From Aristotle to Christ

Credo Book Award Winner—Natural Theology

Discover how Aristotelian thought has shaped Christianity through history and remains relevant for Christians today

When Christians of any age, country, or denomination debate the nature of the good life, the soul, free will, or design, Aristotle lies behind their logic as well as their rhetoric. Although Aristotle did not have access to the Bible's special revelation, he made full use of general revelation to arrive at deep truths about the nature of God, human identity, and the universe. In the Catholic Middle Ages the spiritual vision that undergirded Dante's Divine Comedy was strongly indebted to Aristotle's cosmology, and in the Protestant Reformation and Enlightenment the social vision of a well-run state was equally indebted to his political science.

In a follow up to his well-loved book From Plato to Christ, renowned scholar Louis Markos takes us on a vigorous and celebratory journey through the work of Plato's greatest student, demonstrating Aristotle's often unacknowledged influence on the Christian faith. In Markos's hands, Aristotle is far from an irrelevant ancient philosopher but is instead an important conversation partner for some of history's greatest Christian thinkers and a thoughtful guide to today's most challenging questions.

With this book, you'll:



- Consider the influence of Aristotle's thought on the Christian faith,

- Carefully analyze several of Aristotle's best-known texts,

- Trace Aristotle's influence upon many key theologians in Christian history, and

- Understand Aristotle's continuing importance for Christians today.

This book is a perfect addition to any classroom that seeks to understand how classical thought intersects with Christianity, both past and present. Grab your copy today and explore the relationship between Aristotelian philosophy and Christianity.



Louis Markos (PhD, University of Michigan) is professor of English and scholar in residence at Houston Christian University, where he holds the Robert H. Ray Chair in Humanities. His many books include From Achilles to Christ: Why Christians Should Read the Pagan Classics, From Plato to Christ: How Platonic Thought Shaped the Christian Faith, The Myth Made Fact: Reading Greek and Roman Mythology through Christian Eyes, Apologetics for the 21st Century, Atheism on Trial, From Aristotle to Christ, and On the Shoulders of Hobbits: The Road to Virtue with Tolkien and Lewis.



Preface: A Platonist Learns to Love Aristotle



A Note on Translation

Part 1: How to Think Logically



1. Why It's Impossible to Believe Six Impossible Things Before Breakfast



2. Playing Around in Aristotle's Toolbox



3. Making Arguments That Make Sense



4. Why Things Move and Change



5. Body and Soul in Dialogue

Part 2: How to Read the Heavens and the Earth



6. Why, Why, Why



7. Where Do I Begin?



8. Wrestling with the Static God of Deism



9. Living in an Ordered Universe



10. Joining the Cosmic Dance of

Part 3: How To Behave



11. Studying the Psyche



12. Virtue as Habit



13. Finding the Golden Mean



14. How to Win Friends and Influence People



15. The Good Life

Part 4: How to Get Along with Our Neighbors



16. The Political Animal



17. A Critic and a Defender of Aristotle



18. The Blessings and Dangers of Private Property



19. The Rule of Law

Part V: How to Make Beautiful Things



20. Defending the Art of Rhetoric



21. Redeeming the Art of Imitation



22. Purging and Purifying the Emotions



Conclusion: Aristotle the Prophet



Glossary



Bibliographical Essay



Scripture Index