What is a life of radical discipleship? At root, it means we let Jesus set the agenda of our lives. We aren't selective. We don't pick and choose what is congenial and stay away from what is costly. No. He is Lord of all of life. In the last book by the leading evangelical churchman of the twentieth century, John Stott opens up what it means at root to be a follower of Jesus. He explores eight aspects of Christian discipleship which are too often neglected and yet deserve to be taken seriously. Here, including the last public sermon he ever preached, Stott offers wisdom gained from a lifetime of consistent Christian commitment. In addition, he poignantly reflects on his last years of life and ministry. The message is simple, classic and personal: Jesus is Lord. He calls. We follow.
The Radical Disciple: Some Neglected Aspects of Our Calling
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Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
If this book of reflections on what it means to be a faithful Christian nonconformist has a poignant quality, it is not solely because its author, one of the world's leading evangelical preachers and writers, ends it with the word: Farewell! The author of Basic Christianity and Why I Am a Christian focuses what is likely his final written work eight aspects of Christian practice that he feels are not taken seriously enough. These include nonconformity, Christlikeness, maturity, care for the creation, simplicity, balance, dependence, and death. Of particular interest are the author's ideas on materialism and where Christians are asked to be active in advocating and practicing social and ecological justice. While the writer's unadorned prose, threaded with biblical references, adheres to the essentials of Christianity orthodoxy, his deep concern for the prophetic and evangelical dimensions of Christianity comes through loud and clear. This slim volume will have special meaning for admirers, but it may also touch those unacquainted with this longtime evangelical lion as his public voice falls silent. (May)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Review
"Dr. Stott has gone to be with the Lord but he has left behind for us a rich legacy of biblical expression. Read his final words in The Radical Disciple." (John Lathrop, The Pneuma Review, Spring 2012)
"This book will be a rich inheritance for the evangelical community for decades to come." (Brad Sumner, Mennonite Brethren Herald, May 2010)
"Considered a dean of evangelical leaders of the last half century, Stott still deserves to be heard when he speaks. He continues to be relevant in analyzing destructive philosophical and lifestyle trends. As he approaches the end of his own life, he has provoking, yet comforting thoughts regarding the deaths of believers . . . An emphatic yes for church and Bible-college libraries." (Church Libraries, Fall 2010)
"Knowing this is Stott's final book, especially poignant are final chapters on dependence and death. Readers will reap the fruits of the author's solid grasp of Scripture and life experience. Highly recommended for anyone desiring to live an authentic Christian lifestyle." (Neil Bartlett, CBA Retailers & Resources, August 2010)
"Stott's writing is still crisp, cutting, and insightful, and his life-long love and devotion to God comes through clearly in every word of this challenging and encouraging book." (Jeff Friend, Worship Leader Magazine)
"While the writer's unadorned prose, threaded with biblical references, adheres to the essentials fo Christianity orthodoxy, his deep concern for the prophetic and evangelical dimensions of Christianity comes through loud and clear." (Publisher's Weekly, April 12, 2010)
"This slim volume is good reading, a lovely immersion into the truth of God's revelation in Scripture, full of wise words for those who find themselves on a pilgrimage through a dark world towards a City filled with divine light. The Radical Disciple is more like what I imagine he might say to a young friend who is accompanying him to the place of his retirement, and who has the chance to listen in on what Stott is most exercised to pray for when he thinks of the church he has served so faithfully for so many years. It isn't the final word, perhaps, but it's a timely one, and a word of wisdom worth heeding." (Dennis Haack, Critique, 2010)
"This is a (nearly) pocket-sized summary of practical and biblical wisdom from one of the giants of evangelical Christianity in the last century--one of those books that takes an hour or two to read and months to digest. Besides, who doesn't want to buy John Stott's last book?" (Leadership Journal, September 2010, (www.leadershipjournal.net))
"This book will be a rich inheritance for the evangelical community for decades to come." (Brad Sumner, Mennonite Brethren Herald, May 2010)
