Christianity and Civilisation

Foundations and Specific Problems

by Emil Brunner

Book cover: Christianity and Civilisation

Extent: 328 pages

Publisher: James Clarke & Co

Subjects: Religious Studies

Language: English

Paperback (No longer our product)

(August 2009)

ISBN: 9780227172896

5.47 x 8.46 inches

Price: $50.00

In stock

In this major study of the relationship between religion and civilisation, Emil Brunner presents the Christian faith as the foundation of Western culture and as an indispensable bulwark against the destructive forces of totalitarian governments.


Despite the horrors of two world wars, Brunner saw hope for the building of a new civilisation on the ruins of what had been destroyed, arguing that only Christianity is able to provide the basis of a truly human civilisation. In setting out his thesis, Brunner first develops a Christian philosophy of civilisation dealing with basic principles, and then goes on to develop his ideas by offering a Christian interpretation of some of the main features of civilised life, from science and technology, through work, education and art, to wealth, social order and power. He criticises the fatally dazzling belief in progress as having led to the nothingness of despair. While the transcendent kingdom of God cannot be identified with a particular formof government or social structure, Brunner argues that the influence of Christianity on western civilisation has been more profound than any other influence. Brunner’s analysis stands alongside the work of scholars such as Herbert Butterfield and Christopher Dawson as one of the leading studies of the influence of religion in the development of western civilisation. While their approach is primarily historically, Brunner’s is that of the theologian, giving his work a unique perspective.

  • By (author) Emil Brunner

"The philosophical survey proposed by Brunner, together with the analysis of the main spheres of the Western civilization and the theological general approach, give Brunner's work a unique perspective and make his study indispensable for the investigation of the influence of religion on the sphere of human civilization."Iulia Grad, Journal for the Study of Religions and Ideologies, vol.8, issue 25 (Spring)
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