Rating: 
Summary: A Complete Look at the Christian Worldview
Review: If you didn't know, Charles Colson spent time in jail for the Watergate thing. Now, while I don't hold that against him (he has since become a Christian and now runs a prison ministry), he does still seem a bit too Republican for me. I can't stand Nixon, and he still loves the man. But, Colson knew him personnally, so maybe that makes a difference. But anyway, that really has nothing to do with this great book he wrote. This isn't a book on apologetics, but just an overview of how a Christian should veiw the world and why other worldviews don't adaquatly explain everything we need to know. It can get a little slow towards the middle, and I paused halfway through to read The Mark (Left Behind #8), but I enjoyed it.
Rating:
Summary: A reply to Too Many Unanswered Questions
Review: I just wanted to point out that your review is a good one of the book, but it is based on one misconception. That is a misconception that evolutionary theory has been proven and that it is a scientific fact. You elude to the proof of the fossil record, but my question is, what proof is that? I am a student majoring in biology and history, and I have been studying evolutionary theory for the past 4 years. I can think of no instance where I have ever read about scientific evidence from the fossil record that supports evolution. The burden of proof lies on evolutionists, and in your review you make the assumption that evolutionary theory has already been proven true. The fact is that most biological theories are inductive, which means that they can not be necessarily proven true or false. Since evolution being true is a premiss to your whole review, and the fact is that evolution has not been proven valid, then in the realm of logic you have committed the fallacy of denying the antecedent.
Rating: 
Summary: Too Many Unanswered Questions
Review: Overall, the book raised many points I agreed with. Many of the problems of the culture today are due to lack of morality and personal accountability. However, I felt the authors made a weak case for tying these problems back to original sin. For instance, a portion of the book attempted to debunk evolution. The authors did not address the evidence of the fossil record (animals existing for millions of years). Assuming the authors are correct and evolution is false, then when was the earth created? The authors don't answer this question and I believe this weakens their case. If the world was created millions of years ago, then sin did not bring death into the world. Natural disasters and death have existed since the beginning of time (the creation wasn't "perfect"). Sin cannot then explain natural evil. If the earth is only 6,000 years old, then God has deceived us. How can we trust any of the conclusions we reach via our senses? Another major flaw in the book is a limited reading of history. The authors rightly point to the efforts of christians in attempting to improve the lot of mankind. But can they seriously believe that christianity has been "the defender of individual liberty"? It seems more than coincidental that the movements to end religious persecution and the effort to abolish slavery arose AFTER the enlightenment. What had suddenly appeared in the bible after 1700 years to change the christian position? Finally, I think the call for people to become more involved in the community and culture is a worthwhile goal. What concerns me about the authors' call is the overlap between policy and matters of personal conscience. While this is not a flaw in the book it is a conclusion I disagree with. Today's medical technology has created many gray areas in end-of-life and abortion issues. Do I need to carry a child to term if there is no chance of the baby surviving? Will I be able to end my life (with a physician's assistance) if the pain from my terminal illness becomes unbearable? I think these are issues where there is no absolute right or wrong answers. The issues are a point where the authors' call to action will limit my personal liberty.
Rating: 
Summary: Not What I Expected-Not What I Wanted
Review: I'm sorry folks (the other reviewers), I can't see it. This book does nothing for me. As a Christian, this book offers little that is new and I must wonder what the big flap is all about. If I were a non-Christian, I doubt that this book would convert me - it may even alienate me. The authors have an amazing grasp of the obvious and spend so much time in trivial matters that the important concepts are buried. I am told that Charles Darwin (dirty words) read books with a pen knife in his hand - cutting away the unnecessary lines and passages and discarding them. I am afraid of what would be left if I did that to this book - two covers, maybe!!! I'm sorry I spent the money I did in buying the book, and I'm sorry about the time I spent reading it. The authors have tried to do too much and have not done it well. The size of the book makes it to large for a paper weight, perhaps I can use it to prop a door open. Have to find some use for it.
