Socrates in the City

Conversations on 'Life, God, and Other Small Topics'

By: Eric Metaxas (Editor)

Narrated by: Eric Metaxas

Length: 14 hrs and 54 mins

Publisher's summary

Following the extraordinary success of the New York Times best seller Bonhoeffer, Eric Metaxas’ latest book offers inspirational and intellectually rigorous thoughts about the great questions surrounding us all today.

The Greek philosopher Socrates famously said that “the unexamined life is not worth living.” Taking this as a starting point, Eric Metaxas founded a speaking series that encouraged busy and successful professionals to attend forums and think actively about the bigger questions in life; thus Socrates in the City: Conversations on “Life, God, and Other Small Topics” was born.

This book is for the seeker in all of us, the collector of wisdom, and the person who asks, “What if?” Within this collection of original essays that were first given to standing-room-only crowds in New York City are serious thinkers taking on Life, God, Evil, Redemption, and other small topics. Luminaries such as Dr. Francis Collins, Sir John Polkinghorne, N. T. Wright, Os Guinness, and Peter Kreeft have written about extraordinary topics vital to both secular and Christian thinking, such as “Making Sense out of Suffering,” “Can an Atheist Be a Good Citizen?,” and “How Good Confronts Evil: Lessons from the Life and Death of Dietrich Bonhoeffer.” No question is too big—in fact, the bigger, the harder, the more complex the better. These essays are both thoughtprovoking and entertaining, because nowhere is it written that finding answers to life’s biggest questions shouldn’t be exciting and even, perhaps, fun.

©2011 Eric Metaxas (P)2011 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Humor and introspection in almost equal measure.

I would encourage anyone who would like a brief respite from our shallow modern discourse to devour this book like the nourishing meal that it certainly is.

I wish I were there!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely! I very much enjoyed the thought provoking topics and rationale that was presented by most of the speakers. Unlike a print version of this "book," the audio version is actually digital recordings of guest speakers and short Q & A sessions that followed. I would love to hear additional speakers in a sequel. I would suggest that Eric edit his introductions. I very much have enjoyed Eric's books and have learned a lot about great leaders (I would recommend any of his books to you). However, before each speaker Eric spends nearly TEN full minutes introducing them and telling jokes. I appreciate a brief introduction so that I know the background of the speaker. A joke or two would be fine. However after the first few introductions I started skipping the intro all together (saving myself 10 minutes per speaker) and jumping right to the meat of the topic.

Great find

Thoughtful presentations with an unusually intelligent Q&A. A little too much vaudeville in the introductions which gives the impression of narcissism. However the ideas and the commitment of Metaxas is laudable as is his intellect. I thought his Luther was similarly a little to much of an attempt at “showing off” the author’s artistry and vocabulary which lead me to abandon the book by mid book. That said Metaxas’s work is to be appreciated and admired ,

Thought Elixirs

I counted it a joy to be listening to this series of lectures. It is a unique blend of humor, scholarship, and spiritual quest. I applaud this audiobook for presenting the actual recordings, and not a narrated transcript. Price these sold separately at the Socrates in the City website, and you'll discover what a fabulous bargain this collection actually is.

Inspiration for down-trodden Christians

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This is a must listen for any Christian weary from swimming upstream in a secular, self-consumed world. The "small topics" addressed in Socrates in the City are timely, relevant and inspirational. Can't say how crucial it is for serious believers to delve into these topics and come up breathing fresh, invigorating hope and renewal. Such a blessing!

Which scene was your favorite?

Loved Paul Vitz' speech on Fatherhood and Chuck Colson's talk - incredibly important.

Great lectures and Q&A

I wish the Q&A sessions weren't cut short. They could have omitted the lengthy introductions for each speaker to leave time for the Q&A sessions.

challenging, informative and refreshing

brilliant minds that challenge and encourage the listener. the final chapter is worth the price alone, but the entire book is simply a treasure for discussion and personal study.

Entertaining, Though Provoking, Witty, Powerful

What made the experience of listening to Socrates in the City the most enjoyable?

These are actual recording from Socrates in the City events. Eric Metaxas' introductions are really fun and the speakers are intellectual pwerhouses. My thinking and life have been influenced by this book and I am thankful for it.

What other book might you compare Socrates in the City to and why?

I cannot think of an adequate comparison. This was a delicious and unique experience.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Examine, Think, Laugh

Mostly great!

Really, really cool to hear the actual speeches and Eric's funny intro's. A few were a little dull, otherwise I'd give it 5 stars.

Excellent material thoughtfully delivered

Just finished my first read and will do it again next week. Very worthwhile. Every speaker was an expert.