The Christian Intellectual Tradition from the Reformation to the Modern Era: A Reader and Companion

This reader with commentary helps Christians understand and critically examine major arguments that have been made in the Western intellectual tradition through an examination of great texts. The book explores themes related to the natural world, human nature, politics, and God.

The core of a liberal arts education lies in the debates made possible by a shared set of texts and questions. Combining their expertise in science, theology, political science, and history, the authors guide readers through the most important sections of classic texts from the Reformation to the modern era, explaining their significance and the debates they sparked. The texts are organized around four themes: God, science, society, and human nature. Rather than simply summarizing the texts, this introduction presents them in a way that allows readers to engage directly with the material. The authors provide historical context, point out potential themes and connections, and encourage readers to explore the ideas and questions the texts raise. Reflection questions are included.

This book facilitates teaching for professors from a wide variety of disciplines and will work well for students in great books courses. In addition, it will be of interest to Christian classical learning organizations, including high schools.

Josh A. Reeves (PhD, Boston University) directs the Samford Center for Science and Religion at Samford University.

Kirstin Anderson Birkhaug (PhD, University of Wisconsin-Madison) is assistant professor of political science at Hope College.

Annalise J. K. DeVries (PhD, Rutgers University) is associate professor of history and director of the Core Texts program at Samford University.

Gabrielle Stanton Ray (PhD, Tulane University) is a postdoctoral research and teaching fellow at Ogden Honors College, Louisiana State University.

Jennifer Woodruff Tait (PhD, Duke University) is senior editor of Christian History magazine and a priest in the Episcopal Church.