Jason D. Crowder is an Adjunct Instructor of Religion at Butler Community College in Kansas and a Faculty Mentor at Columbia Evangelical Seminary. He holds a Doctor of Theological Studies from Columbia Evangelical Seminary in philosophical theology and apologetics, an MDiv in theology from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a BA in religion from the University of Mobile. He is a doctoral candidate in philosophy with the University of the Free State.
This is an able and biblically grounded primer on how to think well
about what matters most.
--Douglas Groothuis, author of Christian Apologetics: A
Comprehensive Case for Biblical Faith Philosophy, Who Needs It? is
targeted at Christians who want to think. Jason Crowder weaves
together a rich biblical and theological tapestry that illustrates
the indispensable nature of philosophical thinking. This book will
be an encouragement to those well along in their intellectual
journey, as well as those who are just beginning.
--Gregory E. Ganssle, Professor of Philosophy, Talbot School of
Theology, Biola University Jason Crowder's Philosophy, Who Needs
It? is an excellent introduction to philosophy, especially for
readers who seek to study philosophy from a Christian standpoint. .
. . Like the title, the book is written in ordinary language and
gradually introduces the student to some technical terminology. It
seeks above all to be faithful to Scripture and to make a
difference in the living of the Christian life.
--John Frame, Professor of Systematic Theology & Philosophy,
Reformed Theological Seminary I recommend this book to anyone
seeking a broad understanding of the intersections between the
Christian faith and the discipline of philosophy. Crowder provides
sound
arguments for why Christians today need philosophy to respond
responsibly to today's cultural and intellectual challenges. His
book is salted with biblical references that will also help
Christians understand why they need the tools that the discipline
of philosophy provides for thinking about their faith and defending
it.
--Randall B. Bush, University Professor of Philosophy, Union
University Introductions to philosophy come in all shapes, sizes,
and especially content. It did not take long to recognize two
things that separate Jason Crowder's from other such volumes.
First, he takes very seriously the Christian philosopher's duty to
apply his stock and trade in the context of Christian revelation.
For Crowder, philosophy is not a discipline that operates
independently of God's Word, but with Scripture verses tacked on at
the end. Rather, he organizes his philosophy in the context of
God's words to us. Second, he is convicted that good theology and
philosophy must be applied to life. After thinking well, what
manner of persons ought we to be? How can these truths be applied
in real-life situations? I recommend this volume, especially as it
exhibits these two strengths.
--Gary R. Habermas, Distinguished Research Professor & Chair,
Department of Philosophy, Liberty University Here is a scholarly,
highly readable, and biblical treatment of philosophy. Those who
value careful thinking and tight logic will find much to feast on
in this book. I particularly appreciate how Crowder demonstrates
that philosophy is relevant to daily Christian living. Highly
recommended.
--Ron Rhodes, Founder & President of Reasoning from the Scriptures
Ministries; Author of over 70 books on sharing the gospel message
and defending Christianity Most people outside of academia shy away
from subjects that seem inaccessible to them. Anything perceived as
too heady or high-minded gets relegated to an apathetic heap and
discarded as irrelevant. Dr. Crowder has done a good service to the
Body in Philosophy, Who Needs it? by pulling down essential,
practical, and historic truths from the supposed ivory tower seat
and making them, not only approachable, but desirable as well. As
one who earned his college degree in philosophy as a professed
atheist and who now pastors a local fellowship, the value of this
introductory work cannot be overstated.
--Eddie Exposito, BA in Philosophy (University of New Orleans);
Pastor of Sovereign Grace Fellowship (Slidell, LA) Every generation
of American Evangelicals needs a new set of prophetic voices to
extend into the present the historic line of voices calling us back
from the anti-intellectual betrayal of Jesus' Great Commandment (to
love the Lord our God with all our mind) to which we are prone.
Jason Crowder has stepped up to that plate and hit a solid line
drive. Lovers of truth and good Christian thinking can be
grateful.
--Donald T. Williams, R. A. Forrest Scholar at Toccoa Falls
College, President of the International Society of Christian
Apologetics; Author of nine books including--Mere Humanity:
Chesterton, Lewis and Tolkien on the Human Condition and
Reflections from Plato's Cave: Essays in Evangelical Philosophy
Philosophy, Who Needs It? is far more than a basic introduction to
philosophy. Crowder answers the question why to all doubters of the
importance of philosophy for the church and especially the pulpit.
