Abstract

“[Berdyaev] sustained in his own person the multiple roles of prophet, theologian, philosopher and political writer....Here then is an anthology of chosen passages under carefully selected headings from the works of a prolific writer whose dream of Paradise consisted, among other delights, of a desk, paper and a pen-in-hand. The excerpts have been selected with more than ordinary care by Dr. Donald Lowrie who, having known Nicholas Berdyaev personally in a close working relationship for more than twenty-five years, gave us the best biography of this remarkable person. The anthology touches nearly every theme that may interest epistemologist, metaphysician, theologian, missionary, mystic, or even the politician who studies Marxist economic theory. Thus if anyone is interested in the relations of Church and state, in the basic need of civilization or culture, in religion or communism, he will find in Christian Existentialism many thoughtful, arresting reflections. There is no reason or need to exaggerate Berdyaev’s value as a philosopher or theologian, either in youth or age...”- Publisher.