Customer Reviews

The Fight: A Practical Handbook to Christian Living

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The best recommendation one can give for John White's "The Fight" simply comes in its longevity in the marketplace. Christian books go out of print like mad, but the classic ones go on and on. The main reason for this is timelessness, and White's primer on how to start one's Christian walk is as appropriate today as it was when first released.

One of three books I recommend to every new Christian (Lewis' "Mere Christianity" and Ortiz's "Disciple" being the other two), this book is so chock full of basics that it even works as a book for people who are just beginning to seek the Lord. In "The Fight" are found the core parts of the daily Christian life (summarized here as): Prayer, Listening to God, Sharing the Faith, The Devil, Faith, One's Standing in Christ, Holiness, God's Will, Christian Excellence, and the Battle Around Us.

White's background as a psychologist comes through as many of his illustrations have a profundity that comes from understanding the foibles of humanity, while also avoiding the pitfall of framing everything within psychology's constructs rather than Christianity's (a problem with many Christian books today.) He also brings clarity to difficult issues that every man and woman struggle with in life, shining the light of Christ into even the darkest areas. His insights into topics like lust are so exemplary that I continue to use them when teaching today, since I have never found better explanations that are so human and yet so spiritually astute at the same time.

A must for any new Christian, I have routinely given people this book for a baptism gift, so useful is it for starting the journey.

Yes, at least in my book. (Pun intended.) At least among the top all-time ten in Christian literature. A complete, well-balanced and powerful guide to the ins and outs of Christian life, this is the perfect introduction for a newborn believer (yes, do give it as a gift!) and it can make a grizzled old veteran in the wars of life (like myself) cry (real tears) and even laugh out loud (even on a public bus, once...). I've read it at least four times, maybe more, and it moves me every time. I've got three copies on my bookshelves, except when they're out on loan to others. And now that I've found I can buy it at Amazon (haven't found it in my local Christian bookstore lately), I'll start giving it away as a gift again... Especially to young people. As a gift for confirmation, for example. (I sure wish this book had been available when I was fifteen...) As to content, the book (at least in my quite early editions) is divided into 11 sections: Beginnings, Prayer, God still speaks, On being a signpost, His Infernal Majesty, Faith, Changed relationships, Guidance, Holiness, Deliverance from drudgery, and The fight. If you haven't read it, by all means do! If you have read it, buy another one and give it away!

John White offers sound insights into living the Christian life. It is written for those have just made a commitment to Christ and need direction for their next steps. But I have been a believer for 25 years and found his thoughts to be helpful and refreshing. Some content is a bit out of date (e.g. his discussion of available Bible translations), but aside from such minor defects, it is a solid work. I recommend this often to people at my church.

I have just read the book for the third time, and have taught from it in two Christian education classes. I'm sure that I'll read it again, and am planning on teaching from it again in a home fellowship group this Fall. John White shares timeless truth in a very understandable format, and he has a unique ability to make it personable. I know that I will never outgrow the book. In the realm of Christian books, it's my favorite.

Readable, challanging and encouraging. This book covers Christian basics. It is extremely helpful. I try to keep some copies to give away.

Bought this used copy to replace one of those borrowed but never returned copies from my library. Great price coupled with fast Amazon delivery made it a no-brainer. Classic work on discipleship by well known IVP author, John White. You will like his easy going style and forthright attitude. A fine book for any Christian, new or seasoned.

John White has since passed away, but his insights are still as practical today as they were during his own lifetime. It's not because he had some key that unlocked the secret door of practical Christian living, but because he applied the timeless truths of God's word. There are all kinds of fads out there today based upon our consumerist worldviews which makes finding helpful books for teens difficult. This is a solid handbook that's proven the test of time.

John White starts with the basics, for new Christians, and goes on to cover many topics that are an essential part of the christian walk. John White is an excellent writer, and this is one of his best. Also recommended for those who are considering Christianity