Discover how Aristotelian thought has shaped Christianity through history and remains relevant for Christians today
When Christians of any age, country, or denomination debate the nature of the good life, the soul, free will, or design, Aristotle lies behind their logic as well as their rhetoric. Although Aristotle did not have access to the Bible's special revelation, he made full use of general revelation to arrive at deep truths about the nature of God, human identity, and the universe. In the Catholic Middle Ages the spiritual vision that undergirded Dante's Divine Comedy was strongly indebted to Aristotle's cosmology, and in the Protestant Reformation and Enlightenment the social vision of a well-run state was equally indebted to his science.
In a follow up to his well-loved book From Plato to Christ, renowned scholar Louis Markos takes us on a vigorous and celebratory journey through the work of Plato's greatest student, demonstrating Aristotle's often unacknowledged influence on the Christian faith. In Markos's hands, Aristotle is far from an irrelevant ancient philosopher but is instead an important conversation partner for some of history's greatest Christian thinkers and a thoughtful guide to today's most challenging questions.
With this book, you'll:
Consider the influence of Aristotle's thought on the Christian faith,
Carefully analyze several of Aristotle's best-known texts,
Trace Aristotle's influence upon many key theologians in Christian history, and
Understand Aristotle's continuing importance for Christians today.
This book is a perfect addition to any classroom that seeks to understand how classical thought intersects with Christianity, both past and present. Grab your copy today and explore the relationship between Aristotelian philosophy and Christianity.
Table of Contents:
Preface: A Platonist Learns to Love Aristotle
A Note on Translation
Part 1: How to Think Logically
1. Why It's Impossible to Believe Six Impossible Things Before Breakfast
2. Playing Around in Aristotle's Toolbox
3. Making Arguments That Make Sense
4. Why Things Move and Change
5. Body and Soul in Dialogue
Part 2: How to Read the Heavens and the Earth
6. Why, Why, Why
7. Where Do I Begin?
8. Wrestling with the Static God of Deism
9. Living in an Ordered Universe
10. Joining the Cosmic Dance of
Part 3: How To Behave
11. Studying the Psyche
12. Virtue as Habit
13. Finding the Golden Mean
14. How to Win Friends and Influence People
15. The Good Life
Part 4: How to Get Along with Our Neighbors
16. The Political Animal
17. A Critic and a Defender of Aristotle
18. The Blessings and Dangers of Private Property
19. The Rule of Law
Part V: How to Make Beautiful Things
20. Defending the Art of Rhetoric
21. Redeeming the Art of Imitation
22. Purging and Purifying the Emotions
Conclusion: Aristotle the Prophet
Glossary
Bibliographical Essay
Scripture Index
