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by Elmer John Thiessen (Author)
We live in polarizing times. In this book Elmer Thiessen dares to suggest that the solution to the deep divides in our contemporary world and in the church is not to be found in more information, more education, more rationality, or more critical thinking. Instead, we need to cultivate intellectual virtues, such as the love of knowledge and truth, intellectual humility, and committed openness. The penultimate chapter treats intellectual virtues that are more relational in nature--intellectual forbearance, fairmindedness, and intellectual courage. The book explores the biblical and theological grounding of each intellectual virtue and reveals its practical importance for our fractious times, making use of concrete examples throughout. Each of the central chapters begins with a questionnaire aimed at promoting self-examination and stimulating reflection about the virtues and vices under consideration. This is a book for the thoughtful Christian reader aimed at transforming the way we think.
Author Biography
Elmer John Thiessen taught philosophy at Medicine Hat College, Alberta for thirty-six years. Since his retirement he has taught courses at colleges in Lithuania, Ethiopia, Belgium, and Jamaica. He is author of six books, including Stumbling Heavenward: One Philosopher's Journey; The Scandal of Evangelism: A Biblical Study of the Ethics of Evangelism; and Teaching for Commitment: Liberal Education, Indoctrination & Christian Nurture.
