Christianity and Civilisation
Foundations and Specific Problems
Published on 26. March 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
200 pages
978-0-227-18081-5 (ISBN)
Description
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.
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.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Cambridge
United Kingdom
Target group
College/higher education
Dimensions
Height: 216 mm
Width: 138 mm
Thickness: 18 mm
Weight
404 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-227-18081-5 (9780227180815)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
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 Zuerich and lectured around the world. His extensive writings published by James Clarke & Co. include The Letter to the Romans and Dogmatics.
Content
Preface to the First Series
Preface to the Second Series
First Series: The Foundations
1 - i. Introduction:
The Problem of a Christian Civilisation
1 - ii. The Problem of Being or Reality
1 - iii. The Problem of Truth
1 - iv. The Problem of Time
1 - v. The Problem of Meaning
1 - vi. Man in the Universe
1 - vii. Personality and Humanity
1 - viii. The Problem of Justice
1 - ix. The Problem of Freedom
1 - x. The Problem of Creativity
Second Series: Specific Problems
2 - i. Technics
2 - ii. Science
2 - iii. Tradition and Renewal
2 - iv. Education
2 - v. Work
2 - vi. Art
2 - vii. Wealth
2 - viii. Social Custom (Sitte) and Law
2 - ix. Power
2 - x. The Christian Idea of Civilisation and Culture
Epilogue. Christianity Beyond Civilisation
Notes and References
Preface to the Second Series
First Series: The Foundations
1 - i. Introduction:
The Problem of a Christian Civilisation
1 - ii. The Problem of Being or Reality
1 - iii. The Problem of Truth
1 - iv. The Problem of Time
1 - v. The Problem of Meaning
1 - vi. Man in the Universe
1 - vii. Personality and Humanity
1 - viii. The Problem of Justice
1 - ix. The Problem of Freedom
1 - x. The Problem of Creativity
Second Series: Specific Problems
2 - i. Technics
2 - ii. Science
2 - iii. Tradition and Renewal
2 - iv. Education
2 - v. Work
2 - vi. Art
2 - vii. Wealth
2 - viii. Social Custom (Sitte) and Law
2 - ix. Power
2 - x. The Christian Idea of Civilisation and Culture
Epilogue. Christianity Beyond Civilisation
Notes and References