Beyond the why, he explains philosophy with the perfect balance of
depth and explanation. I wish I had this book years ago. An extreme
blessing.
--Eddie Coakley, Senior Pastor of Trinity Baptist Church (Cayce,
SC) In the church there is too often an unnecessary division of
those who feel that advanced education and studies in complementary
disciplines such as philosophy are unnecessary at best, and
detrimental at worst, and those who place philosophy above the
authority of Scripture. Jason Crowder calls his readers to the
correct perspective: The Bible is the highest authority, and the
study of philosophy can complement and enhance one's understanding
of that highest authority. I agree with him at this point and
encourage others to take the time to read this work and see if they
too come to the same conclusion.
--Rick Walston, Founder and President Emeritus, Columbia
Evangelical Seminary Jason Crowder has done the Christian Church a
great service by writing this book. In it he shows that, if we are
to love God with our minds as well as our hearts, we must think
deeply about the Bible, the world, morality, and the Christian view
of reality. This means that every Christian, whether he be a lay
person or a minister, must be a good philosopher, as well as a good
theologian. Jason can help us begin this intellectual journey as he
introduces us to philosophy (i.e., the love of wisdom) from a
Christian perspective. In this climate of anti-intellectualism that
has infected the American Church, this book will be a major
contribution to the health of the Christianity in our country. I
highly recommend this book.
--Phil Fernandes, Pastor of Trinity Bible Fellowship (Bremerton,
WA); President of the Institute of Biblical Defense Too many
Christians believe that childlike faith means that we do not need
to think about our faith. The biblical evidence, from both Jesus
and Paul, reveals that the opposite is true. Everyone does
philosophy, the question is whether it is good or bad philosophy.
Jason Crowder provides the resource to get Christians on the path
to good philosophy. Philosophy, Who Needs It? presents scholarly
content in a manner which the layperson can understand and
apply.
--Stephen J. Bedard, Pastor of Queen Street Baptist Church;
Director of Hope's Reason Ministries; Adjunct Professor, Emmanuel
Bible College For many Christians, philosophy is a four-letter
word, and any Christian who goes so far as to study philosophy is
to be regarded with suspicion, if not pity. In reality, however,
everyone has a philosophy of some kind, whether they recognize it
or not. The only question is whether they have a good philosophy.
This splendid book is an invitation not merely to good philosophy,
but to Christian philosophy: philosophy directed by the word of God
and pursued to the glory of God. So come on in, the water's
fine!
--James N. Anderson, Associate Professor of Theology and
Philosophy; Academic Dean, RTS Global, Reformed Theological
Seminary While attending a pastors' conference, I was struck with
the following thought: pastors need to be taught the Bible, and
they need to be taught how to think. This is true not just for
ministers but for all genuine believers in Jesus Christ. Jason
Crowder has produced an invaluable field guide to Christian
philosophy which should prove most useful to readers who strive to
love the Lord with all their MIND.
--David W. Bailey, Pastor of Cottondale Baptist Church (Cottondale,
AL); Author of Speaking the Truth in Love: The Life and Legacy of
Roger Nicole Dr. Crowder's Philosophy, Who Needs It? is an
eminently practical work. Someone of moderate intelligence, who has
never taken a class in philosophy or read a book about the subject,
could teach this book's contents to a Sunday School class or youth
group without becoming confused himself or confusing anyone who is
paying attention. Ordinary Christians without academic attainments
or aspirations need to know about this subject and its relation to
their faith. For that audience, this book is ideal.
--Dennis W. Jowers, Professor of Theology & Apologetics, Faith
Evangelical College & Seminary In our day when much of the visible
church is susceptible to and promoting many false doctrines, a book
like Philosophy, Who Needs It? is much needed. This is a thoroughly
biblical view of philosophy and will help any Christian learn to
reason better and gain a greater understanding of truth. Applying
the apostle Paul's directive in Romans 12:1-2 for having a renewed
mind, this book will be a great help for the Christian learning to
discern truth from error. Well done!
--Joe Tolin, Pastor of Grace Fellowship Church (Gulfport, MS) In a
culture steeped in anti-intellectualism, Crowder's book offers a
challenge to those who would be faithful to Christ. Part of what it
means to follow Jesus is to develop intellectual virtue--to be good
thinkers--which in turn, leads to a life well-lived. In Philosophy,
Who Needs It?Crowder provides a biblically informed introduction to
philosophy, expertly showing the tight connection between pursuing
the truth and pursing Jesus as the source of truth.
