The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self
A Short Review of ‘The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self’
BY CARL TRUEMAN
“Every age has had its darkness and its dangers. The task of the Christian is not to whine about the moment in which he or she lives but to understand its problems and respond appropriately to them.”
About
Carl Trueman speaks plainly, provocatively, and unapologetically in his most recent work, The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self. It is written from a compellingly academic platform with an unapologetic Christian worldview. This is a brilliant piece scanning through the last few hundred years, attempting, quite successfully, to articulate the state of the world and how it got here. While sexuality, gender, and identity are the obvious themes that are discussed, I would suggest that the more prevalent topic at hand is the preservation and deconstruction of truth.
Readability
Each chapter literally turns back the pages, uncovering the motives, methods, and means by which the world has changed the meaning of truth. This book is highly academic, yet is illustrated with cultural moments we would all remember. Trueman is an intellectual who writes little, since one cannot completely remove their bias, from emotion or prejudice but with a high degree of logic and reason. Trueman paints with broad strokes when applicable and a fine tip pen when appropriate.
Criticism
A criticism I would add, under the caveat that I do not believe this was the goal of writing the book, is there was little application. Near the end, I will concede that he offered a clarification of what and what not the book intends to communicate. However, still, the topic of sexuality and identity is not an ethereal one, it can be life or death. Therefore, it is crucial to read The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self with both an open mind and heart. Engage critically with the ideology of the world but compassionately with the people in it.
You can purchase this book from Amazon, Crossway, or Westminster.
