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The Way of Life
A new edition of The Way of Life and excerpts from other writings by this 19th-century leader of Presbyterian theological education.
301 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1978
29 people are currently reading
134 people want to read
About the author
Mark A. Noll
124 books215 followersMark A. Noll (born 1946), Francis A. McAnaney Professor of History at the University of Notre Dame, is a progressive evangelical Christian scholar. In 2005, Noll was named by Time Magazine as one of the twenty-five most influential evangelicals in America. Noll is a prolific author and many of his books have earned considerable acclaim within the academic community.
The Scandal of the Evangelical Mind
, a book about the anti-intellectual tendencies within the American evangelical movement, was featured in a cover story in the popular American literary and cultural magazine, Atlantic Monthly. He was awarded a National Humanities Medal in the Oval Office by President George W. Bush in 2006.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 13, 2022
This book was intended for the use of educated youths, ”to impress on its readers those great truths of revelation” which are connected with practical religion.
I can say that it has been of great motivation both spiritually and intellectually. The book is abundantly biblically rich and stimulating for the reason. As an educated young man, it feels to me that the intellectual level was at other levels in those times. IMO, it has to do with our culture and also the level of Bible knowledge in most churches.
“True religion as we find it described in the Bible is then neither an external show, nor a fitful ebullition of feeling. It is a permanent, spontaneous and progressive principle of spiritual life, influencing the whole man and producing all the fruits of righteousness…”
I can say that it has been of great motivation both spiritually and intellectually. The book is abundantly biblically rich and stimulating for the reason. As an educated young man, it feels to me that the intellectual level was at other levels in those times. IMO, it has to do with our culture and also the level of Bible knowledge in most churches.
“True religion as we find it described in the Bible is then neither an external show, nor a fitful ebullition of feeling. It is a permanent, spontaneous and progressive principle of spiritual life, influencing the whole man and producing all the fruits of righteousness…”
April 28, 2025
Excellent, would commend Chapter 9 on Holiness and his chapters on the Doctrine of Scripture and Justification is golden.
November 3, 2020
How does Christian doctrine play out in the life of the believer? In The Way of Life, Charles Hodge shows how Scripture and doctrine influence our heart and life.
Interesting and Fresh
Hodge was a scholar, educator, churchman, and distinguished American Presbyterian systematic theologian of the 19th century. He lived from 1797-1878, and his life’s work is critically claimed to be his 3-volume magnum opus, Systematic Theology.
The Way of Life deserves our attention, however, because it is undoubtedly a masterpiece and perhaps more important to the everyday Christian. Hodge writes in a simple, conversational manner that engages the mind and captures the heart of the reader. While he tackles the topics of Scripture as the Word of God, sin, justification, faith, and repentance - they do not come off as dry and boring. Rather, Hodge keeps things interesting and fresh with a quick and lively pace.
Obedience and Holy Living
What I found particularly helpful was how Hodge spoke of our profession of religion. He says that Christian faith must be confessed with both word and action. Obedience is a dutiful concern and a distinguishing mark of a follower of Christ. Even more astounding is how Hodge states that the chief and most important mode of confession is attendance upon the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper. The Church has a magnificent and major role to play in the life of the believer.
The book closes with a section on holy living, and Hodge teaches upon the nature of true religion. Furthermore, he stresses the role of Scripture and the important work of the Holy Spirit in our sanctification. I felt encouraged to live a life that is worthy of the Gospel of Christ.
Clear and Convicting
Hodge is clear and convicting. And these truths still ring true today. I am impressed with a greater need to study Scripture and let it shape my heart and mind. The way of life is to be like Christ. It is the only life worth living, and the only one where we are truly, abundantly alive.
I received a media copy of The Way of Life and this is my honest review.
Interesting and Fresh
Hodge was a scholar, educator, churchman, and distinguished American Presbyterian systematic theologian of the 19th century. He lived from 1797-1878, and his life’s work is critically claimed to be his 3-volume magnum opus, Systematic Theology.
