Book Review: Relativism: Feet Firmly Planted in Mid-Air

More and more it seems that society and culture are attempting to jettison objective morality in favor of their own moral autonomy. It is a challenge that takes place at both an individual level and a political level. The Christian worldview holds that certain actions and behaviors are right or wrong regardless of who believes or does not believe that they are. Christians need to be able to defend this position in their everyday discussions with friends, family, and coworkers; otherwise, they may cave to the "wisdom of the world." Greg Koukl and Francis Beckwith wrote Relativism: Feet Firmly Planted in Mid-Air precisely with these everyday Christians in mind.

The book is divided into five parts (sixteen chapters) and 170 pages. This review will be a part-by-part review (rather than my usual chapter-by-chapter, due to the short length of some chapters) to provide the reader with a quick summary of what they can expect from the book. My thoughts will conclude the review. While both Koukl and Beckwith are in agreement with all the content in the book, they each were the primary authors of certain parts, so I will refer to them by name (even though both authors are represented). 

Apologist Interview: Francis Beckwith

Today's interview is with Frank Beckwith, Professor of Philosophy and Church-State Studies at Baylor University. He talks about his background, the importance of ethics and church-state issues, the reason for controversy about Christianity and politics, the meaning of "separation between church and state," what the Bible says about politics, how Christians should be engaged politically, thinking about hot-button issues, how to properly argue for issues, factors for evaluating candidates, the importance of voting, his book Politics for Christians: Statecraft as Soulcraft (review here), recommended reading, and advice for apologists.

Full Interview MP3 Audio here (1hr)

Books by Frank Beckwith include:
• Politics for Christians: Statecraft as Soulcraft
• Defending Life: A Moral and Legal Case Against Abortion Choice
• Relativism: Feet Firmly Planted in Mid-Air
Enjoy.
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Book Review: Politics for Christians by Francis Beckwith

Christianity and politics has always been an interesting mix. A mix that has caused loads of controversy and confusion among Christians. For example, what exactly is separation of church and state, and how exactly should a Christian get involved in politics and in the public square? These are some of the issues that Francis J. Beckwith hopes to bring some clarity to with his book Politics for Christians which is another book that is part of the Christian Worldview Integration Series edited by J.P. Moreland and Beckwith himself.

This book is not about what political ideology you should have, and it is not about which party you should choose, although Beckwith will note how our values as Christians will play a role in determining a party and/or ideology that best fits.

Defeating Moral Relativism by Francis Beckwith MP3 Audio

In this lecture for Summit Ministries, Francis Beckwith deals with the extremely common but important issue of moral relativism. This is the view that there are no objective moral truths that apply to all people in all times and places. Beckwith and Koukl 'wrote the book' on Relativism, which is highly recommended.

Full MP3 Audio here. (45 minutes)

Video here at Summit.

Enjoy.