Description
How 7 Transformational Events in 1776 Paved the Way for Today’s Post-Christian West
With dizzying social transformations in everything from gender to social justice, it may seem like there’s never been a more tumultuous period in history. But a single year in the late 18th century saw a number of influential transformations—or even revolutions—that changed the social trajectory of the Western world. By understanding how those events influenced today’s cultural landscape, Christians can more effectively bear witness to God’s truth in a post-Christian age.
In Remaking the World, Andrew Wilson highlights 7 major developments from the year 1776—globalization, the Enlightenment, the Industrial Revolution, the Great Enrichment, the American Revolution, the rise of post-Christianity, and the dawn of Romanticism—and explains their relevance to social changes happening today. Carefully examining key documents and historical figures, Wilson demonstrates how a monumental number of political, philosophical, economic, and industrial changes in the year of America’s founding shaped the modern West into a “WEIRDER” society: Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, Democratic, Ex-Christian, and Romantic. This thoroughly researched yet accessible book offers a unique historical perspective on modern views of family, government, religion, and morality—giving Christians the historical lens they need to understand today’s post-Christian trends and respond accordingly.
Relevant Cultural and Historical Analysis: Skillfully connects key ideas and events from the past to the present
Comprehensive: Examines important developments from 1776, including the American Revolution, Thomas Paine’s Common Sense, Edward Gibbon’s The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire; James Watt’s steam engine; Adam Smith’s Wealth of Nations; and Immanuel Kant’s Critique of Pure Reason
Informative: Covers key historical figures, including John Adams, Edmund Burke, and David Hume
Biblical: Equips and encourages readers to share the gospel in a post-Christian world
A Great Resource for Pastors, Scholars, and Readers of Carl Trueman’s The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self
Endorsements
“Andrew Wilson’s book is extraordinary in every way: extraordinary in the breadth of research; extraordinary in the multitude of world-significant events that Wilson identifies for 1776; extraordinary in the depth of his insight on what those events meant (and continue to mean); extraordinary in the verve with which he makes his arguments; and, not least, extraordinary in the persuasive Christian framework in which he sets the book. Remaking the World is a triumph of both creative historical analysis and winsome Christian interpretation.”
Mark Noll, Research Professor of History, Regent College; author, America’s Book: The Rise and Decline of a Bible Civilization, 1794–1911
“Andrew Wilson is a wise and witty guide through the eventful year 1776 (eventful in, as he shows, sometimes surprising ways). He convincingly demonstrates that we’re still living in the wake of that historical moment—and offers shrewd suggestions for how Christians might navigate those rough waters.”
Alan Jacobs, Distinguished Professor of Humanities, Baylor University
Table of Contents
Illustrations
Author's Note
Part One: Changes
Chapter 1: Roots: The Presence of the Past
Chapter 2: Quirks: The WEIRDER World
Part Two: Origins
Chapter 3: Maps: Becoming Western
Chapter 4: Patriots: Becoming Democratic
Chapter 5: Lights: Becoming Educated
Chapter 6: Skeptics: Becoming Ex-Christian
Chapter 7: Machines: Becoming Industrialized
Chapter 8: Lovers: Becoming Romantic
Chapter 9: Profits: Becoming Rich
Part Three: Responses
Chapter 10: Christians: Grace, Freedom, and Truth
Chapter 11: Opportunities: Possibilities for a Postsecular World
Acknowledgments
Endnotes
Select Bibliography
Index
Product Details
Title: Remaking the World: How 1776 Created the Post-Christian West
Author: Andrew Wilson
Publisher: Crossway Publishing
Pages: 384
Binding: Hardcover w/ Jacket
Size: 22.8 x 15.2 x 3.1 cm
ISBN: 9781433580536