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7 Men Who Rule the World from the Grave
Though their bodies lie cold and dormant, the grave cannot contain the influence these seven men have had on today's world. They continue to rule because they have altered the thinking of society. They generated philosophies that have been ardently grasped by masses of people but are erroneous and antiscriptural. Today these ideas pervade our schools, businesses, homes, and even the church.
As we continue to unknowingly subscribe to their philosophies, we keep the grave open for Charles Darwin, Karl Marx, Julius Wellhausen, John Dewey, Sigmund Freud, John Maynard Keynes, and Soren Kierkegaard. Dave Breese warns us of the dangers of believing unreservedly the ideas of these seven men. He also reminds us of the only man whose life and words we can trust completely--Jesus Christ.
As we continue to unknowingly subscribe to their philosophies, we keep the grave open for Charles Darwin, Karl Marx, Julius Wellhausen, John Dewey, Sigmund Freud, John Maynard Keynes, and Soren Kierkegaard. Dave Breese warns us of the dangers of believing unreservedly the ideas of these seven men. He also reminds us of the only man whose life and words we can trust completely--Jesus Christ.
240 pages, Paperback
First published November 30, 1979
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
August 25, 2012
Do you have any idea why the realm of science, which formerly was dedicated to discovering God’s thoughts after Him, is now pretty much controlled by atheists? Hint: it has something to do with the influence of Charles Darwin. Can you guess why our government, which used to serve the God-ordained functions of punishing the evildoer and protecting the innocent, has created such a spiraling debt of social spending that we, nor our children, nor our grandchildren have any hope of repaying it? Another hint: it has something to do with the theories of Karl Marx and John Maynard Keynes. Do you know why churches which formerly taught the truth of God’s word and emphasized spiritual values now deny the truth of God’s word and emphasize this-worldly values? It has something to do with the writings of Julius Wellhausen and Soren Kierkegaard. Have you a clue why the field of medicine no longer just seeks to heal people of various kinds of illnesses but now supports all kinds of perversions? Consider the work of Sigmund Freud. And why have our schools ceased to be educational institutions which simply teach our children basic skills and become humanistic indoctrination centers? Look no further than the labors of John Dewey. The late David Breese (he died in 2002), after telling a little bit about each of these seven men, chronicles how they have had a great effect upon our modern culture and, through the implementation of their concepts by dedicated supporters, thus being yet speak and rule today, though in a negative way.
No one can say that this book sets up straw men. Breese, who was president of Christian Destiny Ministries of Hillsboro, KS, and World Prophetic Ministry of Colton, CA, quotes extensively from these men themselves to show exactly what they believed and then from their followers to show their effect upon today’s society. Be forewarned! Progressives (i.e., liberals and leftists, including those who consider themselves Bible believers or call themselves Christians) will NOT like this book because it attacks many of their sacred cows and shows how their revered “heroes” have had an inverse impact on life and philosophy. The book is a little dated since it was written before the fall of communism in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. We can now say that Marxism has been proven to be an absolutely false promise nearly everywhere except in American Academia. Also, a few religious tenets with which many strong Bible believers may not necessarily agree (viz., Calvinism, Protestant Evangelical denominationalism, and Premillennialism) are very briefly expressed. However, the main emphasis is on the titanic clash between the divine revelation of Earth’s Creator and the rantings of men who “professing to be wise, they became fools” because “they did not like to retain God in their knowledge” (Romans 1:22, 28). I recommend this book to homeschoolers and all young people who are being prepared to go out to face the secularism of this age and stand up for Christ.
No one can say that this book sets up straw men. Breese, who was president of Christian Destiny Ministries of Hillsboro, KS, and World Prophetic Ministry of Colton, CA, quotes extensively from these men themselves to show exactly what they believed and then from their followers to show their effect upon today’s society. Be forewarned! Progressives (i.e., liberals and leftists, including those who consider themselves Bible believers or call themselves Christians) will NOT like this book because it attacks many of their sacred cows and shows how their revered “heroes” have had an inverse impact on life and philosophy. The book is a little dated since it was written before the fall of communism in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. We can now say that Marxism has been proven to be an absolutely false promise nearly everywhere except in American Academia. Also, a few religious tenets with which many strong Bible believers may not necessarily agree (viz., Calvinism, Protestant Evangelical denominationalism, and Premillennialism) are very briefly expressed. However, the main emphasis is on the titanic clash between the divine revelation of Earth’s Creator and the rantings of men who “professing to be wise, they became fools” because “they did not like to retain God in their knowledge” (Romans 1:22, 28). I recommend this book to homeschoolers and all young people who are being prepared to go out to face the secularism of this age and stand up for Christ.
