Truth and Transformation, written by Vishal Mangalwadi
Interesting and profound. But also, insightful and troubling.
This book is insightful in diagnosing what has strongly contributed to Western Civilization's unparalleled achievement, development, prosperity and success. (Yes, I'm using the word "success" even though I know it is a loaded word.)
Mangalwadi points to the historical influence of biblically-centered moral values; the biblically-directed pursuit of rationality; the biblically-centered institution of marriage and sexual mores; and other foundations of Western culture. His argument for the positive results of this biblical influence is powerful and persuasive.
One of the interesting distinctions that Dr. Mangalwadi makes is the difference between the Church's influence on Western culture and the Bible's influence on Western culture. He tends to look more favorably on the Bible's influence. I realize that many people would assume that there would be no difference between the two, but the author believes that there is. If you disagree, I'll let you argue that with him. I'm just pointing it out here because I found it to be interesting.
On the other hand, the book is troubling because over and over again Mangalwadi asks some variation of this question: Why is the West abandoning the biblically-oriented cultural morals and values that have been so central to its success?
Part of what gives the book an extra edge is that the author brings such a unique viewpoint to his observations. Dr. Mangalwadi is a Christian intellectual (some folks aren't even accustomed to seeing those two words together) who was born and raised in India and educated in philosophy at secular Western universities. So, he observes and analyzes the West with something of an "outsider's" perspective.
I believe many Christians who read this book will be motivated to pray for spiritual revival and a fresh commitment to the pursuit of truth--God's truth.
Dan Marler
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