Review 2025.03.010
Reviewers Note: It is the beginning of 2025 and one of the skills I desire to grow in is that of writing book reviews (having never done this before). I am doing this so I can better hone my writing (and reading) skills as I seek to think more critically about the books I am reading. I am sharing on Goodreads for my own personal development. I know this will be something I am always growing in so if you actually read these, please be patient with me as I develop this skill. I will also receive constructive criticism if you desire to help me become a better writer (and reader). I plan to use this disclaimer for the entire 2025 year.
How Should We Then Live? by Francis Schaeffer
373 Pages
What should I say about this book? It was a good book but not exactly what I expected. As he walked through how different periods of history affected society in general and Christianity specifically, I thought he would give more thoughts as to how Christians should live now. The title is “How should we then live?” so it didn’t seem like a big jump to me. And while there was some discussion about how to live, it was left mostly up to the reader.
Outside of that, I really liked the book. It was a much slower read than I expected it to be. Some of the points were a lot to process especially when he got into the Enlightenment part. I had to read slowly so that I could follow everything correctly. Then as he moved into more modern times, I was able to keep up a little easier.
There was a section where he talked about determinists. One of the few highlights I made in the book. I was trying to figure out how those thoughts would define his theology on the doctrines of grace but there was not enough information to make that determination. He wrote a lot of books so I’m sure I could find his beliefs there but not something I desire to pursue currently.
I should read this book again so that I can really get more out of it but I find it unlikely that I will read it again. I can recommend this book to a really small group of people. So small in fact that we would need to have a conversation before I would suggest you read it.