Many will know that R.C. Sproul is a Christian writer who writes simply and well, usually on doctrinal and theological issues. This particular book, which is subtitled Understanding the ideas that shape Society today, is an example of his writing. However, it handles particularly complex issues regarding world view and does so perhaps simplistically rather than simply. There is an absence of a recommended reading list to help those interested in finding out more about each topic and also no end notes nor sources of quotes that represent the views of those prominent in the formulating the various schools of thought about which the book seeks to be an introduction. These things being said, it is a good introduction to ideas such as secularism, existentialism, humanism and four others that Sproul regards as underlying prevailing attitudes that mould the way people think and live today. He offers biblical perspectives on these non-Christian philosophies and shows how Christians can influence five major areas sorely in need of Christian values, namely art, science, literature, economics and government. The book is divided into two main parts in the first of which Dr Sproul he looks as the major philosophies influencing the western world, USA in particular and the second part applies the biblical perspective mentioned above and it is this latter part which is probably its best feature as he exhorts Christians to be involved in those areas. The book was written in 1986 and is still available today both new and second hand. It is a surprise that it has not undergone any re writing and editing but perhaps the author regards it as being able to accomplish the introduction to these important issues of world view which he intended. The book is designed for group study and includes numbers of questions at the end of each chapter that will promote serious thought.
