How Should We Then Live

The Rise and Decline of Western Thought and Culture

By: Francis A. Schaeffer

Narrated by: Kate Reading

Length: 7 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

As one of the foremost evangelical thinkers of the 20th century, Francis Schaeffer long pondered the fate of declining Western culture. In this brilliant book, he analyzed the reasons for modern society's state of affairs and presented the only viable alternative: living by the Christian ethic, acceptance of God's revelation, and total affirmation of the Bible's morals, values, and meaning.

How Should We Then Live? has become the benchmark for Christian worldview thinking today. This edition commemorates the 50th anniversary of L'Abri Fellowship, founded by Francis and Edith Schaeffer.

©2005 Francis A. Schaffer (P)2009 christianaudio.com

Schaeffer's classic confronts and challenges

Where does How Should We Then Live rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It is the only audiobook I've listened to in its entirety.

What did you like best about this story?

I enjoyed reviewing several well-known aspect of world history, and learning of many other unfamiliar ones, woven together in a coherent worldview.

What aspect of Kate Reading’s performance would you have changed?

I don't disapprove of her performance at all... this was my first audiobook and it was a bit of a challenge to engage the male author while hearing his words in a female voice. I'm not sure I ever made the connection completely.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Schaeffer's indictment of Christians who have held to thoroughly orthodox views in most areas while ignoring Scriptural teaching on race and compassionate use of wealth.

Great overview of the history of thought.

This book really challenge my perception of the world that we live in. It forces you to look at the way we think through the eyes of those who came before us. And especially how the way we think lines up with Jesus.

A Prophetic Warning for All of Us

Dr. Shaeffer has artfully traced the contrary motion of decline of culture and civilization the human race regards as 'advances', this unstoppable march into Revelation's prophecies and God's final judgement.

Excellent listen. So relevant for our time!

It's amazing how Francis Shaeffer is more relevant as history progresses!
We should all listen and take heed.

Outstanding Appraisal of The Flow of Civilization

Schaeffer is a most outstanding historian, philosopher, and theologian. He has a valuated the whole flow of thought in western civilization up to our present day, and knows how to give people the very best advice about what should we do about all of the challenges before us.

All-round great

Kate Reading is fantastic as always. Great book- very timely message. Thankful for Francis, Kate and Audible!

Timeless masterpiece of cultural analysis

What did you love best about How Should We Then Live?

Schaeffer clearly reveals the impact of worldview on culture and history. Ideas have consequences. It makes me wonder. Where is our thoughts leading us today?

Summary of How should we then live?

I goes deep from the Roman Age to the Age of the 1970. Special Note: this book is slowly and some of the picture of nude statue and this book was written and published in the 1970's so if some of the words are out of date that is the reason.

Incredible!

An incredible account of the history of man, and where do we go from here.
Francis Schaeffer’s efforts in writing this book is phenomenal! A must read for all mankind!

Don’t agree with all of it but very thought provoking

This book, written in the 1970’s, was a fascinating flashback to the days before white evangelical Christians were co-opted by the extreme right. Schaeffer presents some excellent points that, taken together, should help correct the current denigration of Christianity into Trumpism. Although, who knows, maybe a Trump lover would think the warning against authoritarianism is a call to arms to stand behind Trump. Strange happenings in the US these days.... Listen and draw your own conclusions.

An additional comment: Schaeffer writes about the ravings of a few elitists who try to argue that people are just complex machines. He seems to think that this has the possibility of causing massive changes in the way ordinary people think. I doubt it. People are way too human to fall for that. They are falling in love, trying to keep their families cohesive, and experiencing all manner of feelings that contradict any such nonsense. On the other hand, his premise that people are most motivated to protect their own personal peace and prosperity is spot on.