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Book Cover for: Presence in the Modern World: A New Translation, Jacques Ellul

Presence in the Modern World: A New Translation

Jacques Ellul

Presence in the Modern World is Jacques Ellul's most foundational book, combining his social analysis with his theological orientation. Appearing first in French in 1948, it has reached the status of a classic that retains all of its relevance today in the face of the challenges that beset us. How should we respond toward such complex forces as technology or the state? How can we communicate with one another, despite the problems inherent in modern forms of media? Do we have hope for the future of our civilization? Ellul responds by describing how a Christian's unique presence in the world can make a difference. Instead of acting "as sociological beings," we must commit ourselves to the kind of revolution that will occur only when we become radically aware of our present situation and undertake "a ferocious and passionate destruction of myths, intellectual idols, unconscious rejections of reality, and outmoded and empty doctrines." In this way, says Ellul, we become the medium for God's action in the modern world. This 2016 edition presents a fresh translation along with new footnotes, an introduction to Ellul's life, and a complete bibliography of his books in English and French.

Book Details

  • Publisher: Cascade Books
  • Publish Date: Jun 8th, 2016
  • Pages: 148
  • Language: English
  • Edition: undefined - undefined
  • Dimensions: 8.90in - 5.90in - 0.60in - 0.50lb
  • EAN: 9781498291347
  • Categories: Christian Living - Social IssuesChristian Theology - Ethics & Moral Teaching

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About the Author

Ellul, Jacques: - Jacques Ellul (1912-1994), a French sociologist and lay theologian, was Professor Emeritus of Law and of the History and Sociology of Institutions at the University of Bordeaux. He wrote more than forty books, including The Technological Society, The Humiliation of the Word, and Technological Bluff.

Lewis, Ted: - Ted Lewis (Editor) is a restorative justice consultant and trainer for the Center for Restorative Justice & Peacemaking (University of Minnesota). He lives in Duluth, Minnesota, where he runs the Agapé Peace Center.

Gill, David W.: - David W. Gill is an Oakland, California, writer. He studied at UC Berkeley, San Francisco State, and the University of Southern California. He served forty years as professor of ethics at New College Berkeley, North Park University, St. Mary's College, and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He has authored ten books, including Workplace Discipleship 101: A Primer (2020) and this memoir. He is founding president of the International Jacques Ellul Society (www.ellul.org).

More books by Jacques Ellul

Book Cover for: The Technological Society, Jacques Ellul
Book Cover for: The Technological System, Jacques Ellul
Book Cover for: Anarchy and Christianity, Jacques Ellul
Book Cover for: The Subversion of Christianity, Jacques Ellul
Book Cover for: Propaganda: The Formation of Men's Attitudes, Jacques Ellul
Book Cover for: The Meaning of the City, Jacques Ellul
Book Cover for: Theology and Technique: Toward an Ethic of Non-Power, Jacques Ellul
Book Cover for: The Humiliation of the Word, Jacques Ellul
Book Cover for: Perspectives on Our Age, Jacques Ellul
Book Cover for: The Politics of God and the Politics of Man, Jacques Ellul
Book Cover for: Desert, Wilderness, Wasteland, and Word: A New Essay by Jacques Ellul and Five Critical Engagements, Jacques Ellul
Book Cover for: The Political Illusion, Jacques Ellul
Book Cover for: Jesus and Marx, Jacques Ellul
Book Cover for: Prayer and Modern Man, Jacques Ellul
Book Cover for: If You Are the Son of God, Jacques Ellul
Book Cover for: Violence, Jacques Ellul

Praise for this book

""Today the moral question above all others is how to be truly awake and fully equal to the technological world. Jacques Ellul as a young man saw the question and began to outline the answer in Presence in the Modern World."" --Albert Borgmann, author of Power Failure: Christianity in the Culture of Technology ""Read Presence in the Modern World. Not only is it the introduction to Ellul's entire body of work, but its emphasis on Christians' revolutionary situation in the world has never been more relevant."" --Patrick Chastenet, University of Bordeaux; President, the Association Internationale Jacques Ellul ""This book is Ellul at his best--essential reading for anyone seeking a succinct expression of his prophetic Christian vision."" --Jeffrey P. Greenman, President, Regent College; coauthor of Understanding Jacques Ellul ""Lisa Richmond's new translation echoes Ellul's radicality and revolutionary fervor--a brilliant experience. Enjoy this powerful opportunity!"" --Marva Dawn, author; translator of Sources and Trajectories: Eight Early Articles by Jacques Ellul That Set the Stage ""[This] is Jacques Ellul's most astonishing book."" --William Stringfellow, lay theologian; social activist; from his 1967 Introduction to this book's first English edition