Truth and Transformation: A Manifesto for Ailing Nations [Paperback]

Interesting and profound. But also, insightful and troubling.

This book is insightful in diagnosing what has strongly contributed to Western Civilization's unparalleled achievement, development, prosperity and success. (Yes, I'm using the word "success" even though I know it is a loaded word.)

Mangalwadi points to the historical influence of biblically-centered moral values; the biblically-directed pursuit of rationality; the biblically-centered institution of marriage and sexual mores; and other foundations of Western culture. His argument for the positive results of this biblical influence is powerful and persuasive.

One of the interesting distinctions that Dr. Mangalwadi makes is the difference between the Church's influence on Western culture and the Bible's influence on Western culture. He tends to look more favorably on the Bible's influence. I realize that many people would assume that there would be no difference between the two, but the author believes that there is. If you disagree, I'll let you argue that with him. I'm just pointing it out here because I found it to be interesting.

On the other hand, the book is troubling because over and over again Mangalwadi asks some variation of this question: Why is the West abandoning the biblically-oriented cultural morals and values that have been so central to its success?

Part of what gives the book an extra edge is that the author brings such a unique viewpoint to his observations. Dr. Mangalwadi is a Christian intellectual (some folks aren't even accustomed to seeing those two words together) who was born and raised in India and educated in philosophy at secular Western universities. So, he observes and analyzes the West with something of an "outsider's" perspective.

I believe many Christians who read this book will be motivated to pray for spiritual revival and a fresh commitment to the pursuit of truth--God's truth.

Dan Marler

Matthew Parris is quoted as saying, "As an atheist, I truly believe Africa needs God. Missionaries, not aid money, are the solution to Africa's biggest problem-the crushing passivity of the people's mindset...A whole belief system must... be supplanted by another." He recognizes, as does the author, that worldviews do matter. If you believe the River Ganges is a god, you will treat it much differently than people who believe the rivers are to be used to benefit humans and will harness its powers for productive uses. A society that believes marriage is a life long commitment will treat women differently than a society that believes marriage is for the convenience and benefit of the male only and that, if not satisfactory for him, can just opt out or find pleasure outside marriage or with an additional wife. While not painting Western culture with a rose-colored brush, these and many other worldviews based on the Bible are what have distinguished America from Eastern cultures, particularly India, the authors homeland. The author is warning the West that the Biblical values that were the foundation of so many of the great achievements are now being abandoned in favor of Eastern-based values which have already proven to be bankrupt. It would be easy to see this as a conservative, political call to 'reclaim America for Christ'. It is not that at all. It is an intellectual challenge written by someone who believes that the Bible influences all areas of life and that Christians are called to redeem every area of culture, that Christianity is NOT simply about 'getting saved and waiting for the rapture to take us out of this vale of tears' but is about coming to the marketplace of ideas in a pluralistic society and presenting the truth of the Bible as the foundation for transforming all of culture and doing it as servants not as fanatics with the Bible as a weapon. The truths of the Bible can stand on their own when compared to other worldviews when presented correctly and with a humble spirit. This is not light reading but is very readable for the serious lay person. If you are not convinced of the truth of the Bible, I would encourage you to read it and respond with the same kind of serious thinking as the author. If you are already convinced of the validity of Scripture, then I encourage you to read it and use it to make a difference. Perhaps this will elevate some of the conversation about the direction of our country that we so often hear on talk shows to truly serious and productive conversation. The future of our nation and culture may very well depend on it.

Vishal Mangalwadi has some excellent insights on the positive impact that the Biblical worldview has had on the West and provides clear contrasts of cultures with non-Biblical worldviews through his experiences in India. Through stories and examples he shows how sin, and the departure from a Biblical worldview introduces hardship, inefficiency, and pain into a culture. At times I think he gets too wordy over-developing his ideas. The book could be much shorter without sacrificing the essence of his point. But, the principles he presents and the logic he uses to develop they are excellent.

› Go to Amazon.com to see all 12 reviews  4.6 out of 5 stars