April 12, 2023
Am a bit disappointed in this book. Was hoping it’d be an easier read/act as a summary of 10 Books That Screwed Up the World and The Universe Next Door but it wasn’t as good as either of those titles. I felt like the author began the chapter planning to go in one direction, and then either never got there or ended up somewhere else completely. His points were often easy to follow, but didn’t seem to be the ones he meant to make. The last chapter seemed like the best, but it may be that I’m being influenced in that by the feeling of relief at finally being done, and out of the slog.
December 31, 2022
Intriguing premise. Poorly executed. This is the first time in 12 years that the AO booklist has led me wrong, but it made for valuable and interesting conversation with my high schooler. He was quite perceptive in identifying many of the books shortcomings and the concerns they generate. We both agreed that this author was in over his head intellectually and that his tone and demeanor left much to be desired.
August 5, 2023
(Disclaimer: I never finished this book because it was just so bad.)
Ohhh boy, this book has PROBLEMS.
Where do I begin? The flowery and dry verbosity the author expects makes him look educated? The near-infinite amount of straw men he makes? The endless villainizing and one-dimensionalizing of anyone who DARE stand against the great institution of- not even Christianity- American republicanism? The graphs that serve absolutely no purpose except to ‘prove’ an assertion?
The Darwin section: 100% based of the assumption that Darwin wanted to assert that evolution was to take place of God. Not how it was! He simply wrote down what he observed, and other people made a deal out of it. (I actually don’t think evolution, at least of animals, is inherently anti-theological at all. What if God guides the evolution?) Science works as observations that state facts, and what conclusions we make of them is our problem.
And then he goes on about ‘social Darwinism’, which is actually progressivism in disguise. ‘Social Darwinism’ is simply the way society progresses, gets better, and ‘evolves’ over time. Sound familiar? Yeah. This book is more about progressivism is evil and hurting the angelic conservative movement in America than it is actually about how any of this affects Christianity, how to argue against faulty ideas, or even the actual men!
The Marx section: He says the usual things conservatives say about this guy. Next.
The Wellhausen section (and if you didn’t know, the W is read like a V): What sort of difference does it make to my Christian belief, AT ALL, if Moses didn’t write the first 4 books of the Bible!? I didn’t even think about it until now! Wellhausen did, in fact, have weird and probably blasphemous ideas (you know, how the Old Testament was straight-up made up by the Pharisees in Jesus’ time). But is any of that talked about? No!
The Einstein bonus: Dude wasn’t even sure about his own theories. Give him a break.
The Freud Section: Freud was weird, and everyone knows it. You don’t need to tell us.
The Dewey Section: He literally just proposed an alternate route of education! Everybody’s brain works different, so don’t you think we should be educated in difficult ways? (By the way, that thing about being left in a schoolroom by a teacher to do a project while they go drink coffee or whatever? That wasn’t him. That was a colleague.)
The Keynes Section: *sigh* Different economic models work well in different situations. Is any one perfect? No. Is Keynesianism evil? What? How can economics be evil???
The Kierkegaard Section: This guy was weird too (What was Abraham thinking about when he went to sacrifice his son? Interesting to think about, but doesn’t affect my belief). And I’m pretty sure nobody agrees with him, let alone has ever heard of him.
Breese uses the most complicated language without making the book more beautiful or more compelling. Instead, it just makes it mildly more confusing and makes it seem he wants to hide the the fact that the he is not arguing but asserting.
Also, this was written 50 years ago… I’m sure he would have an aneurysm if he saw what the liberals are doing today. XD
The author also acts like everything was swell and peachy and wonderful concerning Christian ideology before, like, the Victorian age. Was slavery swell and peachy? How about blatant sexism? Or the old Catholic ways, which were more based off works than grace?
The only purpose this book ever served was affirming the philosophy of evangelical conservative Christians who were too busy to actually learn from an unbiased source (or better yet, the books these men wrote themselves) and challenge the ideas of these men with actual logic and scientific studies rather than just assertions and straw men!
Addendum: Breese does quote these men, but he is very choosy with WHAT he quotes and ignores whole other parts of these guy’s philosophies. He will also make assumptions about the intentions of these men in their writing.
