The Complete Works of Francis A. Schaeffer

It has been over 10 years since I read many of the books contained in this set. Coming from a background of Catholocism first, and then Fundamentalism / Evangelicalism, I was blown away by the sound reasoning, grace, and clear Biblical precepts that permeate Scheaffer's work. Several key ideas I gleaned from these books served (and still serve) as strong idealogical foundations for my total life (notice, there is no separation between "Christian" and "Secular" areas of my life).In these texts, Scheaffer confronts the anti-intellectualism of the Church, claiming that Chrisitianity is cerebral and ought to be presented as such to the non-Christian. He encourages Christians to participate in, and understand the larger society, and to be "salt" and "light" within it. Scheaffer's criticism of the Church and of modern man is filled with compassion and humility. His love for felllow man -- both believer and non-believer -- is evident on every page. I believe these books have helped me to be a better Christian and to have a richer life. These texts are written in a conversational style which makes them a pleasure to read. I would especially recommend this Five volume set for Christian laymen thinkers who have no plans to pursue formal theological training.

Schaeffer was respected throughout Christianity as one passionate and articulate apologetic spokesman.Not only through his L'Abri Fellowship, but his enduring publications as well, provide future generations with profound thoughts on the faith handed down.Their are some monumental books in this collection, e.g. The God Who Is There, Escape From Reason, Art and the Bible, The Great Evangelical Disaster, How Should We Then Live?, A Christian Manifesto.These all engage the second half of the 20th century with erudite analysis and prognosis if the church and culture do not disengage themselves from the perverse human philosophies which had overtaken the culture and threatening to do as well with the church. Although there are so many useful defenses provided in this magnificent set to be read and resorted to, my favorite is his contribution to the exposure of the bankrupt, inconsistent philosophy of our time in his second and third chapters of The God Who Is There. It is a true fine application of Law/Gospel, while doing it in a way that can only garner the attention of the unbeliever at the least.One will profit from the usefulness of this set which seeks and contributes to taking the Gospel to the world in which we live.

This is the compilation of Dr. Schaeffer's books. A thorough examination of all of life from the Judaeo-Christian worldview. Generally written to the reasonably-well-educated college students and graduates of the 50s-70s, these books are of extreme importance in understanding what the Judaeo-Christian worldview is,whether you are a Christian or a non-Christian.

Francis Schaeffer stands out as one of the most influential evangelicals of the twentieth century. This collection of his writings is invaluable because it not only contains the philosophical writings that made him a hero to disillusioned youth looking for answers, but also contains the practical spiritual writings of Francis Schaeffer the Presbyterian pastor. Schaeffer's philosophy, well laid out in "The God Who Is There", focuses on the assumptions and presuppositions of various world views. With a sort of sanctified Socratic method, he argues that when one follows particular world views to their logical conclusions, all will ultimately fall apart, all except Christianity. His theological writings insist that the key to all truth is that God is not only there, but that He has communicated to mankind in human language, hence the Old and New Testaments are not only essential to theology and doctrine, but to all human understanding. His later writings follow his own presuppositions to their logical conclusions as he examines current culture, politics and in particular, the abortion/infanticide/euthanasia issues. This collection is organized by topics, including philosophy, spirituality, Western Culture, the church and his view of the Bible as the source of truth. Schaeffer is tough on modern culture at times, and often tough on the twentieth century church. But he is always reasonable and compassionate. Although at times criticised for generalizing and oversimplifying, he seemed to have a finger on the pulse of the times. Some of his statements from more than a decade ago appear prophetic in retrospect. His writings are still fresh, relevant and deserve a wider audience.