Rating: 
Summary: A true classic
Review: Charles Colson has written a book that is destined to become a Christian classic. He effectively contrasts the worldviews of Christianity and Naturalism, and then goes on to apply this thinking to our everyday lives. Instead of being lonely outcasts huddled around the warmth of Christ in an uncaring Universe, we can gain the perspective that THIS world is the false construct, and boldly show the truth to others. I have already seen the inspiration this book has been to many of the over 30 people I have given copies to. This book will doubtless encourage and uplift many, and will have a lasting effect on Christians who read it. If you want a spiritual kick in the pants, get this book!
Rating:
Summary: Must Read!
Review: For all C S Lewis and Francis Schaffer fans. Very down to earth. Won't need a dictionary to understand this book! All christians should consider reading and applying this book.
Rating:
Summary: Apologetics at its best
Review: Colson is right on target in identifying the root causes of our cultural dilemmas as well as providing active solutions. His story telling throughout the book add to its readability. As with many other of his books, the systematic and compelling logical approach to each issue give the "average Christian" useful arguments when in the daily debates we all face. The Catholic/ Evangelical Christian oneness issue doesn't dominate, thus evading a potential controversy. A great treatise which I recommend to all.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent, but a lost opportunity
Review: I just finished Colson & Pearcey's "How now..." The book does an excellent job of defining many societal problems. It presents solid arguments on such issues as the Creation and abortion, but it falls short on at least one point. [Note that I am a Colson fan. I too am a relatively well educated, happily married , white male. I am also a former Marine Infantry Officer, a practicing attorney, and a 1996 convert through C.S. Lewis's "Mere Christianity". As a mere Christian, I agree with Colson's emphasis on starting with apologetics in our evangelical pursuits.] Colson & Pearcey fail to examine how we as Christians should now act to overcome the universal Church's perceived and real inaction (current and past) regarding improving racial relations here and abroad. I disagree with their assertion (at p. 413) that: "Christianity has historically proven to be the most dependable defender of human liberty." It is my view that evangelical Christians are now left to overcoming a history that includes (1) long-term, but wrong Biblical/sriptural defenses of American slavery by "Christians", and (2) de facto segregation, in general, of modern-day Catholic and Protestant churches. If Christians are indeed the most dependable defenders of human libery, we must figure out a way to rise above this history. We must speak about it first. I was hoping that Colson & Pearcey would have spoken up more and given us their specific thoughts about race and the Christian. They didn't and this was a lost opportunity. Certainly Colson & Pearcey are not racists; quite the opposite appears to be the case. But, the issue of race is a major hurdle and they should have addressed same in their otherwise all-encompassing, seering and successful analysis.
Rating:
Summary: Broaden your Christian Life
Review: Excellent book for those "Sunday Only" Christians. This book challenges you to go beyond the four walls of the church sancturary to broaden your view of Christianity to a universal concept that includes every part of your life, society around you, the world and the entire cosmos. With intriguing, relative stories the author Charles Colson applies real life events to prove how a Christian world view is a philosophy that works best for ourselves and the world around us. Whether you are a Christian or not, it is hard to argue with the reality and truth Colson uncovers in this book. I would recommend it to Christian and non-Christian alike. But especially for the doubting Christian, or the "content to live as you are" Christian.
Rating:
Summary: Truly a valuable resource to understand the days we live in
Review: This is an excellent book. Chuck Colson and Nancy Pearcey have done an outstanding job of equipping the reader with a clear understanding of how important the Christian worldview is and how to fight against worldviews that oppose biblical Christianity. Don't be discouraged by some of the heavy reading early in the book when the authors are explaining scientific terms and theories. Press on, and believe me, you will discover a treasure house of great reading material. I'm glad there is a study guide for the book, because so much of the material is worth going back to for study. This book will serve as a reference guide for me for years to come.
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