I totally get it if you want to learn how to refute the awfully backwards claims secular people (on both ends of the political spectrum, mind you) make about the world and humans. But if you do, please, don’t waste your time with this boring, barely structured, poorly argued book! Literally ANYTHING ELSE would be better for that! Read some C. S. Lewis and Greg Kokul. I’m begging of you. :(
(If I’m being assertive or making straw men myself, therefore making me a hippo in a crate, lmk and I *might* fix the review.)
Ohhh boy, this book has PROBLEMS.
Where do I begin? The flowery and dry verbosity the author expects makes him look educated? The near-infinite amount of straw men he makes? The endless villainizing and one-dimensionalizing of anyone who DARE stand against the great institution of- not even Christianity- American republicanism? The graphs that serve absolutely no purpose except to ‘prove’ an assertion?
The Darwin section: 100% based of the assumption that Darwin wanted to assert that evolution was to take place of God. Not how it was! He simply wrote down what he observed, and other people made a deal out of it. (I actually don’t think evolution, at least of animals, is inherently anti-theological at all. What if God guides the evolution?) Science works as observations that state facts, and what conclusions we make of them is our problem.
And then he goes on about ‘social Darwinism’, which is actually progressivism in disguise. ‘Social Darwinism’ is simply the way society progresses, gets better, and ‘evolves’ over time. Sound familiar? Yeah. This book is more about progressivism is evil and hurting the angelic conservative movement in America than it is actually about how any of this affects Christianity, how to argue against faulty ideas, or even the actual men!
The Marx section: He says the usual things conservatives say about this guy. Next.
The Wellhausen section (and if you didn’t know, the W is read like a V): What sort of difference does it make to my Christian belief, AT ALL, if Moses didn’t write the first 4 books of the Bible!? I didn’t even think about it until now! Wellhausen did, in fact, have weird and probably blasphemous ideas (you know, how the Old Testament was straight-up made up by the Pharisees in Jesus’ time). But is any of that talked about? No!
The Einstein bonus: Dude wasn’t even sure about his own theories. Give him a break.
The Freud Section: Freud was weird, and everyone knows it. You don’t need to tell us.
The Dewey Section: He literally just proposed an alternate route of education! Everybody’s brain works different, so don’t you think we should be educated in difficult ways? (By the way, that thing about being left in a schoolroom by a teacher to do a project while they go drink coffee or whatever? That wasn’t him. That was a colleague.)
The Keynes Section: *sigh* Different economic models work well in different situations. Is any one perfect? No. Is Keynesianism evil? What? How can economics be evil???
The Kierkegaard Section: This guy was weird too (What was Abraham thinking about when he went to sacrifice his son? Interesting to think about, but doesn’t affect my belief). And I’m pretty sure nobody agrees with him, let alone has ever heard of him.
Breese uses the most complicated language without making the book more beautiful or more compelling. Instead, it just makes it mildly more confusing and makes it seem he wants to hide the the fact that the he is not arguing but asserting.
Also, this was written 50 years ago… I’m sure he would have an aneurysm if he saw what the liberals are doing today. XD
The author also acts like everything was swell and peachy and wonderful concerning Christian ideology before, like, the Victorian age. Was slavery swell and peachy? How about blatant sexism? Or the old Catholic ways, which were more based off works than grace?
The only purpose this book ever served was affirming the philosophy of evangelical conservative Christians who were too busy to actually learn from an unbiased source (or better yet, the books these men wrote themselves) and challenge the ideas of these men with actual logic and scientific studies rather than just assertions and straw men!
Addendum: Breese does quote these men, but he is very choosy with WHAT he quotes and ignores whole other parts of these guy’s philosophies. He will also make assumptions about the intentions of these men in their writing.
I totally get it if you want to learn how to refute the awfully backwards claims secular people (on both ends of the political spectrum, mind you) make about the world and humans. But if you do, please, don’t waste your time with this boring, barely structured, poorly argued book! Literally ANYTHING ELSE would be better for that! Read some C. S. Lewis and Greg Kokul. I’m begging of you. :(
(If I’m being assertive or making straw men myself, therefore making me a hippo in a crate, lmk and I *might* fix the review.)
August 18, 2009
Ultimately disappointing. Was hoping for a more objective look at these influential men of history. The biographical snapshots were good, albeit a little brief, and the contextualising of the men in the times in which they lived was also good.
