The Contemporary Christian: Applying God's Word to Today's World [Hardcover]

John R. W. Stott (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1992

Recipient of a Christianity Today 1994 Critics Choice Award! Recipient of the 1993 Christian Booksellers Association/Europe Book of the Year Award! People today reject Christianity not because they think it is false but because they believe it is irrelevant. John Stott knows otherwise. In this book he challenges all of us to move with the times while standing firmly on the truth of God's Word. "To be 'contemporary' is to live in the present," Stott writes. "To be a 'contemporary Christian,' however, is to ensure that our present is enriched both by our knowledge of the past and by our expectation of the future." The challenge, then, is to be both conservative and radical--conservative in guarding God's revelation and radical in applying that revelation to the realities of the contemporary world: space travel, homelessness, genetic engineering, pollution, war, health care, gang violence, education and more. Opening our eyes to the Word and the world, Stott shows how Christianity can speak effectively and relevantly to the contemporary world. He includes chapters on the human paradox, authentic freedom, mind and emotions, evangelism and social action, the pastoral ideal and dimensions of renewal. For those familiar with Stott, The Contemporary Christian is a "must-read" book. For those who have not yet benefited from his insight and passion, The Contemporary Christian affords the perfect opportunity to get acquainted with one of the most widely read and respected Christian thinkers at work today.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 432 pages
• Publisher: Intervarsity Pr (October 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0830813160
• ISBN-13: 978-0830813162
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,657,063 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

John R. W. Stott is known worldwide as a preacher, evangelist and communicator of Scripture. For many years he served as rector of All Souls Church in London, where he carried out an effective urban pastoral ministry. A leader among evangelicals in Britain, the United States and around the world, Stott was a principal framer of the landmark Lausanne Covenant (1974). His many books, including Why I Am a Christian and The Cross of Christ, have sold millions of copies around the world and in dozens of languages. Whether in the West or in the Two-Thirds World, a hallmark of Stott's ministry has been expository preaching that addresses the hearts and minds of contemporary men and women. Stott was honored by Time magazine in 2005 as one of the "100 Most Influential People in the World."

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stott is readable and clear yet deep and challenging, September 28, 1998

By 

Dave Montoya ([e-mail]) (Davis, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Contemporary Christian: Applying God's Word to Today's World (Paperback)

I have used this book as the centerpeiece of a small group discussion that I do each year for the past 5 years. It is a great book for covering the basics of the Christian life. Stott does a superb job of speaking to the issues that face Christians in the modern context by showing the relevance of scripture without losing substance. The book not only gives you plenty to think about, but also opens up doors of discussion in many areas.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book, March 29, 2000

By 

J. Willett (Everett, WA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Contemporary Christian: Applying God's Word to Today's World (Paperback)

I highly recommend this book for two reasons. First, this book underscores the important of the Christian world view in contemporary times. Stott is very methodical at outlining the relevancy and importance of theological and historical issues (such as the resurrection) to our contemporary world. He does this without diluting historic Christianity. Secondly, this book reaffirmed my faith in Jesus Christ.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A strong inspiration from a great british preacher/leader, August 9, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Contemporary Christian: Applying God's Word to Today's World (Paperback)

I gladly recommend this book to everyone that is interested in understanding our time and in learning more about communicating the gospel to this generation. It's an inheritance from an experienced and wonderful personality within the christian world.