For centuries, Christianity has exercised influence over the western world. Although of course, Jesus Christ lived, died and was raised again in Judea, in the Middle East, much of the early growth of the Church was into Europe. This had a huge influence on legislation, the arts, literature, taxation, etc.
However, in the past 200 years this influence has waned. And increasingly so. This book SEVEN MEN WHO RULE THE WORLD FROM THE GRAVE introduces the reader to seven seminal thinkers who have contributed to that process of secularization. The thinking Christian will do well to consider the writings of these men, and how their ideas have developed beyond their lifetimes, to influence the western world and beyond.
The writer is based in the US, not Europe, so his writing reflects a slightly different viewpoint. He suggests that Europe’s declension into secularization is somewhat ahead of the US.
His critiques of Marx and Kierkegaard suffer from an implied defence of capitalism and, I think, the American dream as a positive good in itself.
The story is not all bad news. Jesus Christ taught His followers to pray, “your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” And that prayer will surely be answered. In the face of secular and other anti-Christian influences across our world, our confidence is in Jesus Christ who has defeated sin and death and instituted a glorious eternal kingdom.