The author came across as too "preachy". A lot of it sounded like moralistic raving. I happen to agree with his point of view, generally speaking but given the nature of the book, and in relation to my expectations, I felt it was far too subjective.
The author came across as too "preachy". A lot of it sounded like moralistic raving. I happen to agree with his point of view, generally speaking but given the nature of the book, and in relation to my expectations, I felt it was far too subjective.
June 12, 2022
Ever wonder why the world seems to be insane?
Why despite our growth in luxuries and technologies things feel worse?
/Seven Men Who Rule the World from the Grave/ attempts to answer the question by focusing on seven men who's ideologies dominated secular thought in the 20th century, both in the ivory tower and in everyday life. Their ideologies in many cases has even found its way into the church.
The seven men are, in order of appearance: Charles Darwin, Karl Marx, Julius Wellhausen, Sigmund Freud, John Dewey, John Maynard Keynes, and Søren Kierkegaard. There is a bonus chapter on Albert Einstein, though Breese is clear to point out Einstein was as horrified as others when people started saying everything is relative. Before coming to Christ or even hearing of this book I had already rejected Marx, Freud, and Keynes. In effort to leave no thought not captive to Christ I wanted to read this, started, then got distracted, but I've finally finished.
Each chapter gives some background to the time the philosophies were created in, a little biographical background about the philosopher (especially focusing any information about the man's religion), a description of the person's philosophy finally, some exposition about how the philosophy is not biblically compatible and finally some exposition on the lasting harm of the person's philosophy.
It is important to understand Breese doesn't give a detailed refutation of each philosophy and he also limits himself to higher level attacks. Breese for example doesn't go into the scientific weeds with Darwin or Einstein, or the economic weeds with Marx and Keynes. The point is to show each philosophy is not biblically compatible and each philosophy is harmful. This is not the place to look for a detailed examination of Darwinism or Keynesian Economics, even from a biblical perspective.
By dead man I would rate the sections:
Darwin 5/5,
Marx 5/5,
Wellhausen 5/5,
Einstein 4/5,
Freud 5/5,
Dewey 4/5,
Keynes 1/5,
Kierkegaard 3/5.
The critique on Keynesian Economics fails because Breese focuses on the power grab of government and spends nearly 9 of the 21 pages setting the stage. Keynesian fails on biblical grounds because it is a dishonest. In addition, most economics in the bible are arrived at inductively and not from clear commandments. The critique on Kierkegaard is not well done because trying to pin Existentialism on just one man is extremely difficult. As Breese points out most Existentialist would be horrified to be grouped together with the people they are grouped with, if they were alive.
I agree with Breese, we need more books like this. Books which challenge every philosophy and theory not just on pragmatic practical grounds, but weighs them against God's word.
Why despite our growth in luxuries and technologies things feel worse?
/Seven Men Who Rule the World from the Grave/ attempts to answer the question by focusing on seven men who's ideologies dominated secular thought in the 20th century, both in the ivory tower and in everyday life. Their ideologies in many cases has even found its way into the church.
The seven men are, in order of appearance: Charles Darwin, Karl Marx, Julius Wellhausen, Sigmund Freud, John Dewey, John Maynard Keynes, and Søren Kierkegaard. There is a bonus chapter on Albert Einstein, though Breese is clear to point out Einstein was as horrified as others when people started saying everything is relative. Before coming to Christ or even hearing of this book I had already rejected Marx, Freud, and Keynes. In effort to leave no thought not captive to Christ I wanted to read this, started, then got distracted, but I've finally finished.
Each chapter gives some background to the time the philosophies were created in, a little biographical background about the philosopher (especially focusing any information about the man's religion), a description of the person's philosophy finally, some exposition about how the philosophy is not biblically compatible and finally some exposition on the lasting harm of the person's philosophy.
It is important to understand Breese doesn't give a detailed refutation of each philosophy and he also limits himself to higher level attacks. Breese for example doesn't go into the scientific weeds with Darwin or Einstein, or the economic weeds with Marx and Keynes. The point is to show each philosophy is not biblically compatible and each philosophy is harmful. This is not the place to look for a detailed examination of Darwinism or Keynesian Economics, even from a biblical perspective.
By dead man I would rate the sections:
Darwin 5/5,
Marx 5/5,
Wellhausen 5/5,
Einstein 4/5,
Freud 5/5,
Dewey 4/5,
Keynes 1/5,
Kierkegaard 3/5.
