Gracious Christianity: Living the Love We Profess

by Douglas Jacobsen, Rodney J. Sawatsky

What does our culture think of when the word Christian is mentioned? Unfortunately, stereotypes and misconceptions abound, and those who follow Christ are sometimes considered mean-spirited, narrow-minded, and uncharitable.

Douglas Jacobsen and Rodney Sawatsky provide a blueprint for recovering a vibrant faith as they demonstrate how believers can manifest the fruit of the Spirit to a watching world. This book not only serves as an introduction to or review of the basics of the Christian faith but also shows how true, Spirit-led Christianity is a force for peace, justice, and goodness in today's volatile and violent world.

Genres: Christian, Theology, Christianity

140 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2006

About the author

Douglas Jacobsen (PhD, University of Chicago) is distinguished professor of church history and theology at Messiah College in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.

Reviews

[Jamie Schechinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book took me awhile to read and digest as the middle of the book was a little tough to sort through all the thoughts, ideas, and names. The overall message and reminder of Grace and God’s love is good nd strong throughout the book.
My favorite take away is in the conclusion reminding us that we all use the hallway, even if we reside in certain rooms of the house. In reference to even if we belong to one denomination or one church, all Christians use the hallway and all are believers of God and his love.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick read with solid, Biblical direction in living a life of grace.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very quick & easy read...lots of references to C.S. Lewis' Mere Christianity within. One good reminder I took from the authors was that being a Christian doesn't lift us above the human condition...instead, it calls us to participate and live life in a new & improved way. It's easy to sometimes get into that habit of thinking that just because we do the "good Christian things" in life (i.e. going to church, reading & studying the Bible, charity work, etc.) that we're somehow separate from or better than others...but the point of the authors is that we need to be more gracious Christians and remember that we are all created in God's image and need to treat everyone fairly and with kindness. We're all flawed, imperfect, messed-up human-beings...and we all just need to practice a bit more humility.

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

READ FEB 2008

This is a good foundational piece on the Christian faith. The authors do a very good job of covering the basic tenants of the Christian faith while avoiding the jargon of so many traditions.

[Jason Lyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is amazing how much Christians today miss the only written commandment of Jesus and that is to love. This book highlights that love that Jesus commands in all different facets of Christianity.