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The Chocolate Soldier Or, Heroism—The Lost Chord of Christianity
This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery.
17 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 23, 2011
67 people are currently reading
247 people want to read
About the author
C.T. Studd
16 books36 followersCharles Thomas Studd, often known as C. T. Studd, is remembered both as a cricketer and missionary. As a cricketer he played for England in the 1882 match won by Australia which was the origins of Ashes. As a British Protestant Christian missionary to China he was part of the Cambridge Seven, and later was responsible for setting up the Heart of Africa Mission which became the Worldwide Evangelisation Crusade (now WEC International).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
October 10, 2013
A good solid kick in the pants to lukewarm mamby pamby Christianity! Rise and fight ye church of God! You say you believe the bible? Than do what it commands!
Good stuff!!
Good stuff!!
November 4, 2014
C.T. Studd has always been a powerful example to me of the missionary spirit. This is a short writing he composed from Africa during his final years of service for Christ among the world's unreached.
The language is aggressive, at times overbearing, yet filled with a higher view of attempting to call the church of his day to stand for the only One who makes life truly meaningful. I espouse the life on the altar and if you do as well then this dated document will stir you to reflect on what that commitment should be in your own life.
The language is aggressive, at times overbearing, yet filled with a higher view of attempting to call the church of his day to stand for the only One who makes life truly meaningful. I espouse the life on the altar and if you do as well then this dated document will stir you to reflect on what that commitment should be in your own life.
January 3, 2025
A compelling and thought-provoking work that uses biblical themes to explore the example for Christians who lack the fortitude to stand firm in their beliefs when faced with challenges, akin to a soldier made of chocolate that melts under pressure.
Studd’s narrative is rich with biblical references and principles, emphasizing the call to be “doers of the word” rather than mere hearers. The work highlights the contrast between superficial faith—represented by the “chocolate soldier”—and the genuine, steadfast faith that withstands trials and tribulations. He challenges the audience to reflect on their own commitment to Christ and to aspire to a life of heroism that mirrors the teachings of the Bible.
In summary, “The Chocolate Soldier” serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of authentic faith and courage in the Christian walk. It calls for a deep, unwavering commitment to the teachings of Jesus, urging believers to rise above complacency and embrace a life characterized by true heroism, as exemplified in Scripture.
Studd’s narrative is rich with biblical references and principles, emphasizing the call to be “doers of the word” rather than mere hearers. The work highlights the contrast between superficial faith—represented by the “chocolate soldier”—and the genuine, steadfast faith that withstands trials and tribulations. He challenges the audience to reflect on their own commitment to Christ and to aspire to a life of heroism that mirrors the teachings of the Bible.
In summary, “The Chocolate Soldier” serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of authentic faith and courage in the Christian walk. It calls for a deep, unwavering commitment to the teachings of Jesus, urging believers to rise above complacency and embrace a life characterized by true heroism, as exemplified in Scripture.
January 9, 2021
In this compact read that packs a powerful punch, C.T. Studd challenges lukewarm Christianity. Comparing the Christian life to the life of a soldier, Studd challenges believers live a disciplined life fighting for the Lord. He believes the Christian must live all-in or melt when trials and troubles come. He asserts that anything else is an affront to the gospel of Christ.
Studd’s life is a testament of one who was willing to walk away from everything - riches, fame, and a successful sports career - for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The evidence of his willingness to live what he preached makes this book worth reading. It demonstrates in Studd’s own words his thoughts on living to the high calling of the life of a Christian soldier.
Studd’s life is a testament of one who was willing to walk away from everything - riches, fame, and a successful sports career - for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The evidence of his willingness to live what he preached makes this book worth reading. It demonstrates in Studd’s own words his thoughts on living to the high calling of the life of a Christian soldier.
December 1, 2023
When someone says there's a lion in the way, the real Christian promptly replies, "That's hardly enough inducement for me; I want a bear or two besides to make it worth my while to go."
A booklet on Christian courage, as against the fear many Christians continue in. Hard-hitting, though some of the punches don’t quite land on account of the use of a lot of faddish words, such as “chocolate soldier.” I can’t fault an old book for being old though! I am sure this would have had an incredible effect on those it was delivered to in person.
A booklet on Christian courage, as against the fear many Christians continue in. Hard-hitting, though some of the punches don’t quite land on account of the use of a lot of faddish words, such as “chocolate soldier.” I can’t fault an old book for being old though! I am sure this would have had an incredible effect on those it was delivered to in person.
November 22, 2019
Studd is passionate 🔥 and powerful 💪 as he addresses the necessity of heroism within Christianity.
I appreciate Studd’s direct🎯 approach. He does not mince words and while some may find his zeal and frankness abrasive, I found it refreshing. His exhortations and sense of urgency ⏳ to actively accomplish God’s mission ✝️ will spark a fire🧨 within you.
This is a great read 📘 for any Christian, just be prepared to squirm.
I appreciate Studd’s direct🎯 approach. He does not mince words and while some may find his zeal and frankness abrasive, I found it refreshing. His exhortations and sense of urgency ⏳ to actively accomplish God’s mission ✝️ will spark a fire🧨 within you.
This is a great read 📘 for any Christian, just be prepared to squirm.
January 28, 2020
Opinionated
I don't disagree with the message of The Chocolate Soldier. I agree that a lot of Christians and especially the males are passively living their faith.
I was discouraged because didn't seem to be another point of view on this of the weak Christians.
I would have valued more insight as to why there are weak,and what can be done besides "don't be weak".
I don't disagree with the message of The Chocolate Soldier. I agree that a lot of Christians and especially the males are passively living their faith.
I was discouraged because didn't seem to be another point of view on this of the weak Christians.
I would have valued more insight as to why there are weak,and what can be done besides "don't be weak".
November 15, 2017
This short read doesn't beat around the bush. The author has no use for wimpy Christians, and calls real Christians to be heroic in spreading the gospel and building the Kingdom of God. The wimps he calls Chocolates, softly cushioned in paper wrappers, and prone to melting.
September 1, 2018
A must read for all Christ followers!
I was convicted in several areas and blessed by Studd's imagery throughout. I will most likely read a few more times. Also a great read for a Men's group.
I was convicted in several areas and blessed by Studd's imagery throughout. I will most likely read a few more times. Also a great read for a Men's group.
December 5, 2020
A real challenge to your commitment
How committed are you to Christ? Are you real or fake? Do you take serious the Great Commission? C.T. Studd does not hold back in this little booklet. It is a super quick read and well worth your time. Read it!
How committed are you to Christ? Are you real or fake? Do you take serious the Great Commission? C.T. Studd does not hold back in this little booklet. It is a super quick read and well worth your time. Read it!
January 22, 2021
Enjoyed this book! Studd definitely has a lot of good stuff to say. In my opinion, the beginning portion of “Chocolate Soldier” was good not great. But I loved the end of the book which includes some of his more famous poems. His poems “Only One Life” and “The Bible” are some standouts.
February 25, 2023
Short, punchy, convicting. Great aspirational book. It's more like a pamphlet, but great reminder on the importance of courage and the necessity of faith and action coming together. The kind of book I will need to reread every year or so.
August 23, 2017
insightful on the way christians are
August 27, 2018
Interesting
Wasn’t sure what the topic was at first was a very interesting call to action by believers for the work of the great commission.
Wasn’t sure what the topic was at first was a very interesting call to action by believers for the work of the great commission.
February 14, 2019
Convicting to be true to the calling as a christian.
October 26, 2020
Convicting and challenging but worth it
A great read that every Christian needs to read. Watch your toes, they'll get stepped on. It's a challenge that is well needed
A great read that every Christian needs to read. Watch your toes, they'll get stepped on. It's a challenge that is well needed
December 5, 2021
In times of war
In times like today, it brings to light the heart of God in men who stood to fight against unrighteousness.
In times like today, it brings to light the heart of God in men who stood to fight against unrighteousness.
March 15, 2022
Audible 33 minutes Narrated by Glenn Haskill
May 28, 2022
A call to arms!
A stirring call to action, and an equally powerful rebuke of the condition of churches that pray for action rather than to initiate it.
A stirring call to action, and an equally powerful rebuke of the condition of churches that pray for action rather than to initiate it.
May 31, 2022
Great little book so needed today
January 5, 2023
Excellent book on CT Studd's life, teachings, and method for recruiting more missionaries to proclaim the gospel for the glory of God. Incredibly convicting.
November 30, 2024
Quite short and quite convicting
May 13, 2025
Real short read, inspiring and a good reminder that a Christian man is a strong man
February 23, 2025
"Only one life,’ twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last." - C.T Studd
"Every true christian is a soldier of Christ - a hero "par excellence"! Braver than the bravest - scorning the soft seductions of peace and her oft-repeated warnings against hardship, disease, danger, and death, whom he counts among his bosom friends. The otherwise christian is a chocolate christian! Dissolving in water and melting at the smell of fire. [...]
Difficulties, dangers, disease, death, or divisions don't deter any but Chocolates from executing God's Will. When someone says there's a lion in the way, the real Christian promptly replies, "That's hardly enough inducement for me; I want a bear or two besides to make it worth my while to go." [...] God's real people have always been called fanatics. Jesus was called mad; so was Paul; so was Whitfield, Wesley, Moody, Spurgeon. No one has graduated far in God's School who has not been paid the compliment of being called a fanatic. We Christians of today are indeed a lukewarm crew. Had we but half the fire and enthusiasm of the Suffragettes in the past, we would have the world evangelized and Christ back among us in no time. Had we the pluck and heroism of the Flyers, or the men who volunteered for the North or South Polar Expeditions, or for the Great War, or for any ordinary enterprise, we could have every soul on earth knowing the name and salvation of Jesus Christ in less than ten years.[..]
We are frittering away time and money in a multiplicity of conventions, conferences, and retreats, when the real need is to go straight and full steam into battle, with the signal for "close action" flying. No conquest is made in assured safety, and conquest for Christ certainly cannot so be made. [...]
But how can they call on Him of whom they have not even heard? Must you stay, young man? Can't you go, young woman, and tell them? Verily we are in the last (the Laodicean stage) that of the Lukewarm Church. Wilt thou be to Christ the partner of His throne or a medicine which induces vomiting (Rev.3:21); a Militant or a Chocolate Christian? Wilt thou fear or wilt thou fight? Shall your brethren go to war and shall ye sit here? When He comes, shall He find faith on the earth?
A thousand times you have admitted Christ's Love so amazing, so divine, Demands your life, your soul, your all." - C.T Studd
"Every true christian is a soldier of Christ - a hero "par excellence"! Braver than the bravest - scorning the soft seductions of peace and her oft-repeated warnings against hardship, disease, danger, and death, whom he counts among his bosom friends. The otherwise christian is a chocolate christian! Dissolving in water and melting at the smell of fire. [...]
Difficulties, dangers, disease, death, or divisions don't deter any but Chocolates from executing God's Will. When someone says there's a lion in the way, the real Christian promptly replies, "That's hardly enough inducement for me; I want a bear or two besides to make it worth my while to go." [...] God's real people have always been called fanatics. Jesus was called mad; so was Paul; so was Whitfield, Wesley, Moody, Spurgeon. No one has graduated far in God's School who has not been paid the compliment of being called a fanatic. We Christians of today are indeed a lukewarm crew. Had we but half the fire and enthusiasm of the Suffragettes in the past, we would have the world evangelized and Christ back among us in no time. Had we the pluck and heroism of the Flyers, or the men who volunteered for the North or South Polar Expeditions, or for the Great War, or for any ordinary enterprise, we could have every soul on earth knowing the name and salvation of Jesus Christ in less than ten years.[..]
We are frittering away time and money in a multiplicity of conventions, conferences, and retreats, when the real need is to go straight and full steam into battle, with the signal for "close action" flying. No conquest is made in assured safety, and conquest for Christ certainly cannot so be made. [...]
But how can they call on Him of whom they have not even heard? Must you stay, young man? Can't you go, young woman, and tell them? Verily we are in the last (the Laodicean stage) that of the Lukewarm Church. Wilt thou be to Christ the partner of His throne or a medicine which induces vomiting (Rev.3:21); a Militant or a Chocolate Christian? Wilt thou fear or wilt thou fight? Shall your brethren go to war and shall ye sit here? When He comes, shall He find faith on the earth?
