Cool Books Club News

Cool Book for July
The Cool Books Club will read The Book That Made Your World: How The Bible Created the Soul of Western Civilization, by Vishal Mangalwadi, an Indian philosopher.

A review on Amazon states that this book will transform your perception of the Bible's influence on virtually every facet of Western civilization. (See more information below.)

The book is not available in the local library, but you may be able to access it through interlibrary loan. New and used paperbacks, Kindle versions and audibles are available. You can locate sources for ordering used copies at this link for Bookfinder.com.

We will meet via Zoom on July 12th at 7:00 p.m. instead of our usual first Tuesday of the month in honor of those who may still be celebrating Independence Day during the first week of July. 

 If interested, contact Josetta McLaughlin at josettamclaughlin027@gmail.com for an invitation.

Amazon review:
Understand where we came from.

Whether you're an avid student of the Bible or a skeptic of its relevance, The Book That Made Your World will transform your perception of its influence on virtually ever facet of Western civilization.

Indian philosopher Vishal Mangalwadi reveals the personal motivation that fueled his own study of the Bible and systematically illustrates how its precepts became the framework for societal structure throughout the last millennium. From politics and science, to academia and technology, the Bible's sacred copy became the key that unlocked the Western mind.

Through Mangalwadi's wide-ranging and fascinating investigation, you'll discover:
  • What triggered the West's passion for scientific, medical, and technological advancement
  • How the biblical notion of human dignity informs the West's social structure and how it intersects with other worldviews
  • How the Bible created a fertile ground for women to find social and economic empowerment
  • How the Bible has uniquely equipped the West to cultivate compassion, human rights, prosperity, and strong families
  • The role of the Bible in the transformation of education
  • How the modern literary notion of a hero has been shaped by the Bible's archetypal protagonist
Journey with Mangalwadi as he examines the origins of a civilization's greatness and the misguided beliefs that threaten to unravel its progress. Learn how the Bible transformed the social, political, and religious institutions that have sustained Western culture for the past millennium, and discover how secular corruption endangers the stability and longevity of Western civilization.

Endorsements:

"In polite society, the mere mention of the Bible often introduces a certain measure of anxiety. A serious discussion on the Bible can bring outright contempt. Therefore, it is most refreshing to encounter this engaging and informed assessment of the Bible's profound impact on the modern world. Where Bloom laments the closing of the American mind, Mangalwadi brings a refreshing optimism." (Stanley Mattson, founder and president, C. S. Lewis Foundation)

"Vishal Mangalwadi recounts history in very broad strokes, always using his cross-cultural perspectives for highlighting the many benefits of biblical principles in shaping civilization." (George Marsden, professor, University of Notre Dame; author, Fundamentalism and American Culture)

"The Indian perspective is a breath of fascinating fresh air for American readers. I wish and pray that it finds readers willing to have their minds shaken and their hearts, yes, their hearts, stirred as well." (James W. Sire, author, The Universe Next Door and Habits of the Mind)

"This book is well overdue! If there is one book that has shaped Europe's art, architecture, commerce, education, ethics, family life, freedom, government, healthcare, law, language, literature, music, politics, science, social reform, and much more, it is the Bible. Yet biblical illiteracy is almost universal in Europe today. We need Vishal's clear, prophetic, Eastern voice to jolt us back to reality before our rich biblical heritage slips beyond our grasp." (Jeff Fountain, director, Schuman Centre for European Studies, the Netherlands)

"Vishal's book is one of a kind-vast in scope, penetrating in its depth, and prophetic in its message. If we fail to listen and recover the importance of the Bible in personal and public life, then the sun may set on the West. This book is a tract for our times and a must-read for anyone concerned with impacting our culture." (Art Lindsley, author, C. S. Lewis's Case for Christ)