The Body [Paperback]

Charles Colson (Author), Ellen Vaughn (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 30, 1994

In this 1993 ECPA Book of the Year, Colson sounds a clarion call for the church to rise above traditional divisions and market-driven programs to be what God has called her to be-His people. In doing so, the Body of Christ can reclaim God's holy vision for His church. Truly a modern-day classic.

Product Details

• Paperback: 448 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (August 30, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0849935792
• ISBN-13: 978-0849935794
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,266,801 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Penetrating look at the Christian Church, January 3, 2002

By 

D. Keating (Bristow, VA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Body (Paperback)

I read this book based on a recommendation and am really glad that I did. In this book, Chuck Colson takes a very detailed look at the Christian Church (The Body). He discusses its history, purpose, and current state. Based on a lot or research and interviews, the authors gave me a lot to think about and really opened my eyes to what the Chrisitan Church is all about.

Overall, I was particularly impressed with three points that the author discusses: unity (tolerance) within the Body of Christ, active faith, and regular church attendance. First, I think that Chuck Colson "calls it like it is" when he describes the petty arguments that have decided Christianity for years. It is a shame that many who call Jesus lord, cannot get along with other denominations. While we squabble over doctrine, more people become lost, and miss the greatest gift that God has to offer. The books call for unity is well founded and supported.

Secondly, Mr. Colson challenges today's church and its members to display the kind of active faith that marked Jesus during his time on earth and the early church. I totally agree with him that if the Church is to fulfill its purpose, Christians need to "get plugged in". Make a difference and bring light into the darkness that surrounds us everyday. This call to action really challenged me to rethink my role in society as a Christian, and how I can help further God's kingdom.

Thirdly, this book gives the best explanation of why regular church attendance is required that I have read. The authors point out that the Church is God's chosen instrument to spread his Gospel, save the lost, and further His Kingdom. As stated in the book "Christianity is about more than just you and your relationship with God". I have fallen into this trap, and heard this argument from many Christians. This book helped remind me that I have a much greater responsiblity than just my own salvation.

Lastly, this book does an excellent job of weaving in numerous stories to put a human face on the concepts he discusses. Despite the heavy subjects that it covers, it is actually a pretty easy read. I enjoyed this style, and learned a tremendous amount of things about Christianity that I did not know before reading this book.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a detailed analysis of the Christian Church. If you have ever had questions (or heard comments) about why it is important to attend a church, how can the Church be more effective in today's society, what has worked in the past, and what will work in the future, then you should read this book.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A convicting work, August 15, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Body (Paperback)

I came upon Charles Colson's book The Body by accident. I have never considered myself much of a theologian, but I was a person who was content with my Christianity. After reading this amazing book, I have seen the true purpose of Christianity in the world, and I know just how poor of an example of Jesus I actually am. This book will open the eyes of anyone who is longing for the answer of "am I doing everything that Christ wants of me?" The Body is riveting reading, and you will be completely convicted by it. I highly recommend this work for anyone who is seeking the true nature of "church" and "Christianity"

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of Colson's Best Yet!, December 23, 2004

By 

Michael Taylor "Michael Taylor" (Indian Trail NC) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Body: Being Light in Darkness (Hardcover)

Colson has written an excellent challenge to Christians to be of one mind and realize that all true Christians are on the same team.

The book consists of about 450 pages, 28 chapters and 3 main sections:

1. What is the Church?
2. The Church vs. The World.
3. The Church in the World.

The book is an excellent challenge written in a style like only Colson can. One particularly thought-provoking chapter focused on why Christians have had such little impact on society.

Read, enjoy, and be prepared to think and be challenged!