"Considered a dean of evangelical leaders of the last half century, Stott still deserves to be heard when he speaks. He continues to be relevant in analyzing destructive philosophical and lifestyle trends. As he approaches the end of his own life, he has provoking, yet comforting thoughts regarding the deaths of believers . . . An emphatic yes for church and Bible-college libraries." (Church Libraries, Fall 2010)
"Knowing this is Stott's final book, especially poignant are final chapters on dependence and death. Readers will reap the fruits of the author's solid grasp of Scripture and life experience. Highly recommended for anyone desiring to live an authentic Christian lifestyle." (Neil Bartlett, CBA Retailers & Resources, August 2010)
"Stott's writing is still crisp, cutting, and insightful, and his life-long love and devotion to God comes through clearly in every word of this challenging and encouraging book." (Jeff Friend, Worship Leader Magazine)
"While the writer's unadorned prose, threaded with biblical references, adheres to the essentials fo Christianity orthodoxy, his deep concern for the prophetic and evangelical dimensions of Christianity comes through loud and clear." (Publisher's Weekly, April 12, 2010)
"This slim volume is good reading, a lovely immersion into the truth of God's revelation in Scripture, full of wise words for those who find themselves on a pilgrimage through a dark world towards a City filled with divine light. The Radical Disciple is more like what I imagine he might say to a young friend who is accompanying him to the place of his retirement, and who has the chance to listen in on what Stott is most exercised to pray for when he thinks of the church he has served so faithfully for so many years. It isn't the final word, perhaps, but it's a timely one, and a word of wisdom worth heeding." (Dennis Haack, Critique, 2010)
"This is a (nearly) pocket-sized summary of practical and biblical wisdom from one of the giants of evangelical Christianity in the last century--one of those books that takes an hour or two to read and months to digest. Besides, who doesn't want to buy John Stott's last book?" (Leadership Journal, September 2010, (www.leadershipjournal.net))
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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
34 of 36 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
"As I lay down my pen for the last time at the age of eighty-eight . . ."
One of the most influential Christian leaders of the Twentieth Century has given us his final work, and is retiring from public service in the kingdom. He does so having made an extensive contribution to the worldwide church, as a pastor and church leader as well as a scholar and theologian.
This book is a brief statement on the nature of the Christian life, which is an appropriate place for Stott to close out his career. Although it is small in size, there is great challenge found in this volume. Its subtitle is Some Neglected Aspects of Our Calling - a presentation of those areas which define the church, but which have often gone unnoticed and under-emphasized. There are eight chapters, which each take a particular area for investigation and challenge: Nonconformity, Christlikeness, Maturity, Creation Care, Simplicity, Balance, Dependence, Death.
The overall focus of the book fits with the title, and is geared to move the reader to a more dedicated commitment to the demands of kingdom life and growth. While there might be points at which the modern reader would choose to part company with Mr Stott (his assumption of the impact of anthropogenic global warming might not be so readily accepted by those of us who know that the facts are not supportive of the theory), overall his emphasis and message is good.
This is among the final fruits of a life given to the service of the kingdom, given to us by one who himself has chosen to be - every step of the way - a radical disciple.
One of the most influential Christian leaders of the Twentieth Century has given us his final work, and is retiring from public service in the kingdom. He does so having made an extensive contribution to the worldwide church, as a pastor and church leader as well as a scholar and theologian.
This book is a brief statement on the nature of the Christian life, which is an appropriate place for Stott to close out his career. Although it is small in size, there is great challenge found in this volume. Its subtitle is Some Neglected Aspects of Our Calling - a presentation of those areas which define the church, but which have often gone unnoticed and under-emphasized. There are eight chapters, which each take a particular area for investigation and challenge: Nonconformity, Christlikeness, Maturity, Creation Care, Simplicity, Balance, Dependence, Death.
The overall focus of the book fits with the title, and is geared to move the reader to a more dedicated commitment to the demands of kingdom life and growth. While there might be points at which the modern reader would choose to part company with Mr Stott (his assumption of the impact of anthropogenic global warming might not be so readily accepted by those of us who know that the facts are not supportive of the theory), overall his emphasis and message is good.
This is among the final fruits of a life given to the service of the kingdom, given to us by one who himself has chosen to be - every step of the way - a radical disciple.
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
By A. Morgan
Format:Hardcover
Quite simply this is classic Stott. Most of what he writes in this book he has written else where. But that really does not matter. Having Stott's thoughts on discipleship compiled in one volume is wonderful. John Stott is one of the most important and influential evangelical, Anglican figures in the last 100 years. A new generation of ministers are enjoying his writings afresh, and this volume should be a favorite. Short and concise each chapter brims with Stotts indubitable style and wisdom.
The final chapter, on death, was my favorite. His wisdom, humility and honesty (he is 87 years of age and, as he says, he is reflecting on death and seeking to prepare for it) was touching. This is a book which should be given away. It's as good as any book on encouraging and challenging us in the way of being a disciple of Christ.
The final chapter, on death, was my favorite. His wisdom, humility and honesty (he is 87 years of age and, as he says, he is reflecting on death and seeking to prepare for it) was touching. This is a book which should be given away. It's as good as any book on encouraging and challenging us in the way of being a disciple of Christ.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
In what John Stott calls his final book, The Radical Disciple: Some Neglected Aspects of Our Calling, he seeks to address eight areas in which he believes the Church is lacking.
He begins by explaining that by "radical disciple," he wants to emphasize the teacher-student relationship between Christ and the Christian, as well as the necessary deep-rootedness of commitment that Jesus requires from His disciples (14-15).
First, Stott argues that we have not exemplified nonconformity. Rather, we have sought escapism or conformism, Nonconformity is "a call to engagement without compromise" (19).
Second, Christlikeness. Stott argues that The Westminster Shorter Catechism is not strong enough - what God has called us to is to become like Christ. We are to be like Him in being incarnational, servants, loving, patience in enduring, and like Him in His Mission (31-34).
Third, maturity. Stott argues the greatest problem of the modern church is "growth without depth" (38).Maturity comes as one gets a clear portrait of Jesus through prayer and study of the Scripture (48).
Fourth, Creation care. Stott explains tat both dominion and being created in the image of God bear on our stewardship responsibility to care for the Creation, as well as the Scripture's teaching that the Creation will be restored on the last day - not destroyed. (I found this the weakest chapter because he does not explain how to care for the Creation.)
Fifth, simplicity. Not asceticism, but biblical simplicity. Rather that explain this briefly as Stott does with his other chapters, he prints the entire document, An Evangelical Commitment to Simple Life-Style (65-82). This would ave served better as an appendix; in the body of the book, I found myself going from listening to a kind teacher to slogging through a marsh.
Sixth, balance. In this chapter, Stott examines six metaphors that Peter uses to describe the disciples, and Stott shows that each is a balancing act as they all work together (97-98).
Seventh, dependence. This is the humility to accept that w not only need God but we need each other, both in understanding, and in emotional and physical well-being. (102).
Eighth, death. Stott examines the relationship of the fact of death to salvation, discipleship, mission, persecution, martyrdom, mortality, and the necessity of death if we are to live (133).
Stott's book covers a great deal of necessary material for the 21st century Church, though I would wish it had some expansion, and some additional editing. Also, in looking for the books that Stott quotes, I found that most of them are out of print, though somewhat available through the usual sources.
I hope Stott will write more on these issues or that others will take up his mantel and continue to show how we might become the radical disciples Christ has called us to be.
He begins by explaining that by "radical disciple," he wants to emphasize the teacher-student relationship between Christ and the Christian, as well as the necessary deep-rootedness of commitment that Jesus requires from His disciples (14-15).
First, Stott argues that we have not exemplified nonconformity. Rather, we have sought escapism or conformism, Nonconformity is "a call to engagement without compromise" (19).
