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The Meaning of History
The Meaning of History is a concise look at the meaning of the history of the world from the viewpoints of major historians and philosophers. By examining the individual approaches of these great thinkers, this book takes on the monumental task of analyzing the history of humanity and its prospects for the future. The book studies not just the facts of history, but the personality and purpose of the vastly influential figures who shaped it. Is history constantly repeating itself, or is civilization evolving toward a predestined utopia? Is history in God's hands, or does it depend on the whims of man? This informative book traces the arc of civilization from the New Testament all the way through to today. It will forever change the way you look at history and your individual place in it.
192 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 1998
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About the author
Ronald H. Nash
49 books39 followersRonald H. Nash (PhD, Syracuse University) was a longtime professor at Western Kentucky University, Reformed Theological Seminary, and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
He was an heir of the theological tradition of Carl F.H. Henry, and was an lifelong admirer and student of Augustine of Hippo, his favorite philosopher.
He was the author of numerous books, including The Concept of God, Life's Ultimate Questions, and Faith and Reason.
He was an heir of the theological tradition of Carl F.H. Henry, and was an lifelong admirer and student of Augustine of Hippo, his favorite philosopher.
He was the author of numerous books, including The Concept of God, Life's Ultimate Questions, and Faith and Reason.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
December 31, 2023
Ronald Nash's "The Meaning of History" is an exceptional exploration of the philosophical foundations of history, presented through a distinctly Christian lens. Nash's adept navigation of historical and philosophical perspectives illuminates the intricate complexities of historical interpretation, while also clarifying the meaning of history from a Christian viewpoint. This aspect of the book particularly resonated with me, helping to shape my philosophy of history.
Nash skillfully examines theories ranging from the Stoics' cyclical repetitions to Kant's linear progression towards rationality, providing a diverse and rich understanding of historical phenomena. His analysis of figures like Marx, Vico, Hegel, Spengler, and Toynbee offers insightful perspectives on their contributions to the philosophy of history. His discussion of Marcuse's critique of modern society adds a contemporary dimension to the understanding of historical progress.
A standout feature of Nash's work is his integration of a Christian perspective, explaining history as linear and progressive, moving toward the world's culmination in the second coming of Jesus Christ. This viewpoint beautifully complements his exploration of circular patterns in history, where certain events repeat themselves. This synthesis of linear and cyclical elements has profoundly influenced my understanding of history.
"The Meaning of History" by Ronald Nash is a thought-provoking, academically rich, and spiritually enlightening read. It offers a nuanced Christian perspective on the philosophy of history, making it an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to understand the forces that shape our past, present, and future.
Nash skillfully examines theories ranging from the Stoics' cyclical repetitions to Kant's linear progression towards rationality, providing a diverse and rich understanding of historical phenomena. His analysis of figures like Marx, Vico, Hegel, Spengler, and Toynbee offers insightful perspectives on their contributions to the philosophy of history. His discussion of Marcuse's critique of modern society adds a contemporary dimension to the understanding of historical progress.
A standout feature of Nash's work is his integration of a Christian perspective, explaining history as linear and progressive, moving toward the world's culmination in the second coming of Jesus Christ. This viewpoint beautifully complements his exploration of circular patterns in history, where certain events repeat themselves. This synthesis of linear and cyclical elements has profoundly influenced my understanding of history.
"The Meaning of History" by Ronald Nash is a thought-provoking, academically rich, and spiritually enlightening read. It offers a nuanced Christian perspective on the philosophy of history, making it an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to understand the forces that shape our past, present, and future.
September 20, 2011
This is a really great introduction book on the history of philosophy-of-histories. Ronald Nash takes the reader through the importance of studying history, to the idea of worldview and its relation to history, and then through various philosophies of history in the western world from the ancient Greeks up to modern-day Marxism. The chapters are laid out as follows:
1. The Meaning of History
2. Worldviews and the Meaning of History
3. The Cyclical View of History
4. The First Christian Philosopher
5. Augustine
6. Giambattista Vico
7. Immanuel Kant and the Idea of Progress
8. Herder and Historicism
9. G.W.F. Hegel
10. Karl Marx
11. Spengler and Toynbee
12. The New Face of Marxism
While Nash is dealing with such a topic as philosophy of history, his writing style is very easy to read and engaging. He can make you think without using extremely difficult words. I also had a great appreciation for how he corrects common misunderstandings of certain philosophers along the way. This was my first book by Nash, but it definitely makes me want to read much more of his. In this book alone I've discovered how a solid scholar, committed Christian, and polished writer he is. This book, while short and readable, is sure to stay on my shelf as a great reference to thinkers of the past and how those ideas have helped shape our current world.
1. The Meaning of History
2. Worldviews and the Meaning of History
3. The Cyclical View of History
4. The First Christian Philosopher
5. Augustine
6. Giambattista Vico
7. Immanuel Kant and the Idea of Progress
8. Herder and Historicism
9. G.W.F. Hegel
10. Karl Marx
11. Spengler and Toynbee
12. The New Face of Marxism
While Nash is dealing with such a topic as philosophy of history, his writing style is very easy to read and engaging. He can make you think without using extremely difficult words. I also had a great appreciation for how he corrects common misunderstandings of certain philosophers along the way. This was my first book by Nash, but it definitely makes me want to read much more of his. In this book alone I've discovered how a solid scholar, committed Christian, and polished writer he is. This book, while short and readable, is sure to stay on my shelf as a great reference to thinkers of the past and how those ideas have helped shape our current world.
July 23, 2012
An excellent survey book - requiring no knowledge of history - but giving lay readers an appreciation as to how one is to have a "view" about history, which in fact relates closely to one's worldview. The book should have been twice as long - to explore all the various views of history in greater detail.
May 20, 2012
This book is an easy read and a good introductory work into some of the major movements in...well, history of the philosophy of history. Some of the book seemed significantly stronger than other parts. The chapter on the author of Hebrews, and some of the other tangents, took away from the book for me.
May 22, 2015
A must read for anyone interested in the significance of worldview in relation to historical understandings.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews