My Books

Sing Us a Song of Joy Saying what we believe in an Age of Unbelief by Phil Eaton

Sing Us a Song of Joy: Saying what We Believe in an Age of Unbelief . Eugene: Cascade, 2018.

What I write may be the theme of my life. When so many in our pervasively secular society seek to erase anything Christian from our lives—well, that’s when I come out scrapping. Surely there must be something more than what is purely material. For me that something more is found in the mystery of our encounter with the living God. That’s my starting point. That’s where we discover, I contend, fullness, joy, contentment.

But then, how do we talk about such things in our age of severe skepticism? We’ve gone sort of limp, timid, a little embarrassed, a bit vague, defensive about our faith. Well, with the Psalmist from sixth-century BC exile, maybe we find once again our ancient song of joy. That’s what I propose in this new book.

I hope you will find something helpful and meaningful as you find your song of joy. I am so grateful to my publisher Wipf & Stock for their confidence in this book.

  • "Philip Eaton, a brilliant educator, is also a first-class apologist--a Christian eager to explain his faith and the happiness it's brought into his life with those who live in a more cramped and constricted world. Skeptics and cynics: read this charming and challenging book, and see if you don't feel better because of the experience."

    George Weigel, William E. Simon Chair in Catholic Studies, Ethics and Public Policy Center

  • "Distinguished Emeritus President Phil Eaton has written a book that goes to the very heart of the current question: how can modern Christians share the good news of Jesus Christ with an increasingly unbelieving world in a way that is both contemporarily responsible and faithfully undefensive? I am sharing Phil's response, enthusiastically, with my family, friends, colleagues, and the 'unbelieving world!' I am deeply impressed."

    Frederick Dale Bruner, author of Matthew: A Commentary and John: A Commentary

  • "In his delightful and challenging new book, Phil Eaton invites us to rekindle our faith in an age of unbelief. Our guide, a distinguished university president, English professor, and poet, will quickly earn our trust. His lucid writing points the reader again and again to both classic and contemporary authors who have informed his deep understanding of the intersection of faith and culture."

    Ronald C. White, author of American Ulysses: A Life of Ulysses S. Grant and A. Lincoln: A Biography

  • "This is such a thoughtful book for our time. The author expresses so well how a lifelong Christian feels in the current climate and finds words that articulate what we believe to be our purpose on earth."

  • "An important perspective that Christians should consider as they try to relate to this secular society. Excellent writing!"

  • "We are a Christian family and always looking for interesting books that bring to mind different views of biblical writings. I bought this book for my husband. He enjoyed the author's writing and the idea of why we should sing with praise and joy in ours hearts."

Engaging the Culture, Changing the World by Phil Eaton

Engaging the Culture, Changing the World: The Christian University In A Post-Christian World. Downers Grove, Illinois: IVP Academic, 2011.  

My earlier book defines the special purpose of the Christian university for our day. We have a chance, I argue, to make the world a better place for all of God’s children. We do our work, though, in a decidedly secular, postmodern, post-Christian culture that presses against our Christian purpose. That’s the culture we must engage, but as we do, we prepare the way for a bright future ahead for the Christian university.

  • "Dr. Eaton, president of the Seattle Pacific University, calls for a university that challenges the mind and heart and the soul. Universities need to offer an overarching story and provide a map that directs our lives. They should be character-builders as well as centers of knowledge."

  • "Christian universities must endeavor to capture the power of biblical imagination and model genuine community for the benefit of their students and the world. In short, Eaton argues that the Christian university is an alternative university model that is uniquely positioned to change the world."

  • "Professor Eaton offers an interesting vision for winning the world and changing it by the truth of Christ while engaging Christian liberal arts education. This inspiring volume offers a winsome and wise way to challenge the non-Christian aspects of our culture."

  • "Eaton's book is very readable, interesting and timely as he calls on a host of other great thinkers from the past. He has successfully provided a thoughtful guide and challenge to all christian university faculties. This book is delightful (and hope filled) reading and one of my 'hopes' is that well intended collegians and faculty will at least consider his arguments for renewal and energetic action."