Return to freedom and dignity

Schaeffer has been called "the prophet of our time." Even those who do not fully agree with his conclusions will have to admit that his work has left an indelible mark on global Protestant thought. He has been a teacher to a whole generation of evangelicals, striving like few others to present evangelical Christian faith as a radical alternative to the confused society of the 20th century.

His remarkable contribution in the difficult field of apologetics has marked an entire era. His favorite phrase and motto: "The Lordship of Christ in the totality of life," he managed to express in all his works and embody admirably. In his numerous works we find genuinely Christian thinking, without "pious sectarianisms" that are slowed down by prejudice and fear of everything around them. Schaeffer strives to highlight the cultural potential of Christian faith in the midst of a pagan and decadent pseudo-culture. This Protestant culture is also part of the Church's mission as "light and salt of the world," constituting an alternative to all human needs: spiritual, emotional, cultural, etc.

But above all, Francis A. Schaeffer presents a message faithful to the Scriptures without rational or intellectual compromises. To be able to look at every cultural movement with a critical eye, demystifying prejudices against cinema, art, theater, etc., is not easy, but it is necessary. Our faith must be presented with a modern approach in all areas of thought and culture. The pressing, existential problem is judiciously addressed, without simplistic solutions. Unchristian or anti-Christian thought, situational ethics, and many existing and evident evils today are addressed with accuracy, logic, respect, and clarity. What more can be said? Undoubtedly, these are the essential characteristics of his works.

This book was first published in 1972, translated by José Grau a year later and distributed by Ediciones Evangélicas Europeas. It is a critique of four lectures given by renowned scientists. Topics such as biological manipulation and test-tube babies are discussed, emphasizing their logical consequences, which seem to be intentionally forgotten by their proponents. Faced with materialistic and evolutionary ideology, with its distorted and very low concept of man, authentic Christian faith is proclaimed as a defender of the dignity and freedom of man as a being in the image and likeness of God. This biblical concept of man constitutes a foundation for the defense of the weak and of man himself, while giving meaning to his existence in the midst of an unknown universe.

As can already be seen, these issues have not lost an iota of relevance and, therefore, this book should be required reading for every Christian, and particularly for every student. Schaeffer's arguments in judging situational ethics, based on overwhelming logic, are excellent. Our author certainly stands out as a philosopher and theologian; none of his works are wasted. Without a doubt, every great Christian is also a great thinker; this defines Francis A. Schaeffer.

Francisco de San Román