Thinking as Though God Exists - Hardcover

By Ryan N. S. Topping

Product Code: 9781621389064

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The "nones" are the new impoverished of our postmodern society. Although the West still controls substantial economic and military resources, our society has been relying increasingly on borrowed moral capital for quite some time, with no clear plan for paying it back. Catholic philosopher Ryan Topping presents a comprehensive cultural plan for the New Evangelization in Thinking as If God Exists, drawing heavily on the writings of St. John Henry Newman.

Several factors are needed for secular culture to be converted, including the restoration of the family, the revival of creative traditions, the reinvention of the liberal arts, and the revival of vocations for local priests. Readers of this book will learn how Newman's idea of an integrative habit of mind might aid Christians in reassembling and re-proposing a modern, unified, and emotionally gratifying explanation of religion and culture.

"Ryan Topping has ransacked Newman's works for texts and themes that can help re-evangelize former Christians. Convinced that Newman can still show us how to baptize reason and imagination in the realms of morals, art, politics, education, and religion itself, Topping wants to see new Catholic missionaries formed in Newman's spirit now that the fragmenting of a Christian culture which the newly-canonized saint described has become the godless West he foresaw. With his up-to-date observation of the current North American cultural scene, the author shares Newman's astuteness about human capacities and responsibilities, and likewise his desire for an 'integrated habit of mind'—one that is based on sound first principles, makes connections between disciplines, and recognizes the difference God's self-revelation makes to every area of knowledge."—AIDAN NICHOLS, OP, formerly Pope John Paul II Memorial Lecturer in Roman Catholic Theology, University of Oxford

"St. John Henry Newman is a thinker who has been a source of intimidation for me, but Dr. Topping, stemming from his experience as a teacher, has a unique ability to make difficult subject matter more accessible. He introduces the reader to St. Newman and his expansive thought while directing us to the specific wisdom that this great saint offers to the mission and needs of the Church today. This much-needed exposition of Newman is a sure guide for those wishing to apply his wisdom to their evangelistic efforts." —BRIAN HOLDSWORTH, Catholic apologist, podcaster.