Customer Reviews

Time for Truth: Living Free in a World of Lies, Hype, and Spin

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This defense of truth takes on postmodernism, but what it defines as a modern malaise may in fact be a more timeless tendency in humanity to avoid the inconvenient yet freeing truths of life. Starts out somewhat weakly but pulls in strong at the finish.

This is a short, pithy work on Postmodernism. Postmodernism is a detriment to society (at least most forms of it). Truth is no longer existent in our modern world. Guiness does a wonderful job showing the problems inherent of Postmodernism. I liked what he says about the Clinton scandal. It is not ironic that our first baby boomer president was our first Postmodern president.

I enjoyed most of this book, but I do think that it has some weaknesses. I wish he would have had more discussion in the Philosophical and Theological implications of Postmodernity, though. I enjoyed his emphasis on the socialogical implications, but I wish he would have gone more in depth into the other implications, as well. That is why I only gave the book 3 stars, but I do think Guiness accomplished every thing he meant to accomplish, namely a short pithy reponse to Postmodern America.

Since I originally revied this book, I have come to respect some Postmodern Philosophy (i.e. Heidegger). This book is more of a reaction to the negative aspects of Postmodernism, which would be relativity. This was a very good book, nevertheless.

Guinness has written a book that is quite uneven in its presentation. He uses many historical sources and quotations very effectively, and the first half of the book is amazingly lucid. The philosophical introduction to modernist and postmodernist thinking is excellent, and the book is worth reading for this alone.

Unfortunately, Guinness seems to believe that he can convince readers about the truth of Christianity, that God _is_ truth, in the final 60 pages. It ain't possible, at least for my agnostic tendencies. Guinness absolutely convinced me that many postmodern thoughts are dangerous, but the extension that a belief in the Bible is the cure...

I have to also say that the author couldn't resist running too far to the right, politically, in my opinion. I agree with just about everything Guinness says about former President Clinton, but what he doesn't say speaks volumes, to the detriment of this book. He is unequivocally negative about Clinton, never once relenting, even with regard to Clinton's own personal beliefs. (Always thought it was odd that Christians weren't more charitable about the Clintons.) Never once mentions Iran Contra, never once mentions Rush Limbaugh, never once... Well, you can probably figure out which side of center I sit on politically. With the rabid right-wing out there saying whatever they wish, and claiming that it is the _truth_ (based on the Bible, of course) without cessation, Guinness should have used more balance in his presentation of current events.

Even so, I very much enjoyed "Time for Truth." I learned a lot, and although it is clear that there is much more to learn after finishing it, that's likely to be very close to what Guinness intended.

This book was recommended to me, and I have found it
somewhat disappointing. The author seems to be
promoting a not so subtle political agenda. Lots of
anti-Clinton statements and other jabs something like "liberals are not the only ones capable of lying."

The main political theme of today seems to be a debate
over whether the President's less than truthful comments
on Iraq are relevant. In other words, what difference does
it make if Bush spoke untruthfully making the case for war,
because there were plenty of other good reasons to go to war?

I searched the web high and low hoping to see some
writings by Mr. Guinness on President Bush's false
statements, or at best half-truths, on the case for
war with Iraq. I was disappointed not to find anything.

I am giving the book two stars because the book has
potential. If in the next edition Mr. Guinness includes
a chapter on President Bush distorting the truth to build
support for the war, I will raise my review to 5 stars. For
that matter if I find any writings by Mr. Guinness saying
that although he supports the war, he finds it very troubling
that President Bush and his closest advisors would be
less than truthful in making the case for war, I will raise
my review to 5 stars. Unfortunately I believe Mr. Guinness
will be less concerned about conservatives tolerating lies
when it advances their agenda, than when liberals do so.
Prove me wrong Mr Guinness! Principles or politics ...

it is your choice to make.