The critique on Keynesian Economics fails because Breese focuses on the power grab of government and spends nearly 9 of the 21 pages setting the stage. Keynesian fails on biblical grounds because it is a dishonest. In addition, most economics in the bible are arrived at inductively and not from clear commandments. The critique on Kierkegaard is not well done because trying to pin Existentialism on just one man is extremely difficult. As Breese points out most Existentialist would be horrified to be grouped together with the people they are grouped with, if they were alive.
I agree with Breese, we need more books like this. Books which challenge every philosophy and theory not just on pragmatic practical grounds, but weighs them against God's word.
November 4, 2021
2.75 stars
February 22, 2010
Though written in 1990, this fascinating book weaving together historical, philosophical, and theological themes is still remarkably relevant. Breese investigates the founders of seven influential philosophical systems, and how much of what they taught has become ingrained in the collective psyche of Western thought. He then compares and contrasts the philosophies of these “seminal thinkers” with Biblical teaching, illustrating how our presuppositions about the truth claims of the Bible (as opposed to other truth claims) impact our world view at every level. Here are the “7 men” (the following are the author’s words):
Charles Darwin, who systemized and advanced the principle that evolution was behind the origin of the species
Karl Marx, who developed and advocated the notion of modern Communism
Julius Wellhausen, who initiated “higher criticism” and “modernism”
John Dewey, who argued for an educational system focused on problem solving
Sigmund Freud, who promoted the view that the sexual instinct is the driving force behind all human action
John Maynard Keynes, who advocated the policies for reducing unemployment and expanding the economy that today find their expression in deficit spending and governmental activism
Søren Kierkegaard, who stressed the obligation each person has to make conscious, responsible choices among alternatives, a major tenet of existentialism
An eighth chapter also investigated the misapplication of Einstein’s theory of relativity to become a scientific “proof” of relative morality, which Einstein himself vehemently opposed (thus the reason he is not included as the 8th man in this list). This book is not exhaustive in its coverage of any of these philosophies, but is a good overview to give the Christian perspective on why people believe what they believe today. Nearly twenty years after publication, many of Breese’s predictions about what people in my generation would believe if the then budding postmodernism were followed to its logical conclusion appear prophetic. Highly recommended! Buy it here .
Charles Darwin, who systemized and advanced the principle that evolution was behind the origin of the species
Karl Marx, who developed and advocated the notion of modern Communism
Julius Wellhausen, who initiated “higher criticism” and “modernism”
John Dewey, who argued for an educational system focused on problem solving
Sigmund Freud, who promoted the view that the sexual instinct is the driving force behind all human action
John Maynard Keynes, who advocated the policies for reducing unemployment and expanding the economy that today find their expression in deficit spending and governmental activism
Søren Kierkegaard, who stressed the obligation each person has to make conscious, responsible choices among alternatives, a major tenet of existentialism
An eighth chapter also investigated the misapplication of Einstein’s theory of relativity to become a scientific “proof” of relative morality, which Einstein himself vehemently opposed (thus the reason he is not included as the 8th man in this list). This book is not exhaustive in its coverage of any of these philosophies, but is a good overview to give the Christian perspective on why people believe what they believe today. Nearly twenty years after publication, many of Breese’s predictions about what people in my generation would believe if the then budding postmodernism were followed to its logical conclusion appear prophetic. Highly recommended! Buy it here .
January 31, 2019
Thoroughly amazing analysis of 7 men who have shaped modern thought and whose premises are so ubiquitous that they are rarely even considered as potentially flawed, let alone challenged in any real way. The book is succinct and poignant and let's these men speak for themselves often to display some really abhorrent ideologies that today's society accepts as dogma. The author approaches the subject with a Christian worldview and portrays well the important contrast between Biblical truth and depraved notions of who is man, what is the origin of life, "did God really say?", what is the proper function of the state, and can truth be known. Breese highlights their poor logic, failed assessments of human nature and the fallout from what these men gave birth to. If you ever look at our post-modern society and wonder how it got to this state, this book will be a pretty good roadmap to showing you where we lost our way.
I should also point out that while this book was written in 1990 and many of the laments at that time seem to be very minor by comparison to today's dumpster fire, it is still incredibly prescient and many of the predictions made then have already come to pass unfortunately. In case you're wondering who the culprits are, included in the list are some expected names such as Darwin, Marx, and Freud and in addition some lesser known names like John Dewey (father of our modern educational system), Julian Wellhausen, John Maynard Keynes, and Soren Kierkegaard. This book should be required reading in every high school before graduating, but of course that will never happen (thanks in part to John Dewey).
