An Analysis of Western Mans Guiding Presuppositions

An analysis of Western man's guiding presuppositions, A Review of the book "Impulse of Power" by Jack Kettler

After having had the pleasure of reading Dr. Michael W. Kelley's two previous works, On Stone or Sand, the Ethics of Christianity, Capitalism & Socialism and The Burden of God: Studies in Wisdom and Civilization from the Book of Ecclesiates, I eagerly awaited the publication of this present volume. I was not disappointed. Dr. Kelley has emerged as a scholar par excellence. In this present work, Dr. Kelley demonstrates his comprehensive knowledge of the philosophy and history of Western Civilization. Of noteworthy value is Dr. Kelley's examination of the enormous influence Greek philosophy, particularly Plato's, has had on Western man's view of government: ran by an elite group of philosopher wise-men or experts with its oftentimes accompanying tyranny. His analysis of Christianity's unique contribution to Western Civilization, both positive as a moral force and negative when infused with pagan ideas, is particularly notable. Man has been accurately described as incurably religious, or a religious creature. Consequently, it is not a question of whether mankind will be religious; it is the question of which religion will man follow. Similarly, Dr. Kelley argues "that man has a natural-born `impulse' to power" (308). In other words, basic to man's created nature, man among other things is destined to be a cultural-creature. It then becomes a conflict between which religion will inspire man's "impulse" to build culture.

Will mankind self-consciously attempt to build culture upon his own ideas (humanism) or upon the revelation of God in Scripture? Dr. Kelley in this most excellent elucidation of Western Civilization and its formative ideas challenges the adherents of Christianity to build culture with consistency and faithfulness to its covenantal presuppositions in the areas of epistemology, metaphysics, and ethics with the goal of fulfilling God's ordained purposes in history.

Jack Kettler

Permission to Reprint this review is given provided that my contact information is retained.

Mr. Kettler is an ordained Presbyterian Elder and the owner of Undergroundnotes.com where his theological, philosophical and political articles can be read. He has worked in corporate America for over 25 years and is now realizing his dreams as a successful home business entrepreneur. Mr. Kettler can be reached through his business site at: http://www.internationalhomebusinessonline.com

---

One More Mile

I want to share with you something that happened to... Read More

Kundalini Symbology

While study and pursuit of the Kundalini is considered part... Read More

Solitons and Wavelets

Everything in the entire universe, big and small, visible and... Read More

Relieve Me of Myself

"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself... Read More

Heroes and Heroines - Contemplating Conscious Evolution

The myths of man have been with us throughout time.... Read More

Windows of the Soul

People engaged in kissing experience information and energy transfer, although... Read More

Going Where Youve Never Gone Before

One of the first issues people on the spiritual path... Read More

Oh, God. What Do I Do Now?

Uh, oh. I'm in trouble now. I found God. Now... Read More

Tibetan Singing Bowls - Learn More Before You Buy

I recently had the pleasure to interview Richard Rudis, a... Read More

Religion and Spirituality - What Differentiates Religion from Spirituality?

Religion is "absolute truth of life" of the physical manifested... Read More

You Are Not Your Stuff

We humans are a funny, funny breed. We spend our... Read More

What is Prayer?

Prayer from a child's simple bedtime prayer, to the prayers... Read More

You Must Feel to Heal!

In my work with clients who have physical illnesses there... Read More

7 Ways to Stay Spiritually Balanced

When we find spirituality, or it finds us, the experience... Read More

Be Thankful

Some people think just by saying the words thank you... Read More

Using Psalm 23 as Spiritual Affirmation

INTRODUCTIONSpiritual affirmations are positive, statements of intention, that facilitate manifestation.... Read More

Christian Forums: The Heroic Battle Between the Forces of Good and the Demon of Anti-Access

Saturday I was hangin' ten on my Dell when I... Read More

Let Your Will, Not Mine, Be Done

Can I be honest with you? There are days when... Read More

Special Washes

Attract and hold your family at home with some unique... Read More

The Search for Gods Intention

I believe in the source we refer to as 'God'.... Read More

Games to Play With Tarot Cards

The lighter side of Tarot deals with games played using... Read More

Astrology & The Bible: Age of Aquarius

The normal Aquarian preoccupation with rational science is clearly seen... Read More

Fishing Around For Wealth

In Feng Shui, water symbolizes wealth. The word "fish" in... Read More

The Power of Myth to Transform Your Life

Irish myth has the power to transform your life into... Read More

CEROMANCY: The Fine Art of Candle Reading

Lately, I have been asked a lot of questions in... Read More

Relationship Advice: What Bewitched Can Teach Us About Successful Relationships

Nicole Kidman and Will Ferrell recently starred in the movie... Read More

The Centre of Our Existence!

Most of us have heard talk or have read something... Read More

Understanding the Gospel of Matthew and Why it Matters - Part 3

The Birth of Jesus Christ18 Now the birth of Jesus... Read More

Authentic Spirituality: Pure and Undefiled Religion

Because of the bright lights behind me, the golf balls... Read More

Gentle Whispers

Today we do not experience great manifestations of God as... Read More

Master of Horoscope - Walter Mercado

Celebrities and common people all over the world are known... Read More

Resonance

Have you ever heard something that really "resonated" with you?... Read More

No Star-Studded Career

What is success? It probably means different things to different... Read More