Introduction--A Review of the Book "A Christian View of Men and Things" by Gordon H. Clark C1S2

"Whether we try our skill or not, every one
of us has a great puzzle on our hands.
It is the world of men and things."
Gordon H. Clark

The Questions of Philosophy

Philosophy is like a puzzle and a truly difficult puzzle can be dispiriting but yet at the same time it can accentuate the interest. For one wonders if a philosophical problem can defeat him. Unfortunately, in these days, many people chose to ignore difficult problems they encounter instead of solving them. However, "Whether we try our skill or not, every one of us has a great puzzle on our hands. It is the world of men and things." (Gordon H. Clark.) In other words all men have the choice to attempt to solve the questions of philosophy.

However, part of the reason people choose to ignore (as much as possible) the questions of philosophy is because they fail to fully understand how they affect the world in which they live. People fail to see the affect it has on their world is because they do not fully understand the answer and this stems from the problem of not knowing the questions. The questions of philosophy are numerous but when some that are easier to apply to the world are clearly stated, it is easier to see how they affect a particular person (and from there understand how the more abstract questions affect a person's thinking); "Should the party favoring the strictest regulation be elected? Which Party would give the best government? Which is the best kind of government? Which can actually work under the present conditions? Or can none work? Where is history taking us? Does history repeat itself? Is civilization on the verge of collapse? What causes, if any, control history? Is history a haphazard and unintelligible sequence of events, or does history have meaning? Has God revealed any answer or any partial answer to these questions? Is it necessary to believe in God to order to answer these questions? Or is atheistic Communism the true solution?"

These questions seem simple, but each answer leads to another question which requires an answer. Many people have the simple answers but they do not know the why or how, of the answer and therefore do not fully solve the puzzle. Additionally there are so many wayward answers that it is hard to believe that there is truth. When a person comes think this, he wonders if it worthwhile trying to solve such problems.

The One and Only
Anthony J McAtee