Monday, April 2, 2007

Middelmann Reworking "Pro-Existence"

By Rick Pearcey

Udo Middelmann's small classic Pro-Existence may soon be reissued to appear in bookstores again. "I am reworking the text of Pro-Existence, my first book from 1974, on the subject of work, property, and the community," Middelmann states in a recent letter from the Francis A. Schaeffer Foundation.

"For years I have been asked to bring it out again, but it needs work," he writes. "Some of the formulations seem rather those of a younger person." Middelmann says he's "matured some" and that that maturation "should now show in the text."

Pro-Existence was a great book when it first arrived, and I recall hearing Middelmann deliver parts of it in lecture form while I was studying at L'Abri in the early 1970s.

In many ways, the Judeo-Christian worldview is in fact a "pro-existence" statement concerning reality -- that is, it is pro-humanity, pro-reason, pro-creativity, pro-science, pro-individuality, pro-resistance to evil, and so on, all centered on an objectively knowable Creator who speaks and acts in verifable history. This foundationally positive approach of Judeo-Christian thoughtforms, as set forth in this book by Middelmann, is one of the reasons the blog of The Pearcey Report is titled Pro-Existence.

We look forward to seeing the new, reworked edition of this basic text in Christian worldview thinking.

Related Articles
"Religion Very Harmful to People," by Udo Middelmann
What Is Man? , by Udo Middelmann
Human Identity, Biblical Worldview, Creativity, and the Meaning of Work, by Udo Middelmann


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Rick Pearcey is editor and publisher of The Pearcey Report.

3 comments:

Mac said...

Glad to see you providing space to keep readers updated regarding Udo Middelmann. I'm looking forward to the reworked Pro-Existence and his new book in the fall. I've read a manuscript copy of his new book and think its wonderful. Hopefully, when its available you fill readers in a bit more which will entice them to buy a copy. I think Udo is one of the most significant thinkers of our day and I'm glad to see you think so too! Thanks for all the interesting and helpful material you make available on your site.

Ron said...

I would also like a heads up when it is available.

Pilgrim said...

I'm happy to hear that. I bought the book when it first came out, and it's disappeared somewhere, over the years. I'd like to have a copy, when it's reissued.