--Paul Gould, Assistant Professor of Philosophy & Christian
Apologetics, School of Theology, Southwestern Baptist Theological
Seminary Crowder's book captured my interest from the beginning and
sustained it until the end. Judging from the wide range of resource
material and the depth of thought, a lot of work and research went
into the making of this informative and stimulating book. The
philosophical ideas and concepts are well supported by Scripture.
The book should have a wide readership at many levels: personal,
small group studies inside and outside of the church, and as a
college textbook. There are many nuggets of truth in this book that
made me grab my notebook and write them down for further thought
and reflection. Get the book, read it, and enjoy it. You will be
glad you did.
--Edward Lyrene, Retired Southern Baptist Minister and Pastor Jason
Crowder has produced a very readable and practical primer on
philosophy. While admitting the dangers and limitations of
philosophy, he nonetheless demonstrates its benefits and even
necessity for Christian discipleship of a biblically grounded and
theologically informed pursuit of philosophical inquiry.
Philosophy, Who Needs It? will be a great resource for Christian
pastors, students, and laypersons.
--Steven B. Cowan, Assistant Professor of Philosophy and Religion,
Lincoln Memorial University; Co-author, The Love of Wisdom: A
Christian Introduction to Philosophy The author has given us a
superb introduction to, and a biblical rationale for, the study of
Philosophy. Further, he has clearly outlined and defended
Christianity's great need to continually pursue the intellectual
development of its mind. This important release could not have been
more timely for our postmodern age.
--Pastor Jerry Marcellino, Audubon Drive Bible Church in Laurel,
Mississippi; Co-founder of FIRE (The Fellowship of Independent
Reformed Evangelicals) Every person is a philosopher, but few can
articulate their philosophy of life or possess a sufficient
understanding of the influences on their thinking. In Philosophy,
Who Needs It?, Jason Crowder guides readers toward a greater
knowledge of the nature of philosophy and aids them in developing a
Christian view of life. Anyone giving careful attention to this
book will walk away with a mind and heart more thoroughly shaped
through Christian truth.
--Scott Slayton, Lead Pastor of Chelsea Village Baptist Church
(Chelsea, AL); Blogger at One Degree to Another (scottslayton.net)
In order to communicate effectively with the world regarding 'the
way, the truth, and the life, ' Christians should be conversant in
how to approach truth and knowledge. Dr. Crowder's book provides an
excellent, accessible introduction to philosophy that readers will
find relevant, useful, and properly balanced with Scripture. This
is the book on philosophy I can recommend to all Christians
regardless of their level of experience.
--Eric Odell-Hein, President, Columbia Evangelical Seminary We are
living in an emotionally-driven culture that has not often paid
clear thinking its due. Such a situation is putting the proverbial
'cart-before-the horse.' The result is numerous people on a wide
path paved by unexamined experiences or under-evaluated truth
claims. It could be argued that the issue is not that we live in a
society where intelligence is lacking, but instead that
comparatively few people know how to think. Jason Crowder's
Philosophy, Who Needs It? comes to the rescue helping readers to
get at the meaning and application of knowledge. Crowder approaches
his topic as a Christian who believes that faith is foundational
for understanding truth. He writes in a winsome style that is
compelling, convincing, and challenging. Philosophy, Who Needs It?
will be useful for high school, college, and graduate students as
well as for anyone who wants to better understand the vital role of
philosophy in properly evaluating the world in which we live from a
biblical perspective.
--Ray Rhodes Jr., President of Nourished in the Word Ministries;
Author of Family Worship for the Reformation Season and numerous
other books and articles Jason Crowder has written an excellent
resource for parents, church leaders, and anyone who is interested
in pursuing and defending truth. This practical and scholarly work
shows how faith in God complements our God-given ability to think.
As Crowder's pastor, I appreciate the way he utilizes proper
biblical hermeneutics, church history, personal stories, and
everyday illustrations to equip philosophers from all walks of life
with discernment. He provides the necessary tools for sorting out
and engaging the clamoring voices of formal and informal
philosophers who assert their unbiblical, relativistic, politically
correct views. This book is a must-read for Christians who want to
effectively show and tell others that Christianity is the only
logical and sustainable worldview.
--James R. Albers, Pastor of Celebration Baptist Church (Wichita,
KS)
Ask a Question About this Product More... |