Whether you are concerned about the deterioration of Judeo-Christian truth or you are just concerned about the degradation of American society this book is a must read. The concept of absolute truth resonates within each of us at a basic level - each of us cries out for justice in the world. Whether your wallet has recently been stolen or whether you are searching for meaning in life - individuals demand justice. This book from Mr. Guinness will guide you through the maze of subjective truths that modern American society presents as "subject to your own personal desires and wants". The introduction of Nietzchean philosophy as a foundation for the modern skeptic sets the stage for the course of the discussion. The removal of God from American society and institutions has inevitably led to the purging of "absolute" truth from American society. Without God there can be no absolutes - without absolutes chaos and the ensuing power struggle remain. The author's message is playing out before our very eyes in the midst of the Iraq War debate. As one watches the media accounts of the UN testimony and "peace" rallies it is readily apparent that the world is moving towards (if not already there?)a propaganda society. The character of the two men (Bush and Hussein) are rarely discussed nor is the origin of the current crisis. The debate among most members of the UN and general populations around the world is that the resolution to the matter will be decided by the "general consensus". As the author points out when absolute truth is removed only the struggle for power remains. Mr. Guinness observes that the denial of truth results in the need to "obey" - whether it is political correctness, general consensus, or brute force. The current demand by those in the UN and around the world (including some in the U.S.) that America submit to the "general consensus" is exactly what the author is warning will continue to escalate if absolute truth is discarded. The idea that "unbelief" is passive is correctly abolished. Ideas have consequences and that includes what many would consider to be the passive view of agnosticism or atheism. The author points out that they are dynamic forces that utterly decimate any hint of truth and justice - they are not just ideas in a vaccuum. The idea of living side by side in peaceful co-existence with those who would seek to abolish absolute truth and justice is just a plain 'ol lie. The denial of absolute truth manifests itself in a society that seeks to do what is right in its own eyes. Of course, what is "right" changes from circumstance to circumstance and from person to person. The idea of truth resting on "general consensus" is just another means of intimidation. The shaping of consensus without absolute truth will generally follow those who "market" themselves best. Here the author alludes to the successful "propaganda campaign" carried out by Hitler in Nazi Germany in the early 20th century. In a society that is largely Biblically illiterate there is no such thing as absolute truth - the dead carcasses of past civilizations that lay along the road of history testify to this truth. Current events are just further evidence of this fact - the accelerating decay of American society over the past several decades serves as a real-life modern-day example of this timeless truth. I read an earlier review from someone who indicated the book failed because it was not readable. I believe that will prove to be an abberation among readers - this is the first "philosophy" book I have ever even touched and I could not put it down. The book is incredibly easy to read and yet its impact will cut the reader to the bone. I would recommend this book to ANYONE willing to take an honest look at the indespensible need of absolute truth in society as well as the Christian who seeks to understand the importance and relevance of living out truth in daily life.

Take hope you who are seeking truth (as in Absolute)

Just finished reading the book - I would recommend this to any liberal, critic, humanist, relativist seeking serious answers to 'life' in general. Get this book and give it to your university son/daughter or even professor.

This author is so well read - quotes from many sources, poets, statesmn, politcians, religious, scientific - it is such an illuminating read just on the background material he uses. I just wish there were footnotes!!!!

A 120 pager - 2 days to finsih it - I like the fact he takes the post modern view to its logical end (good story from GK Chesterson's life), which is negative; and then provides 'signals of transcendence = the postive side. I gave the book to a humanist friend - Scripture is quoted sparingly, making the book inviting to those of non-Christian/Jewish persuasion.

MUST read

Os Guinness, a rare conservative Anglican and author of other popular Evangelical books such as "Fit Bodies - Fat Minds" has produced a simple, easy to understand, and very short book on the loss of absolutes in a modern and postmodern soceity.

In his introduction, he sets the stage by recounting a speech by Noble Prize winner Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn on truth. He further states his biase that he finds the "modernists and postmodernists" world equaly dangerous. Guinness strageticaly starts chapter one by discussing a professor's observations on recent classroom discussions involving the story "The Lottery." In short, twenty years ago people were replused by the ending, now students did not find the ending (the sacrifce of someone by the community) all that troubling.

He further analyzes the new art of "spin", especially in the politcal circles and the lack of truth or its necessity. He quickly discusses Darwin, Nietzsche, and Marx then goes on to make a case on their effect in developing a postmodern culture.

The book does have some weaknesses, however; including broad-brushing statements because it is so short. I know the authors intent was to write a primer and therefore a short text, but it is still somewhat of a laibility. One, I think he was willing to take. Because it is a short text, this book is very, very easy to understand (disregard the reviewer who had troubles with this book, it is extermely easy to understand). All in all, it accomplishes what the author intended it to do and it provides a primer foundation for those new to the battle in the postmodern culture war.

This book was very intriguing. I recommend it for people who are curious about truth, and would like an interesting perspective of it for their own lives without hype or spin. It's a book that allows you to think for yourself and learn.

Os Guiness, a top quality sociologist, is uniquely gifted at explaining difficult cultural factors in a manner that the general public can grasp. This book is not a comprehensive refutation of postmodern and modern epistemological systems. Rather, it is a critique of our cultural values and practices as a result of the modern and (especially) the postmodern theories of truth. Many of the examples he uses are easy to remember and embody the point he is trying to make (I will never look at Jay Leno the same - you will know what I mean if you read the book). It is not a difficult read, and the case is plainly made for Truth.

The title of this review is a direct quote from this book (p. 80 hardcover edition). Os Guinness exposes falsehood in society at large and in the United States in particular. Guinness throughout this book takes on the stance of "relativism" in the modern world, and then shows from history the result of that belief system and its consequences. He quotes Nietzche who said, "It is our preference that decides against Christianity, not arguments (p. 114)." Guinness lays out that those who believe in no absolutes, like Nietzche, have false beliefs that will betray them in the end. Guinness draws out an argumentation that says truth, which is reality, will always have the final say. Guinness pulls no punches when he attacks governmental leaders as well. He quotes Tacitus, who was a Roman poet who said, "The more corrupt the state, the more laws (p. 86)." Then Guinness takes the argument for truth and living by the truth, straight back to God who requires true living. Guinness shows how false beliefs affects not just the individual who has those beliefs, but how when this belief system becomes the common way of thinking, it affects the society as a whole. Guinness does give the answer for a return to a truthful society and the great consequences on one's life and the society's as well. I have read some of Guinness' other works which I highly recommend. But if I had to pick one of this author's books to recommend to anyone, it is this book by far. And, that's the truth.

(Review is from hardcover edition).