Second, Christlikeness. Stott argues that The Westminster Shorter Catechism is not strong enough - what God has called us to is to become like Christ. We are to be like Him in being incarnational, servants, loving, patience in enduring, and like Him in His Mission (31-34).
Third, maturity. Stott argues the greatest problem of the modern church is "growth without depth" (38).Maturity comes as one gets a clear portrait of Jesus through prayer and study of the Scripture (48).
Fourth, Creation care. Stott explains tat both dominion and being created in the image of God bear on our stewardship responsibility to care for the Creation, as well as the Scripture's teaching that the Creation will be restored on the last day - not destroyed. (I found this the weakest chapter because he does not explain how to care for the Creation.)
Fifth, simplicity. Not asceticism, but biblical simplicity. Rather that explain this briefly as Stott does with his other chapters, he prints the entire document, An Evangelical Commitment to Simple Life-Style (65-82). This would ave served better as an appendix; in the body of the book, I found myself going from listening to a kind teacher to slogging through a marsh.
Sixth, balance. In this chapter, Stott examines six metaphors that Peter uses to describe the disciples, and Stott shows that each is a balancing act as they all work together (97-98).
Seventh, dependence. This is the humility to accept that w not only need God but we need each other, both in understanding, and in emotional and physical well-being. (102).
Eighth, death. Stott examines the relationship of the fact of death to salvation, discipleship, mission, persecution, martyrdom, mortality, and the necessity of death if we are to live (133).
Stott's book covers a great deal of necessary material for the 21st century Church, though I would wish it had some expansion, and some additional editing. Also, in looking for the books that Stott quotes, I found that most of them are out of print, though somewhat available through the usual sources.
I hope Stott will write more on these issues or that others will take up his mantel and continue to show how we might become the radical disciples Christ has called us to be.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Book by a Great man of God
The late John Stott was a disciple among disciples. This book is a reminder and a call to discipleship. Read more
Published 4 months ago by M Crane
3.0 out of 5 stars
Not Extraordinarily Radical
I have not read too many of John Stott's books over the years. Still, in writing sermons and writing my own books there have been several times that I've relied on his commentaries... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Tim Challies
5.0 out of 5 stars
Stott's last book!
What a great book that challenges many Christians in various aspects that are not talked about much. Read more
Published 7 months ago by sung k hwang
4.0 out of 5 stars
none
This was a purchase in rememberance of the late Dr Stott whom I've admired over the last 5 years. I often wondered what would I need say to this world if this was my last writing... Read more
Published 11 months ago by chris mason
1.0 out of 5 stars
NGO's and the Lausanne Congress
I can not recommend this book because of chapter 5 which he and other NGO's gather together at the Lausanne Congress and call for a "new economic world order" and "Social... Read more
Published 15 months ago by P. quintel
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent clear and to the point.
Very good book. Most importantly it is biblical. John Stott explains what is commanded of disciples. Read more
Published 16 months ago by Keith
4.0 out of 5 stars
Still Powerful Despite His Ailing Years
This is the last book published by the late Rev John Stott. After many decades of faithful ministries, teaching and guiding believers young and old toward the path of discipleship,... Read more
Published 18 months ago by Dr Conrade Yap
4.0 out of 5 stars
Radical Disciple
John Stott discusses various characteristics that "Radical Disciples" of Jesus Christ should display, with a focus on aspects that modern day Christians may have largely... Read more
Published 19 months ago by T. Eldridge
5.0 out of 5 stars
final word from a great Christian leader
John R. W. Stott's final work, The Radical Disciple, is excellent. Published shortly before his death, this reflection on radical discipleship challenges us to go beyond words and... Read more
Published 20 months ago by Dr Derek Morris
4.0 out of 5 stars
A fitting conclusion to John Stott's ministry
In The Radical Disciple, John Stott explores some important of the aspects of discipleship he thinks have tended to be overlooked. Read more
Published on April 11, 2011 by Joanna