I should also point out that while this book was written in 1990 and many of the laments at that time seem to be very minor by comparison to today's dumpster fire, it is still incredibly prescient and many of the predictions made then have already come to pass unfortunately. In case you're wondering who the culprits are, included in the list are some expected names such as Darwin, Marx, and Freud and in addition some lesser known names like John Dewey (father of our modern educational system), Julian Wellhausen, John Maynard Keynes, and Soren Kierkegaard. This book should be required reading in every high school before graduating, but of course that will never happen (thanks in part to John Dewey).
November 3, 2025
“Sometimes negative forces have seemed so strong because believers have not been sensitive to the ebbing and flowing tides in the culture in which they’re supposed to be salt and light.”
I’ve read many books on the topics of the seven men discussed in this book. What a delightful book to read that summarizes the impact each one had in our society today. Even though this book was written years ago, it is still very poignant and timely for us to dive into and understand. If we do not know what influences the philosophy of the day we live in, we have no way to compete or speak the truth to it. It was mentioned that Manny could’ve stopped each one of these influential men in the destruction that their philosophy caused had one person’s been willing to stand up and speak out. No one was willing to say the emperor has no clothes and so the world dove into periods of devastation and loss unthinkable. What will our role be today in our society? Will we do as so many have done in the past and let these evil men influence generations or will we stand up and be willing to declare the truth that God presents so clearly in his word to those who are lost, hurting, and seeking for meaning and purpose in this world.
This is a must read book that anyone wanting to understand why we are where we are. It gives a great overview to begin to understand the complicated and misguided philosophies that still rule our day besides the truth found in God’s word.
I’ve read many books on the topics of the seven men discussed in this book. What a delightful book to read that summarizes the impact each one had in our society today. Even though this book was written years ago, it is still very poignant and timely for us to dive into and understand. If we do not know what influences the philosophy of the day we live in, we have no way to compete or speak the truth to it. It was mentioned that Manny could’ve stopped each one of these influential men in the destruction that their philosophy caused had one person’s been willing to stand up and speak out. No one was willing to say the emperor has no clothes and so the world dove into periods of devastation and loss unthinkable. What will our role be today in our society? Will we do as so many have done in the past and let these evil men influence generations or will we stand up and be willing to declare the truth that God presents so clearly in his word to those who are lost, hurting, and seeking for meaning and purpose in this world.
This is a must read book that anyone wanting to understand why we are where we are. It gives a great overview to begin to understand the complicated and misguided philosophies that still rule our day besides the truth found in God’s word.
December 31, 2007
This is an excellent book and very well written. I found myself unwilling to put it down once I picked it up.
Dave Breese takes the reader through the history of 7 key men who have so greatly impacted the world that they, in a very real sense, still "rule the world from the grave." He observes the impact that each of these men had in their respective fields: Charles Darwin - "Science;" Julius Wellhausen - "Christianity;" John Dewey - Education; Sigmund Freud - Psychology; Soren Kerkegaard - Philosophy; and Karl Marx and John Maynard Keynes - Economics. He shows the terrible impact these men had on the world in which they lived and upon which our present world is built (and for some of them, especially the Western world - life, thought, and culture).
I would highly recommend this book to Christians who would like to understand some key points in history from a Christian perspective and the implications they have for today (my hope, of course, is that that would be all Christians).
Dave Breese takes the reader through the history of 7 key men who have so greatly impacted the world that they, in a very real sense, still "rule the world from the grave." He observes the impact that each of these men had in their respective fields: Charles Darwin - "Science;" Julius Wellhausen - "Christianity;" John Dewey - Education; Sigmund Freud - Psychology; Soren Kerkegaard - Philosophy; and Karl Marx and John Maynard Keynes - Economics. He shows the terrible impact these men had on the world in which they lived and upon which our present world is built (and for some of them, especially the Western world - life, thought, and culture).
I would highly recommend this book to Christians who would like to understand some key points in history from a Christian perspective and the implications they have for today (my hope, of course, is that that would be all Christians).
May 20, 2013
Though this book was published in 1990, it is timely, even moreso today. Dave Breese shares the philosophical and spiritual influences these men have had, not only on the world, but within Christianity as well. Among other things, Mr. Breese reiterates what I have said for years... the modern church (especially in America) is more concerned with preaching a social gospel (salvation based on good works we do for others) instead of preaching The Gospel of Jesus Christ, which provides salvation through the shed blood of Christ the Savior.
