Healthy Christian Minds: A Biblical, Practical, and Sometimes Philosophical Exploration of Intellectual Virtues and Vices
Ebook
We live in polarizing times. In this book Elmer Thiessen dares to suggest that the solution to the deep divides in our contemporary world and in the church is not to be found in more information, more education, more rationality, or more critical thinking. Instead, we need to cultivate intellectual virtues, such as the love of knowledge and truth, intellectual humility, and committed openness. The penultimate chapter treats intellectual virtues that are more relational in nature--intellectual forbearance, fairmindedness, and intellectual courage.
The book explores the biblical and theological grounding of each intellectual virtue and reveals its practical importance for our fractious times, making use of concrete examples throughout. Each of the central chapters begins with a questionnaire aimed at promoting self-examination and stimulating reflection about the virtues and vices under consideration. This is a book for the thoughtful Christian reader aimed at transforming the way we think.
"All of us possess opinions (wise and foolish). All have influence (positive and negative). And all of us should communicate with greater Christlikeness. Based on his teaching experience, lifelong learning, and acquired wisdom, Dr. Thiessen's book teaches intellectual piety. This is an accessible text blending insights from philosophy, biblical teaching, and cultural critique that are essential in our tribalistic church and society. The final prayer is worth the price of the book."
--Richard L. Smith, director, Kuyper Center for Christian Studies, Buenos Aires
"Wow! This book is not to be missed. Elmer Thiessen's life's work has been dedicated to developing a Christian mind. In Healthy Christian Minds he focuses on how Christians should relate to those with whom they profoundly disagree. His answer: by cultivating biblical intellectual virtues. Both readable and rigorous, this book offers Christians who care about Truth an alternative to the rabbit hole of culture wars."
--Trevor Cooling, professor emeritus of Christian education, Canterbury Christ Church University
"In a time when relationships too often break down due to seemingly insurmountable differences, Elmer Thiessen offers a kind of therapy, grounded in the Bible, and taking the best from philosophy, to provide a middle path that aims to help the reader develop the intellectual virtues. This book is an excellent tool for those wanting to explore ways of becoming what God intended us to be."
--Phil Enns, dean of academic affairs, Parami University
"Healthy Christian Minds provides an important and timely study of Christian intellectual virtues, e.g., the love of knowledge and truth, commitment and openness, and humility. It is clearly written, informative, and original in its discussion of the virtues in relation to Christian belief and commitment. It is relevant to a range of audiences: professors and instructors, students, reflective Christians who want to think about the form Christian commitment should take, and finally, honest inquirers, religious or otherwise. Essential reading!"
--L. Philip Barnes, emeritus reader in religious and theological education, King's College London
"Elmer Thiessen boldly yet graciously sets forth a vision for redeeming unhealthy minds corrupted by sin. To this end, he provides a biblical framework for understanding the intellectual virtues and corresponding vices that promote or impede the communal pursuit of truth in our post-truth era. Full of tested wisdom and concrete examples, Thiessen's giftedness as a thinker, writer, and educator rewards the reader with powerful insights and practical guidance."
--Perry L. Glanzer, professor of educational foundations, Baylor University
"Concerned about our present polarization and how this relates to the Christian mind, Elmer Thiessen has written a helpful introductory book that addresses intellectual virtues and vices. Perhaps most helpful is recognition of the relational aspect of these virtues, which when utilized inappropriately trigger our individual and ingroup defense mechanisms such as confirmation bias, but when exercised in healthy fashion can result in new understandings and trust-building across deep differences. I recommend Healthy Christian Minds as a starter volume for Christians looking to take the initial steps beyond our present cultural divide."
--John W. Morehead, director, Evangelical Chapter of the Foundation for Religious Diplomacy/Multifaith Matters
- Title: Healthy Christian Minds: A Biblical, Practical, and Sometimes Philosophical Exploration of Intellectual Virtues and Vices
- Author: Elmer John Thiessen
- Publisher: Cascade Books
- Print Publication Date: 2024
- Logos Release Date: 2024
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9798385211142, 9798385211135, 9798385211128
- Resource ID: LLS:9798385211142
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2024-09-24T20:54:34Z