Carpe Diem Redeemed: Seizing the Day, Discerning the Times

Reviewed by:

G. Connor Salter, Professional Writing alumnus from Taylor University, Upland, IN.

Title:

Carpe Diem Redeemed: Seizing the Day, Discerning the Times

Author:

Os Guinness

Publisher:

InterVarsity Press

Publication Date:

September 24, 2019

Format:

Hardcover

Length:

176 pages

OVERVIEW

What does it look like to “seize the day” (carpe diem) in a culture that moves as fast as ours does? Os Guinness argues the key to answer that question lies in how we view time. He unpacks the way modern Western people approach time, explaining:

• How Eastern, Abrahamic and secular philosophies each view time differently and the consequences of each view
• How the invention of the modern clock has changed the way we think about time itself
• Three components of the Biblical version of seizing the day
• How Christians can both read their times to provide the right answers and have a long-term view of change

Like in his earlier book The Call, Guinness cuts right to the philosophical heart of the problem he discusses. He cleverly integrates ideas from some of his earlier work (fans will recognize his chapters on how the clock changed civilization from Prophetic Untimeliness) to explain the problem better, giving readers a well-rounded view of it. Like many Christian thinkers today, he’s honest about the fact Western Christianity has reached a critical phase. However, he makes it clear that doesn’t mean Christianity is finished in the Western world, and even demonstrates how a proper view of time and change can help Western Christians produce great spiritual fruit in this period of history. Another intelligent, eloquent book from one of Western Christianity’s leading thinkers.

ASSSESSMENT

Rating

5 stars

Intended Audience

Christians interested in how to use their time well and how to view change over time from a Biblical perspective.

Christian Impact

This book will free readers to use their time wisely, be effective witnesses and approach societal changes in a Biblical manner.