A thousand times you have admitted Christ's Love so amazing, so divine, Demands your life, your soul, your all." - C.T Studd
August 26, 2014
I first learned of C.T. Studd when I heard Eric Ludy speak at a homeschool convention. Mr. Ludy has a high opinion of Studd and my brother and I quickly came to love the C.T. Studd quote, "Before the world, aye, before the sleepy, lukewarm, faithless, namby-pamby Christian world, we will dare to trust our God, we will venture our all for him, we will live and we will die for him, and we will do it with joy unspeakable singing aloud in our hearts."
Yes. That quote is a good example of the kind of preachers both C.T. Studd and Eric Ludy are. :) Anyway. The Chocolate Soldier is free for kindle, so I downloaded it for a quick read. It's a whirlwind trip through heroes of the Bible. Don't expect to understand everything Studd is trying to communicate if you read it quickly as I did. The main gist, however, is quite clear. Being a chocolate Christian is a bad thing. It means you avoid adversity. We should rather be soldiers, striving for the "lost chord" of heroism. There are a lot of good quotes in this little book. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes a good, spine stiffening message and doesn't mind some old English in the mix.
Yes. That quote is a good example of the kind of preachers both C.T. Studd and Eric Ludy are. :) Anyway. The Chocolate Soldier is free for kindle, so I downloaded it for a quick read. It's a whirlwind trip through heroes of the Bible. Don't expect to understand everything Studd is trying to communicate if you read it quickly as I did. The main gist, however, is quite clear. Being a chocolate Christian is a bad thing. It means you avoid adversity. We should rather be soldiers, striving for the "lost chord" of heroism. There are a lot of good quotes in this little book. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes a good, spine stiffening message and doesn't mind some old English in the mix.
April 15, 2015
그대는 성경을 믿는다고 말한다. 그대의 지금 행위는 그 말씀과 일치하고 있는가?... 우리 그리스도인들은 실전에 참여해야 할 일을 너무 쉽게 기도로 대체해 버린다. 기도도 좋다. 하지만 순종의 대용품이 되어 버린 기도는 뻔한 위선, 비루한 바라새주의와 다르지 않다... 죽음을, 사탄과 사람을 두려워하면서도 마지막 날 드러날 부끄러움은 두렵지 않은가? 아떤 이들은 부활하여 영생을 맛보고, 어떤 이들은 부활하여 부끄러움과 영원한 수치를 당할 것이다... “예수님, 우리는 주님의 것, 주님의 편입니다. 아버지 하나님께서 주님께 말씀하신 바, 곧 하나님 나라를 사탄의 소굴에서 건져 내어 온 세계에 주님의 통치 보좌를 세우기리라는 그 언약에 따라 제가 행하지 않는다면, 하나님, 저를 엄하게 대하셔서라도 그리하게 하소서!”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2016
A very enjoyable book. I was familiar with Studd because of his famous "one life to live t'will soon be past, only what's done for Christ will last." One of my favorite phrases (not from the Bible). This book is half a teaching from Studd called Chocolate Soldiers and half a collection of his poems. I was excited for the Chocolate part because chocolate! And not too excited for the poetry, but I was pleasantly surprised! This was an enjoyable read and one I will go back to again soon.
August 8, 2012
An interesting perspective on that a soldier without heroism is a Chocolate Soldier. Essentially highlighting that one would dissolve in water and melt at the smell of fire. Living their lives on a glass dish or in a cardboard box, "each clad in his soft clothing, a little frilled white paper to preserve his dear little delicate constitution." This book encourages us to be so much more.
September 12, 2015
very short.nice hearing this from a missionary who turned his back on financial prowess to go to Africa. it would be nice for men like studd and judson to give a class to the over sensitive sophisticates who waste hundreds of thousands of dollars to get to the field only to melt under the pressure and have god "call them back" to work at their wife's home church - chocolate soldiers!
February 26, 2014
Needs: Heros for Christ
it will take a lot to deal with the 19th century language and prose, but if you are up to it, you will find a sermon that will stir your soul! May reading this not find you a chocolate Christian.
it will take a lot to deal with the 19th century language and prose, but if you are up to it, you will find a sermon that will stir your soul! May reading this not find you a chocolate Christian.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews