45 of 45 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Proper Theology = Proper Living, February 3, 2000
There is quite the movement in today's evangelical circles to the idea of "practical theology." Living what you believe, or 'walking the walk, if you will. What this movement sorely misses however is that to "live what you believe," you must KNOW WHAT YOU BELIEVE! Ryle deftly walks the line between Systematic and Practical theologies, constantly forcing the reader to stop and examine his/her own life. What is the point of theology if it doesn't impact your walk? Ryle challenges the "talk" and the "walk" at the same time. Not recommended for those who do not wish to engage in "Self-Examination," but highly recommended for those who truly wish to make Truth the reflection in the mirror of their lives.
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28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Piercing to the Division of Soul and Spirit, Joints and Marrow, September 9, 2005
What does a Christian do? What are the duties of the Christian life? What are the privileges of the Christian person? How does my faith in Christ affect my day-to-day living? My outlook on life and the world around me? J. C. Ryle answers these questions with his characteristic (but uncommon) wisdom, certainty and plainness. It is no mistake that this volume of his practical divinity (the others being `Holiness,' `Knots Untied' and `Old Paths') carries a subtitle that begins `Being Plain.' If Ryle is anything, he is plain. He is straight-forward, sincere, honest and eminently practical. Ryle just plain makes sense. His interpretation and application of the texts are impeccable. He makes Christian theology and the practice of heart-religion seem so simple and obvious and beautiful that I sometimes wonder what Bible I've been reading all these years to have missed so many beautiful truths!
Ryle speaks to both common and uncommon subjects in this volume. Prayer, Bible-reading, and attendance at the Lord's Table are duties which are well-known to every professing believer. His treatment of `Zeal,' `Formality' and `Sickness,' however, are bound to make the nominal Christian more than a little uncomfortable. Ryle speaks to the heart and soul of every man. He wields the sword of the Spirit like a skilful surgeon, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow. His sword strikes true and cuts deep-especially to those whose religion is a matter of practice and not a matter of the heart. It is clear that the title `Practical Religion' does not speak of a formula for mere religious action (nothing was more abhorrent to Ryle than heartless religion), but of those acts which are done by those whose faith is a way of life.
Christian, read J. C. Ryle. You will not regret it. He is a man who first and foremost loves the Lord Jesus Christ. This is the vital center of all his teaching and writing and the sole reason for his great power in ministry. Whether you are an erudite scholar or a hard-laboring farmer, a pastor or a layman, a spiritual elder or a babe in Christ--no matter where you are--Ryle's writings are for you. The love of Christ and the faith of this great 18th century saint cling to every page like an aromatic perfume. He is quickly becoming one of my very favorite writers. I have no doubt he will win a place in your heart (and your bookshelf) as well.
Here is a brief quote from one of my favorite chapters to whet your appetite: `Perhaps you have thought that if a man's religion is correct outwardly, he must be one with whom God is well pleased. You are completely mistaken. You are rejecting the whole tenor of Bible teaching. Outward correctness without a right heart is neither more nor less than Pharisaism. The outward things of Christianity,--baptism, the Lord's Supper, Church-membership, almsgiving, and the like,--will never take any man's soul to heaven, unless his heart is right. There must be inward things as well as outward,--and it is on the inward things that God's eyes are chiefly fixed' (p. 269).
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20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of the greatest Christian writers of the 20th century, June 18, 1999
Of all the books I have read in the past few years, no one has influenced my life as Bishop J.C. Ryle has. His writtings give the perfect balance of Law and grace and will help you to better understand the Christian life to a deeper and richer level. I am very thankful for the writings of this man. I would recommend his other works including "Old Paths." His expository commentaries on the Gospels are wonderful, too. Find out why J.C. Ryle has impacted Christians for over 100 years.
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