Description
Book SynopsisPresence in the Modern World is Jacques Ellul''s most foundational book, combining his social analysis with his theological orientation. Appearing first in French in 1948, and later in English as The Presence of the Kingdom, it has reached the status of a classic that retains all of its relevance dealing with today''s challenges. How should we respond to such complex forces as technology or the state? How can we communicate with one another, despite the problems inner to modern forms of media? Do we have hope for the future of our civilisation? Ellul responds by describing how a Christian''s unique presence in the world can make a difference. Instead of acting as ''sociological beings'', we must commit ourselves to the kind of revolution that will occur only when we become radically aware of our present situation and undertake ''a ferocious and passionate destruction of myths''. In this way, states Ellul, we become the medium for God''s action in the modern world.
Trade ReviewToday the moral question above all others is how to be truly awake and fully equal to the technological world. Jacques Ellul as a young man saw the question and began to outline the answer in Presence in the Modern World. Albert Borgmann, Author of Power Failure: Christianity in the Culture of Technology Read Presence in the Modern World. Not only is it the introduction to Ellul's entire body of work, but its emphasis on Christians' revolutionary situation in the world has never been more relevant. Patrick Chastenet, University of Bordeaux; President of the Association Internationale Jacques Ellul Lisa Richmond's new translation echoes Ellul's radicality and revolutionary fervour, making the reading a brilliant experience. Enjoy this powerful book! Marva Dawn, Author; translator of Sources and Trajectories: Eight Early Articles by Jacques Ellul that Set the Stage
Table of ContentsForeword by Ted Lewis Translator's Preface by Lisa Richmond Author's Preface Chapter One-The Christian in the World Chapter Two-Revolutionary Christianity Chapter Three-End and Means Chapter Four-Communication Chapter Five-Prologue and Conclusion Afterword: Notes on Revolution Introduction to Jacques Ellul's Life and Thought by David W. Gill Bibliography of Books by Jacques Ellul Topical Index Scripture Index
