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Why I am a ChristianCredence?WHY I AM A CHRISTIAN This is a classic piece of gently evangelistic writing from the pen of John Stott. It takes its cue from, but does not really engage with, Bertrand Russell's well-known published lecture Why I am not a Christian. The book is based on sermons preached at All Souls Church, Langham Place, London, in 1986. After an opening chapter explaining that the ultimate reason anyone is a Christian is because of the sovereign grace of God, the main substance of the book consists of five chapters which explain why the author believes 'that Christianity is true, or better, that the claims of Jesus are true'. These chapters consider the claims of Jesus, the cross of Christ, the paradox of what it is to be human, Christ as the key to freedom and Christ as the fulfilment of human aspirations - our quest for transcendence, significance and community. The final chapter, entitled 'The greatest of all invitations', is followed by a prayer of commitment to Christ. Though the work covers necessarily well-worn ground, the material has a freshness to it which is very attractive. As we would expect from John Stott, all the chapters are well-researched, well-informed and well-argued. It has a very urbane feel to it. If you wanted to send an evangelistic Christmas present to your MP, or to the headmaster of your children's school, this would be perfect. Any Christian reading the book will have their faith strengthened. Any seeker reading it will be given clear reasons to close with Christ. I have one wish and one worry about the book. My wish is that there had been just a little more biographical material included. There is a snippet or two at the beginning, but with a personal title like Why I am a Christian, there is freedom to give more, and I think readers, especially non-Christians, would benefit. My worry is that though it is referred to, mention of eternal judgement is minimal. JEBJohn Benton© Evangelicals Now - December 2003 |