Understanding the Modern Culture Wars: The Essentials of Western Civilization

by Paul A. Cleveland

This book chronicles the development of the foundational principles upon which Western culture is established. This culture has been profoundly shaped by Christianity. It has allowed the people living within it to flourish to a greater extent than any other in human history. Today there are forces at work within our own educational institutions that are seeking to destroy this culture by denying its very foundational principles. If supporters of Western civilization fail to understand the basis upon which it rests, they may unwittingly succumb to this assault. Because of this, it is essential that those who wish to protect and advance the culture understand these principles. The aim of this book is to provide its readers with that understanding. The book is designed to be used as an introductory text in Western Civilization and is equally well suited for a group study series or for individual reading. Complete with study questions for each chapter as well as a comprehensive index.

416 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are content with the status quo of western civilization curriculum, then read no further. For those who are looking for a text which incorporates classical history while having a thoroughly Christian worldview, then this is it. Cleveland partitions this book into four time periods (The Mediterranean World, The Middle Ages, The Early Modern Era, and The Modern Era) to be used in each year of high school. As such, the reading level and concepts progressively increase. The last section exposes the conflicting worldviews (philosophies) which have influenced (corrupted) various civil governments. He artfully weaves quotes from authors into the text (Frederic Bastiat, Clarence B. Carson, Gordon Clark, Will Durant, J. Gresham Machen, Frances A. Schaeffer) demonstrating the logic of limited government and protection of private property as foundational concepts to a truly civil government. I highly recommend this text as a tool to both prepare the next generation, and to redeem the education of those indoctrinated by government institutions. Understanding the Modern Culture Wars is an excellent primer towards becoming a reformed libertarian (http://reformedlibertarian.com/readin...).

[Michael Bozmarov · Rating 4 out of 5]

A decently interesting history of Western Civilization, if only it were not basically a book really focused on an apologetic on behalf of Austrian economics. At least he is fair about the Reformation. 3.5 stars.