Good Ideas from Questionable Christians and Outright Pagans: An Introduction to Key Thinkers and Philosophies

by Wilkens, Steve

• ISBN13: 9780830827398
• ISBN10: 0830827390
• eBook ISBN(s): 9781514015193
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2004-01-01
• Publisher: Ivp Academic
• More Book Details

About This Book

Good Ideas from Questionable Christians and Outright Pagans: An Introduction to Key Thinkers and Philosophies

ISBN: 9780830827398

This book, written by Steve Wilkens, is a thought-provoking introduction to the study of philosophy. It explores the central questions raised by major Western philosophers, from Socrates to Nietzsche, and delves into the relevance of their ideas for Christian thought. The book aims to bridge the gap between philosophical inquiry and Christian faith, encouraging readers to engage with the rich intellectual heritage of the past.

Who Uses It?

Primarily, this book is used by students and educators in Christian universities and institutions who are interested in exploring the intersection of philosophy and faith. It is also a valuable resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the philosophical underpinnings of various thinkers and their contributions to Western philosophy.

History and Editions

Published in 2003 by IVP Academic, "Good Ideas from Questionable Christians and Outright Pagans" has been a staple in educational settings for over two decades. The book has been widely adopted in courses that focus on the history of philosophy and its relationship to Christian theology. Its enduring popularity stems from its accessible approach to complex philosophical concepts and its ability to make these ideas relevant to contemporary discussions.

Author and Other Works

Steve Wilkens is the author of "Good Ideas from Questionable Christians and Outright Pagans." Wilkens, now a seasoned educator, had initially harbored reservations about studying the works of "pagans" or "questionable Christians." However, his journey as a teacher at a Christian university led him to develop a deep appreciation for the value of philosophical reflection in enriching the life of faith. Wilkens' work in this book reflects his commitment to making philosophy accessible and meaningful for a broad audience.

Detailed Information

ISBNs and Formats

• Paperback: ISBN-13: 9780830827398
• Rental Options: Available for rent through various retailers with free shipping on rental returns.

Publication Details

• Publisher: IVP Academic
• Publication Date: 2003
• Number of Pages: Not specified
• Language: English

Other Editions and Formats

While there are no additional editions or formats listed for this specific ISBN, it is often available in paperback format. For those interested in renting or purchasing the book, various retailers offer these options.

Related ISBNs

To ensure accuracy, only the primary ISBN is listed here. However, if additional ISBNs were available for different formats or editions, they would be included here as well. For example:

• If an eTextbook version were available, it might have a different ISBN.
• If a second edition were published, it would likely have a new ISBN.

Given the specificity of the provided ISBN, it is essential to verify any additional ISBNs through reliable sources to ensure accuracy.

Key Features

• Philosophical Exploration: The book explores central questions raised by major Western philosophers, including Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Aquinas, Descartes, Kierkegaard, Marx, Nietzsche, and Sartre.
• Relevance to Faith: It delves into the relevance of these philosophers' ideas for Christian thought and faith.
• Accessible Approach: The book uses generous quotations from the original sources to make complex philosophical concepts accessible to a broad audience.

This detailed information section provides a quick reference for all the available formats and sources for "Good Ideas from Questionable Christians and Outright Pagans," making it easier to find and access the book in the preferred format.

Table of Contents

Introduction: What's a Nice Christian Like You Doing in a Place Like Athens?

Socrates I: Why Ask Why?

Socrates II: Are Beliefs Worth Living (and Dying) For?

Plato: Is a Just Society Possible?

Aristotle: Do You Want to be Happy?

Augustine: Is God Responsible for Evil?

Aquinas: Can Nature Lead Us to God?

Descartes: Can I Be Certain of Anything?

Kierkegaard: Are Faith and Ethics Related?

Marx: Does Money Determine Our Beliefs?

Nietzsche: Is Morality All About Power?

Sartre: Do You Really Want to Be Free?

Epilogue: The Examined Life

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.