Christianity and Civilisation

Foundations and Specific Problems

by Emil Brunner

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Extent: 200 pages

Publisher: James Clarke & Co

Subjects: Religious Studies

Language: English

Paperback (No longer our product)

(November 2025)

ISBN: 9780227180815

Price: $49.00

On back order

PDF (No longer our product)

(November 2025)

ISBN: 9780227180822

Price: $40.00

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.


Christianity and Civilisation presents Emil Brunner’s engagement with social and political questions in the aftermath of the Second World War. Based upon his Gifford Lectures given at the University of St. Andrew’s in 1947 and 1948, it represents a departure from Brunner’s more systematic theological work to consider an important question: namely, what is the relationship between Christian faith and Western civilisation? Divided into two series, the First Series treats various fundamental philosophical themes such as being, time and freedom. This treatment forms the basis for the Second Series, where Brunner broadens his scope to consider more social, cultural and political themes such as education, work, science, art and power. Finally, the work ends with a reflection on Christianity beyond civilisation Equal parts philosophy, cultural theory, religious anthropology, history and theology, Christianity and Civilisation traces a path starting from fundamental philosophical insights through key developments in Western history. In doing so, he provides a Christian answer to the question of civilisation in light of the horrors of the Second World War.

Emil Brunner (1889-1966) was one of the leading theologians of the twentieth century, and helped pave the course of modern Protestant theology. He was Professor of Systematic and Practical Theology at the University of Zurich and lectured around the world. His extensive writings published by James Clarke & Co. include The Letter to the Romans and Dogmatics.

  • By (author) Emil Brunner