Why this book? Indulge me in a little bit of personal connection…or scroll down to go straight to my review.
We live in a world in which organized religions consistently and aggressively compete against each other to enlist new members; trying to take them away from other organized religions, claiming that their way is somehow the right way and, therefore, all others must be wrong.
I struggle with that approach to Christianity. It doesn’t sound like the loving servant nature I was raised to believe the Church and its people should exhibit. Having wed someone from another faith (Roman Catholic), that conflict became even more pronounced. Sure, there was a Bible-based evangelistic element to the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, but humble service always seemed to trump it. Or, maybe that was just what I saw in my German immigrant parents and the way they chose to live their faith.
The conflict remains. Why do we have to make others wrong? Why do so many beat their chests, boasting that they are right? Is that really the point? Isn’t there a way to generously care for each other without the doctrinal fight?
It is that struggle that drew me to select this book for review.
Everyone Belongs to God by Christoph Friedrich Blumhardt; published by Plough Publishing House, 2015.
Everyone Belongs to God is based on a 100 year old collection of letters written by German Lutheran Pastor Blumhardt to his missionary son-in-law, serving in China. These are not academic writings, but down-to-earth caring communications written out of love and concern, making the text easy and interesting to read.
Starting with the premise that everyone already belongs to God, the pastor continually encourages the missionary to stay focused on the higher calling of service and love. Instead of trying to pull or push people toward God, find God as He already exists within each person. Blumhardt challenges his son-in-law to lead others toward their faith in Christ through his living example while not requiring them to be just like him.
What a refreshing approach!
Although these letters were written over 100 years ago, there is so much relevance to today. Readers struggling to find hope in our chaotic world, readers who are uncomfortable with the constraints of manmade religion, or readers who believe in the loving servant aspect of faith will find comfort and inspiration in this book.
There’s a lot of talk about the world’s dire social conditions and the needs that are all around us. It’s amazing to think how many people still dream of a world inwhich there is true peace. (Ch. 1)
Just give your love to everyone you meet. Most people are unable to express themselves about formal faith or spiritual matters, but everyone understands what love is. (Ch. 6)
If you tell people to their face about their sins, they will not respond. Their ears and hearts are already blocked by sin…People have to realize their own sin for themselves. This comes through God’s judgment, not yours. (Ch. 8)
This book is a wonderful encouragement for believers to live their own loving faith. Each person does not have to live it the same way or demand that others live it similarly. As the author repeatedly reminds us, simply believe that everyone already belongs to God and trust Him to do the rest.
Click here to order the book on Amazon.com.
Note: A copy of this book was provided by the publisher at no cost to me. However, the opinions expressed in this review are my own and were not influenced in any way by the author, publisher or any other party.