The Way of Life deserves our attention, however, because it is undoubtedly a masterpiece and perhaps more important to the everyday Christian. Hodge writes in a simple, conversational manner that engages the mind and captures the heart of the reader. While he tackles the topics of Scripture as the Word of God, sin, justification, faith, and repentance - they do not come off as dry and boring. Rather, Hodge keeps things interesting and fresh with a quick and lively pace.
Obedience and Holy Living
What I found particularly helpful was how Hodge spoke of our profession of religion. He says that Christian faith must be confessed with both word and action. Obedience is a dutiful concern and a distinguishing mark of a follower of Christ. Even more astounding is how Hodge states that the chief and most important mode of confession is attendance upon the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper. The Church has a magnificent and major role to play in the life of the believer.
The book closes with a section on holy living, and Hodge teaches upon the nature of true religion. Furthermore, he stresses the role of Scripture and the important work of the Holy Spirit in our sanctification. I felt encouraged to live a life that is worthy of the Gospel of Christ.
Clear and Convicting
Hodge is clear and convicting. And these truths still ring true today. I am impressed with a greater need to study Scripture and let it shape my heart and mind. The way of life is to be like Christ. It is the only life worth living, and the only one where we are truly, abundantly alive.
I received a media copy of The Way of Life and this is my honest review.
February 6, 2023
I was really close to giving this book 5 stars. There is so much in this book, so I know any Christian who reads it will greatly benefit from it. Sections included in the work are scripture's authority, sin, justification, sanctification, repentance and faith, the means of grace, and holy living. Hodge's writing is clear and concise and I would recommend reader's have a pen in hand while reading.
November 4, 2018
Phenomenal little book- one of the best overview of Christianity and the Christian life that I have seen or read.
Lord willing, Banner will reprint this again to help a new generation of young Christians.
Lord willing, Banner will reprint this again to help a new generation of young Christians.
August 24, 2020
Terrific book about some of foundations of Christian doctrine... sin, justification, sanctification and more. For any new christian or a mature christian wanting to review foundational christian life, a must read!
August 27, 2023
Very thoughtful and deep book that systematically goes through Christian thought and Christian living. I appreciate the thoughtful Calvinism that Charles expounds, and have found the book to be packed full of wonderful quotes that I will look back on.
December 9, 2025
Hodge is phenomenal, theologically precise and pastorally warm!
January 18, 2008
Charles Hodge, longtime professor at Princeton Theological Seminary and as Yale historian Sydney Ahlstrom called him "the great arbiter of Presbyterian controversies", is best know today for his learned and brilliant but somewhat dry theological texts. But the Way of Life was his greatest work of practical theology for lay people. It was an instant best-seller, being tranbslated into several languages during his lifetime.
The text alone is worth reaidng and owning. But this edition is much, much more. It also includes long excerpts from his commentary on Romans, his Conference Papers, and his Systematic Theology. More than that, Mark Noll (about the best American church historian alive today) writes a long, insightful and brilliant biographical essay and introduction. On top of that, Paulist Press has given it a high quality hardcover binding, with a simple but elegant dustjacket, complete with portrait of Hodge.
This is, in my mind, the best volume in the Sources of American Spirituality series.
And it is priced under $20.
At that price, buy a second copy for your church library.
The text alone is worth reaidng and owning. But this edition is much, much more. It also includes long excerpts from his commentary on Romans, his Conference Papers, and his Systematic Theology. More than that, Mark Noll (about the best American church historian alive today) writes a long, insightful and brilliant biographical essay and introduction. On top of that, Paulist Press has given it a high quality hardcover binding, with a simple but elegant dustjacket, complete with portrait of Hodge.
This is, in my mind, the best volume in the Sources of American Spirituality series.
And it is priced under $20.
At that price, buy a second copy for your church library.
March 2, 2013
This book is a great general treatment of the Christian faith, and highly valuable even if you don't, like me, agree with every jot and tittle of Hodge's perspective. The highlight of the book is Hodge's case for the inspiration of the Bible, based upon the moral authority of the Bible. Brilliant and true.
January 5, 2014
Another classic. Have re-read sections periodically for the last 20+ years
August 6, 2016
Really good introduction to the basics of Christian doctrine and living.
December 29, 2020
Excellent! Worth reading and rereading!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews