to provide real alternatives, not a polyanna - ish approach of internal happiness for happiness sake, not in this real world. So Keyes is largely attempting to be more frank and ‘real’ than any cynic can be about the nature of life as we know it.
The real joy of this book is its hopeful look towards a reality based on life that interacts with a good, personal and ruling God. This is a book of frank counsel and useful for pastoral counseling and discipleship. Many folks use their cynicism as a desperate crutch of their own making, and Keyes wants the reader to lay that crutch down and embrace a stronger, more real, reality.
Keys is a director of a US branch of L’abri Fellowship, an evangelical organization dedicated to meeting skeptics and life’s wounded directly with Christian truth. The singular statement that I think sums up Keyes work here is that the God of the Bible is in no way cynical, at all, about anything, yet he knows all and is everywhere - he sees the vanities, the hypocrisies and the deceptions that make up our daily lives; which are multiplied by billions every day. The question he explores is why, and why are we so cynical about so much?
He offers several explanations for why we are so cynical, which ultimately reflect on our attempt to resolve a theological tension on our own, outside of Biblical revelation. So in a large sense, Keyes is quite cynical about cynicism. Like many thing associated with L’abri, he doesn’t just make ad hominem attacks against a concept, but seeks to honestly understand why something arises, and seeks to discover the real theological points behind it. With cynicism, he turns from the honest assessment, and seeks to provide real alternatives, not a polyanna - ish approach of internal happiness for happiness sake, not in this real world. So Keyes is largely attempting to be more frank and ‘real’ than any cynic can be about the nature of life as we know it.
The real joy of this book is its hopeful look towards a reality based on life that interacts with a good, personal and ruling God. This is a book of frank counsel and useful for pastoral counseling and discipleship. Many folks use their cynicism as a desperate crutch of their own making, and Keyes wants the reader to lay that crutch down and embrace a stronger, more real, reality.
February 2, 2008
Highly recommended by a friend, and I second the recommendation. Keyes is a readable yet eloquent writer who thoughtfully engages the question of how and why we're cynical. He's also pretty well-read, and it shows. Is there such a thing as an "honest alternative" to cynicism about people, institutions, and what we can possibly know about God? Keyes' answer--from the hopeful skepticism of the perspective of Christian faith--might be surprising. Although much of the book is directed at people with Christian commitments (meaning, he talks a lot of Bible), he does it in a way that's accessible and even helpful for people who might be coming at it from an outsider's point of view.
May 16, 2020
2020 Re-read:
I don't know why I got so stingy with my rating the first time around. It isn't a perfect book but it is profound and really shaped my thinking in a healthy and positive ways. The re-visit was timely and helpful.
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2014 Read:
Amazing book. Every millenial should read it as we're so prone to cynicism. I struggle with being cynical and it's always seemed like the only alternative to cynicism is sentimentality which seems equally wrong and more naive. Dick Keyes comes up with a third way of living that is logically appealing, emotionally healing and biblically reverent.
I don't know why I got so stingy with my rating the first time around. It isn't a perfect book but it is profound and really shaped my thinking in a healthy and positive ways. The re-visit was timely and helpful.
-----------------------
2014 Read:
Amazing book. Every millenial should read it as we're so prone to cynicism. I struggle with being cynical and it's always seemed like the only alternative to cynicism is sentimentality which seems equally wrong and more naive. Dick Keyes comes up with a third way of living that is logically appealing, emotionally healing and biblically reverent.
May 18, 2008
This book was a helpful reflection on the pros and cons of cynicism. After defining and describing cynicism, the book draws on the story of Job, themes of God's providence and the gospel of grace, to show the limits of cynicism and to restore hope in God, in people, and in institutions such as marriage, the church, and government.
April 27, 2007
THE most helpful book I read after dealing with the stillbirth of my daughter
October 30, 2014
Challenging read, discerning author.
February 14, 2017
Thought this would be an apologia for cynicism but instead it showed why it was not credible. I loved the reasoning and it is helping me to allow myself to believe in the wonder. Invaluable
March 10, 2018
Great book!
I'll read it again, because I really was reading for months... not a book to read in one sitting.
I'll read it again, because I really was reading for months... not a book to read in one sitting.
January 12, 2020
Excellent read on this topic. Highly recommend!
October 10, 2023
This is the book for a Christian perspective of and alternative to cynicism. I only wish I'd found it sooner.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews