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Watchman Nee: Ein Leben gegen den Strom
The engrossing, moving biography of one of China's better-known Christians, the dedicated evangelist and gifted Bible teacher Watchman Nee.
Hardcover
First published January 1, 1969
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 4, 2024
Audible sale (#34 of 40) 8 hours 40 min. Narrated by Raymond Todd (A)
Such an inspirational and well-written biography about the Chinese pastor, church planter, and Bible expositor Watchman Nee.
First, a few words about the author. Angus Kinnear (1912-2002) was a missionary doctor to India for 13 years and served along Amy Carmichael. He met and spent two months with Watchman Nee in 1938 when Nee was visiting in England prior to WW2. Nee's witness had a profound impact on Kinnear's life just prior to his leaving to serve in India. He edited Nee's first book, "The Normal Christian Life." After Nee's death, Kinnear researched Nee's family history and obtained as much material about his final years as was available from behind the Bamboo Curtain.
Watchman Nee (1903-1972) was possibly the most influential Chinese pastor of the 20th century. He is certainly the most influential writer. I read "The Normal Christian Life " when I was in college, but it was beyond my spiritual maturity at that time. I need to read it again. This book gives insight to the political history of China during the years Watchman Nee and his wife Charity lived. Nee felt strongly about following the example of the early New Testament church planting, equipping the members to understand the Bible, and then becoming evangelists. During the Second World War and the buildup of the Chinese Communist army, his churches were asked to select group of members who were spiritually equipped to leave their homes and move to an unevangelized part of the country as a "little flock." Watchman Nee spent the last twenty years of his life in a Chinese Communist Reindoctrination Prison.
The first two chapters reminded me Pearl Buck's "The Good Earth." After those early chapters, I listened straight through the book. Absolutely the most impactful biography I've read perhaps because so much of it is quoted from Nee's own sermons. This is a practical guide to living a Christian life.
Such an inspirational and well-written biography about the Chinese pastor, church planter, and Bible expositor Watchman Nee.
First, a few words about the author. Angus Kinnear (1912-2002) was a missionary doctor to India for 13 years and served along Amy Carmichael. He met and spent two months with Watchman Nee in 1938 when Nee was visiting in England prior to WW2. Nee's witness had a profound impact on Kinnear's life just prior to his leaving to serve in India. He edited Nee's first book, "The Normal Christian Life." After Nee's death, Kinnear researched Nee's family history and obtained as much material about his final years as was available from behind the Bamboo Curtain.
Watchman Nee (1903-1972) was possibly the most influential Chinese pastor of the 20th century. He is certainly the most influential writer. I read "The Normal Christian Life " when I was in college, but it was beyond my spiritual maturity at that time. I need to read it again. This book gives insight to the political history of China during the years Watchman Nee and his wife Charity lived. Nee felt strongly about following the example of the early New Testament church planting, equipping the members to understand the Bible, and then becoming evangelists. During the Second World War and the buildup of the Chinese Communist army, his churches were asked to select group of members who were spiritually equipped to leave their homes and move to an unevangelized part of the country as a "little flock." Watchman Nee spent the last twenty years of his life in a Chinese Communist Reindoctrination Prison.
The first two chapters reminded me Pearl Buck's "The Good Earth." After those early chapters, I listened straight through the book. Absolutely the most impactful biography I've read perhaps because so much of it is quoted from Nee's own sermons. This is a practical guide to living a Christian life.
August 11, 2014
Historically this book was interesting, though there are a couple of points - one in particular - which was not clarified within Watchman's life. At some point during a visit to Plymouth Brethren churches in the West, Watchman spent time with a highly regarded brother who took issue with some of Watchman's end time theology. The issue taken was apparently great enough that a large portion of the Brethren churches disassociated themselves from him up until the late 60's, however the author did not clarify what Watchman's stance was which was so emphatically rejected.
This book made me think a lot about apostolic vision for the church (i.e. (as it applies here) the appropriate structure of church organizations for any given time and culture).
From my observation of him (particularly through this book) Watchman Nee was a clearly a Teacher in the five-fold ministry sense, and apostolic. While these thoughts seemed quite far from the 'Little Flock's' (Watchman's Chinese 'Denomination,' or church organization) Western counterparts (Watchman in particular largely viewed the Plymouth Brethren as their 'sister churches'), he and his organization even used the term 'apostles' as a 'position' within their organization (which is one of many things they were castigated for).
Watchman, and several other Chinese ministers initiated a church structure under almost every imaginable cultural difficulty (from social unrest under the reigning emperor, and the growing communist movement, to the invasion, and dictatorial rule of the Japanese to the final conquering of China by the communists), which was opposed by the majority Western missionary organizations in place in China. Yet much of the native structure that they initiated is still largely in use in the underground church in China to this day.
One interesting evangelistic method that the 'Little Flock' leaders instigated (though I'm not sure that this method is still employed in China) was to train up an entire community of up to forty people who would then ALL move to another town or village and become the indigenous church 'core' there, where no other church or Christian influence existed. There the members would find homes and jobs and become the Christian influence in that community.
Interesting book, I am eager to get a hold of some of Watchman's literature.
This book made me think a lot about apostolic vision for the church (i.e. (as it applies here) the appropriate structure of church organizations for any given time and culture).
