On Freedom, Love, and Power: Expanded Edition
© 2015
One of the most important and original thinkers of the twentieth century, Jacques Ellul (1912–1994) was a noted sociologist, historian, law professor, and self-described “Christian anarchist.” At the University of Bordeaux, Ellul taught and wrote extensively on the relationship between technology and contemporary culture, the tenets of the Christian faith, and the principles of human freedom and responsibility. On Freedom, Love, and Power is the transcription of a series of talks given by Ellul in 1974 in which he refines and clarifies some of his most controversial insights on the Jewish and Christian Bibles and their relevance to contemporary society.
This expanded edition of Ellul’s talks features additional material, previously unavailable, that focuses on Christianity’s potential service to humanity as a community that exemplifies a society where people are reconciled with one another and with God.
Product Details
- World Rights
- Page Count: 324 pages
- Dimensions: 6.2in x 1.0in x 9.3in
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Reviews
‘Without hesitation or qualification, I recommend this book ... Vanderburg has truly offered a service to Ellul readers and to all of us.’
Ken Badley
Christian Scholar's Review‘Ellul’s exegetical insights are striking ... The book is thoroughly thought-provoking and original.’
Spencer Boersma
Toronto Journal of Theology‘On Freedom, Love, and Power is easily the most important and exciting work in Christian interpretation that I have read in years.’
Richard Stivers, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Illinois State University‘On Freedom, Love, and Power is a landmark achievement. It showcases Jacques Ellul’s elegant and insightful thinking on the Bible, religion, and efficiency. A clear and powerful collaboration between Ellul and Willem H. Vanderburg, two thinkers who are focused on directing human beings toward health and life, it is a work I cannot recommend too highly.’
Tim Blackmore, Faculty of Information and Media Studies, University of Western Ontario‘People who are weary of organized religion will find On Freedom, Love, and Power a source of clarity and inspiration. Faithful church-goers will also rejoice as it cuts through to depths of understanding that are new and refreshing.’
Rev. Dr. Bob Giuliano, Professor Emeritus, Huron University College -
Author Information
Willem H. Vanderburg is the founding director of the Centre for Technology and Social Development and is now Professor Emeritus at the University of Toronto.
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Table of contents
Preface to the Expanded Edition
Introduction
PART ONE: Freedom From Morality and Religion (Genesis 1-3)
- Introductory Remarks to Genesis 1-3
- The First Creation Account
- The Second Creation Account
- The Break between God and Humanity
- The Consequences of the Break between God and Humanity
PART TWO: The Love That Seeks Us Out
- Introduction
- Elihu (Chapters 32-37)
- God's Appearance (Chapters 38-39)
- The Two Beasts (Chapters 40-41)
- Job's Conversion (Chapter 42)
- Reconciliation (Chater 42)
PART THREE: The Culmination of Judaism: The Kingdom of Love
- Introduction
- The First Three Parables (Matthew 13:1-43)
- The Second Set of Parables (Matthew 13:44-50)
- The Parable of Debtors (Matthew 18:23-35)
- The Parable of Labourers' Wages (Matthew 20:1-26)
- The Parable of the Wedding Feast (Matthew 22:1-14)
- The Parables of the Virgins and the Talents (Matthew 25:1-30)
- The Remaining References to the Kingdom of Heaven
PART FOUR: It Was All There in the Beginning
- Love within the Beginning
Epilogue: History and Reconciliation
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Subjects and Courses