Apr 13, 2010
Life-Changing Books: The Cost of Discipleship
I first read Bonhoeffer’s Cost of Discipleship while studying in seminary. He challenged my notions of easy Christianity where Jesus isn’t Lord—someone who determines the course of our lives. I have since read this book several times with each reading yielding a powerful and practical application punch.
Before we heard the clichés of Christianity being a relationship and not a religion, before we wrestled with theology and culture in the emerging or missional movements, there was Bonhoeffer. He saw the consequences of cheap grace that brought salvation without discipleship and the emptiness of religious practice without a commitment to Jesus as Lord. He also witnessed the terrible results of a church that integrated itself into culture without critically engaging it.
At a time in my life when I was wrestling with my calling and my beliefs about Christianity and culture, Bonhoeffer proved a reliable guide that I turn to quite often. His call to costly discipleship instead of cheap grace that gives salvation without taking up our own crosses rings powerful and true today.
When today’s churches rely on media, entertainment, advertising, cultural integration, promises of wealth, or a spiritualized salvation that fails to address our physical world, Bonhoeffer’s Cost of Discipleship stands out as a fresh and relevant message that only strengthens with the passage of time.
What book influenced your concept of discipleship most?
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Sue Monk Kidd has been one of my favorite authors for a very long time. WHEN THE HEART WAITS is especially good. Sue probably speaks more to women than to men though. I’ve read about Bonhoffer’s life. He is definitely a religious giant. He and Solzhenitsyn seem like Christian superheroes to me. I can’t imagine having as much strength as they did. Thanks again for this reading suggestion.
Dee, Thanks for sharing the books you enjoy. I’ll have to work on my reading list after I plow through a few large books on my night stand.
The Cost of Discipleship is a pretty tough read, but it’s well worth the effort.
I have just read ‘When the Heart Waits’ and would agree with Dee’s comments about it. I don’t think it is possible to name one book which has defined my concept of discipleship or faith or anything. Currently I have several books on the go from RT Kendall to Larry Crabb to Henri Nouwen. Each tweaks and refines my thoughts and ideas though I have to admit that The Shack completely blew my mind in a wonderful way.
What I find particularly interesting (and sometimes frustrating) is that my pastor and I have completely polarised views on books we have both read. He would find this blog far too postmodern for this liking!!
Ha! Thanks Jo. Nouwen has written some incredible books.
It’s funny to think about the postmodern label. Some folks are just afraid of the mere mention of the word, while others have substantive differences of opinion about how to deal with theology and culture. What I’ve found is that I’m usually too conservative for some and too liberal for others, so when I’m asked to ID myself, I usually say, “It depends who you ask!”
The Cost of Discipleship should be required reading for all followers of Jesus today. The current trend of non-discipleship Christianity greatly limits the effectiveness of Christ’s followers.