Understanding Jacques Ellul

An introduction to the thought of Jacques Ellul, the Christian anarchist, sociologist, philosopher and historian, explaining the dominant themes of his work.


Jacques Ellul (1912-1994) was one of the world’s last great polymaths and one of the most important Christian thinkers of his time, engaging the world with a simplicity, sincerity, courage, and passion that few have matched. However, Ellul is an often misunderstood thinker. As more than fifty books and over one thousand articles bear his name, embarking on a study of Ellul’s thought can be daunting.

This book provides an introduction to Ellul’s life and work, analysing and assessing his thought across the most important themes of his scholarship. Readers will see that his remarkably broad field of vision, clarity of focus, and boldly prophetic voice make his work worth reading and considering, rereading and discussing.

Jeffrey P. Greenman is Associate Dean of Biblical and Theological Studies and Professor of Christian Ethics at Wheaton College (IL).

Read Mercer Schuchardt is Associate Professor of Communication at Wheaton College (IL)

Noah J. Toly is Director of Urban Studies and Associate Professor of Politics and International Relations at Wheaton College (IL).