Anyone who would like a quick biography on each of these seven men as well as a brief synopsis of the philosophies they originated and espoused would love this book.
Anyone who would like a quick biography on each of these seven men as well as a brief synopsis of the philosophies they originated and espoused would love this book.
October 14, 2013
It's quite astonishing how a single man's thoughts can rule the universe even after his death, the influence of their work continue to make changes forever. Thoughts are the gods of mind and if anyone could bring a new, promising thought to a group of people which have noone to stand against him with a solid proof to say he's wrong, he'd be a new God to these people and will continue to rule their minds from his grave.
Humanity suffers a lot because the nations don't know their history and don't learn from their past mistakes. If people continue to be enthusiastic about any new ideas and utopian promises without turning to the failures of history, they'll continue to suffer again in the same vicious circle of disappointments, wars, economical crisis and tyrannical governments.
Humanity suffers a lot because the nations don't know their history and don't learn from their past mistakes. If people continue to be enthusiastic about any new ideas and utopian promises without turning to the failures of history, they'll continue to suffer again in the same vicious circle of disappointments, wars, economical crisis and tyrannical governments.
June 2, 2023
While this was a quick way to get an overview of seven different philosophers from Darwin to Marx to Dewey, etc - which was the part I enjoyed- I find it difficult to take seriously arguments from Christian right conservatives much any more.
Very thinly defended from the Bible and far more just assuming that the American capitalist experiment is awesome and working fine.
Thirty years after this book was published, I'm sceptical of the American system and this book reminded me why!
Very thinly defended from the Bible and far more just assuming that the American capitalist experiment is awesome and working fine.
Thirty years after this book was published, I'm sceptical of the American system and this book reminded me why!
November 6, 2019
Read this book aloud to my 16 yo son. A fascinating look into the lives and teaching of these 7 men whose influence is felt even today. More importantly, this book offers a trenchant explanation for how this influence came about - largely due to the weakness and failure of the church to be the church. A very important book for any thinking Christian.
November 26, 2021
While I’m aware of some of these men’s names the synopsis given of each life helped me understand their positions. I found the book informative and while at times not the easiest of reads, worth the effort. I’ve encountered some of these “attitudes” in Christian classes I’ve attended. This will help me when I’m in discussion and meet these “isms “
November 10, 2007
A fascinating look at the way the potent ideas of Kierkegaard, Darwin, Marx, Freud, John Dewey (father of modern public education), Julius Wellhausen, John Maynard Keyes and others live into the present time and the real truth about their impact on western civilization. Amazing insights!!!
March 25, 2015
Got this thinking it was some wacky Illuminati conspiracy thing and found it was a wacky Jesus thing. Very boring.
I'm starting to think religious books should be labeled the way fetish porn is, so readers don't end up with the wrong kind by mistake.
I'm starting to think religious books should be labeled the way fetish porn is, so readers don't end up with the wrong kind by mistake.
February 23, 2020
A great book. Well written. The late author, Dave Breese, was agreat softy-teller and these biographical sketches add a personal element to our understanding of history since Darwin.
I highly recommend this book, but remind readers to check Scripture references with your King James Bible.
I highly recommend this book, but remind readers to check Scripture references with your King James Bible.
January 5, 2021
I have no idea why anyone would give this book good ratings, as it is seriously one of the craziest books I have ever had the displeasure of reading. I particularly enjoyed the part where Dewey is evil because he promoted education for everyone. The horror!!!
June 1, 2012
Hugely informative, opened my eyes to the evil evident in today's society and its root causes.
May 20, 2013
Very interesting read!
February 27, 2014
Wonderful - thought provoking - excellent job making material understandable
February 27, 2015
Great book
Wow. This book mentions key men who shaped or present culture and thus continue to drive the future of our world.
Wow. This book mentions key men who shaped or present culture and thus continue to drive the future of our world.
June 30, 2015
Good book on common philosophies present in society today.
December 17, 2017
Helps one to understand why we're at where we're at in the world.
April 5, 2018
Great book that explores the origins of today's dysfunction.
January 25, 2022
Truth will prevail
Recommended for those who want truth. Most of us really don't. Incredible how easily humans will sin.. Jesus, come quickly.
Recommended for those who want truth. Most of us really don't. Incredible how easily humans will sin.. Jesus, come quickly.
February 6, 2021
"7 Men Who Rule the World from the Grave" by David Breese begins with an interesting premise--that 7 men from the past were such influential thinkers that even though they are long dead, they continue to exert intellectual influence. But, unfortunately, the premise of the book was simply not sustained by the thinly researched and poorly defended argumentation of the author.
That being said, this book is not without value. One would be wise to study the lives and the philosophies of Charles Darwin, Karl Marx, Julius Wellhausen, Sigmund Freud, John Dewey, John Maynard Keynes and Soren Kierkegaard. Indeed, each of these men had an impact on both their time and ours, and much of the spirit of our age has been infused with their writings.
The great value of this book is the extent to which the author articulates how the views of these men depart from the revealed truth of God's Word. Perhaps, this would be a helpful book to use with Junior High students who are beginning to think about their own worldview and the worldview of their peers and how all of this relates to the inspired, inerrant Word of God. But I would not recommend this book for a more advanced audience because it is filled many non-sequiturs and it lacks a certain intellectual rigor that, I fear, would cause older students to view it with a certain mistrust, and that is unfortunate.
David Breese meant well in authoring this book, and his plan was a good one. Unfortunately, however, the execution of his plan was inadequate and uneven. Discerning readers should look elsewhere for more solid worldview analysis. Happy reading!
That being said, this book is not without value. One would be wise to study the lives and the philosophies of Charles Darwin, Karl Marx, Julius Wellhausen, Sigmund Freud, John Dewey, John Maynard Keynes and Soren Kierkegaard. Indeed, each of these men had an impact on both their time and ours, and much of the spirit of our age has been infused with their writings.
The great value of this book is the extent to which the author articulates how the views of these men depart from the revealed truth of God's Word. Perhaps, this would be a helpful book to use with Junior High students who are beginning to think about their own worldview and the worldview of their peers and how all of this relates to the inspired, inerrant Word of God. But I would not recommend this book for a more advanced audience because it is filled many non-sequiturs and it lacks a certain intellectual rigor that, I fear, would cause older students to view it with a certain mistrust, and that is unfortunate.
David Breese meant well in authoring this book, and his plan was a good one. Unfortunately, however, the execution of his plan was inadequate and uneven. Discerning readers should look elsewhere for more solid worldview analysis. Happy reading!
June 15, 2023
I am writing this review from the perspective of a mum who read it with her 15 year old son. I do think that it would be better understood by him had he read it perhaps as a 17 year old. It wasn't difficult to understand, just a little chewy in places. The language is very adult, and the author assumes an adult understanding of the world, so there was a lot to explain along the way, not that this was a bad thing.
That being said, I think that it is an incredibly important book to gain an understanding of so many of the contributing factors to how we arrived at 2023, not just for teenagers to read but adults alike.
The author is prophetic in many of his statements, (given that the book was published in 1990) although I doubt very much that even he could have predicted just how unimaginable a hedonistic society we would degenerate into just three short decades later.
It will help to have a good understanding of history, and a Christian worldview.
Some great books to read along side it are World War II, Whatever Happened to Justice and Whatever Happened to Penny Candy by Richard Maybury and both the Bitcoin and Fiat Standards by Saifedean Ammous. Also watch the Century of Self four part documentary.
It is sad to me, reading this with my children and watching their innocence destroyed, as they become young adults and gain a realisation of the fallen world that we live in, but I am ever grateful for authors such as Dave Breese, who so articulately and gently deliver the blow, with a solid explanation of the cause, and a hope that this too shall pass.
That being said, I think that it is an incredibly important book to gain an understanding of so many of the contributing factors to how we arrived at 2023, not just for teenagers to read but adults alike.
The author is prophetic in many of his statements, (given that the book was published in 1990) although I doubt very much that even he could have predicted just how unimaginable a hedonistic society we would degenerate into just three short decades later.
It will help to have a good understanding of history, and a Christian worldview.
Some great books to read along side it are World War II, Whatever Happened to Justice and Whatever Happened to Penny Candy by Richard Maybury and both the Bitcoin and Fiat Standards by Saifedean Ammous. Also watch the Century of Self four part documentary.
It is sad to me, reading this with my children and watching their innocence destroyed, as they become young adults and gain a realisation of the fallen world that we live in, but I am ever grateful for authors such as Dave Breese, who so articulately and gently deliver the blow, with a solid explanation of the cause, and a hope that this too shall pass.
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