From my observation of him (particularly through this book) Watchman Nee was a clearly a Teacher in the five-fold ministry sense, and apostolic. While these thoughts seemed quite far from the 'Little Flock's' (Watchman's Chinese 'Denomination,' or church organization) Western counterparts (Watchman in particular largely viewed the Plymouth Brethren as their 'sister churches'), he and his organization even used the term 'apostles' as a 'position' within their organization (which is one of many things they were castigated for).
Watchman, and several other Chinese ministers initiated a church structure under almost every imaginable cultural difficulty (from social unrest under the reigning emperor, and the growing communist movement, to the invasion, and dictatorial rule of the Japanese to the final conquering of China by the communists), which was opposed by the majority Western missionary organizations in place in China. Yet much of the native structure that they initiated is still largely in use in the underground church in China to this day.
One interesting evangelistic method that the 'Little Flock' leaders instigated (though I'm not sure that this method is still employed in China) was to train up an entire community of up to forty people who would then ALL move to another town or village and become the indigenous church 'core' there, where no other church or Christian influence existed. There the members would find homes and jobs and become the Christian influence in that community.
Interesting book, I am eager to get a hold of some of Watchman's literature.
July 19, 2025
One of the things about this book is that I know a lot of people will be rubbed the wrong way on different things. I think that’s not a bad thing because often we go through our rituals with no challenge to what we are doing. That doesn’t mean I’m 100% lock step on what’s being said through his story, but that it is valuable to listen to people who are different then you and consider why it rubs you the wrong way.
June 14, 2015
A simple but spiritually inspiring biography of the Chinese Missionary, writer, and pastor Watchman Nee. From this humble little volume I was amazed on how much faith Nee and his colleagues had in the Risen Lord. Nee is to me, a wonderful example, even more so after reading this book, of a man who tried to become completely dependent on God and sensitive to the moving of the Holy Spirit. To reach his level of Biblical knowledge and wisdom, Nee decided not to continue on to secondary education (and a well paid position) after grade school, but instead followed God's promptings to become a missionary among his own people. Nee spent much of his life in humble surroundings, suffering from poor health. Often he was depending on God for everything, totally different then the consumerism of our culture. One line I distinctly remember, is Nee's comments to a pastor in Europe while visiting, on how little faith the western Christians seemed to have. This comment by Nee reveals how the Chinese Christians of that period did not take their faith for granted, and suffered with joy for Christ in prison camps following the formation of the Communist government.
February 7, 2017
I knew very little about Watchman Nee before I read this book except for having read a few of his books. I enjoyed getting to know about him and his influence on the spread of the Gospel in China. I did not know he had such a far-reaching impact on the church in the days before communism or that he spent 20 years in prison. Very informative.
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October 27, 2022I enjoyed reading about Watchman Nee.
March 22, 2020
Rather boring and too detailed.
Read
March 18, 2023I have always heard of him as the one who brought the Christian faith to move forward in China. Now I finally got to read a book on his life. Actually, it is not a very appealing life story at first glance because he faces many hardships (physical pain, opposition within his own ranks…) of which many did not resolve even until his death. Nevertheless or maybe even more so he looks to me as a man of perseverance, integrity and passion for his own people. I love how he struggled to understand the gospel independently from the missions that were working in China at his time who were still quite Western in their mindset and conduct. He helped a great deal to be a translator into both directions benefitting his people and the missionaries from abroad.
December 27, 2022
What a great book this is, full of personal anecdotes, strong doctrine, and faithfulness in the face of overwhelming adversity. This book was inspirational to me and I felt compelled to share many of the instances in the book with my family. It's an enjoyable and uplifitng read that Christians will value as it deals with the life of one of the preeminient Chinese Christians and his work in the ministry up to and during the Communist takeover of China.
June 9, 2024
This biography of Chinese pastor Watchman Nee is a little dense to get through but worth it. It tells the story of many faithful believers in China before, during, and after World War II and the rise of Communism in China. Their fidelity to the doctrines of Christianity and firm belief that their neighbors were worth saving is convicting and inspiring.
March 2, 2025
This is well-researched and thorough. As a contemporary with Mao Tse Tung, we learn of Nee’s growth as a church planter at the same time as the Chinese Communist Revolution. It’s another good example of God growing His church during times of worldly persecution.
June 11, 2024
Accurate biographical narrative. Love it!
January 10, 2011
A biography of early 20th century Chinese evangelist and Bible teacher Watchman Nee. A very moving account of his dedication to the Lord's work, especially as communism began to arise and take over the country.
December 5, 2011
A helpful book that is clear, well written, and easy to read. However, you'll only find it interesting if you want to know about Watchman Nee's life. Kinnear carefully records many details of his life, but it doesn't include many exerts from his teaching or other information.
January 24, 2013
If you like Watchman Nee this book is worth the read. As far as biographies go, this is not the most well written nor captivating. I can really only suggest it if you really like Watchman Nee's books.
October 28, 2019
Most books are rated related to their usefulness and contributions to my research.
Overall, a good book for the researcher and enthusiast.
Read for personal research
- found this book's contents helpful and inspiring - number rating relates to the book's contribution to my needs.
Overall, a good book for the researcher and enthusiast.
Read for personal research
- found this book's contents helpful and inspiring - number rating relates to the book's contribution to my needs.
June 29, 2015
A must read for anyone interested in Watchman Nee and/or reading his books.
Read
September 19, 2014Life changing for me
July 4, 2016
The book about Nee is not nearly as good as Nee himself.
April 23, 2015
Good, honest commentary about a truly gifted and humble teacher.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews