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Everyone Belongs to God: Discovering the Hidden Christ
About the Contributor(s): Christian T. Collins Winn is Professor of Historical and Systematic Theology at Bethel University, St. Paul, Minnesota, and a licensed minister in the American Baptist Churches (USA). He is author of ""Jesus Is Victor!"" The Significance of the Blumhardts for the Theology of Karl Barth (Pickwick Publications, 2009). Charles E. Moore is a member of the Bruderhof Community, an international community movement based on Jesus's Sermon on the Mount. He teaches Bible and Christian ethics at the Mount Academy, and is an editor and author for Plough Publishing. Collections he has edited include Provocations: Spiritual Writings of Kierkegaard (2003), Sadhu Sundar Singh: Spiritual Writings (2005), and Leo Tolstoy: Spiritual Writings (2006).
160 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1922
About the author
Christoph Friedrich Blumhardt
20 books5 followersChristoph Friedrich Blumhardt (1842–1919) was born in Möttlingen, Germany, at the very time his father, Johann Christoph Blumhardt, was engaged in the amazing events recounted in Plough’s book The Awakening. The younger Blumhardt was raised in an atmosphere of the reality of the presence of God, where faith was lived out practically and miracles came naturally. As his father had done before him, he began training for the ministry, studying theology at Tübingen. However, he became disillusioned with theology and decided, in 1869, to return home to Bad Boll to support his father in his healing ministry. In 1880 the elder Blumhardt died, and the son carried on his father’s work.
Like his father, Christoph Friedrich Blumhardt soon became renowned as an evangelist and faith healer. But after a successful “crusade” in Berlin in 1888, he drastically cut back both activities, saying, “I do not want to suggest that it is of little importance for God to heal the sick; actually, it is now happening more and more often, although very much in quiet. However, things should not be promoted as though God’s kingdom consists in the healing of sick people. To be cleansed is more important than to be healed. It is more important to have a heart for God’s cause.”
Blumhardt’s interest gradually took “a turn to the world,” focusing upon the great socioeconomic issues of his day. He chose to cast his lot with Democratic Socialism, the much-maligned workers’ movement. Although it brought on the wrath of both civil and ecclesiastical establishments, he addressed protest rallies, ran for office, and was elected to a six-year term in the Württemberg legislature. Blumhardt began as an energetic legislator but soon became disillusioned with party politics and declined to stand for a second term of office, resuming his pastorate at Bad Boll until his death in 1919.
Blumhardt believed one of the greatest dangers to human progress was “Christianity” – Sunday religion that separated material existence from the spiritual and that erected rituals and practices of self-seeking, self-satisfying, otherworldly piousness instead of practical works and righteous living. His witness profoundly influenced theological giants like Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Emil Brunner, Oscar Cullman, and Karl Barth, yet is still waiting to be discovered in much of the English-speaking world. To that end, Plough has published several collections of Blumhardt’s writings, including Everyone Belongs to God, Action in Waiting, and Evening Prayers.
Like his father, Christoph Friedrich Blumhardt soon became renowned as an evangelist and faith healer. But after a successful “crusade” in Berlin in 1888, he drastically cut back both activities, saying, “I do not want to suggest that it is of little importance for God to heal the sick; actually, it is now happening more and more often, although very much in quiet. However, things should not be promoted as though God’s kingdom consists in the healing of sick people. To be cleansed is more important than to be healed. It is more important to have a heart for God’s cause.”
Blumhardt’s interest gradually took “a turn to the world,” focusing upon the great socioeconomic issues of his day. He chose to cast his lot with Democratic Socialism, the much-maligned workers’ movement. Although it brought on the wrath of both civil and ecclesiastical establishments, he addressed protest rallies, ran for office, and was elected to a six-year term in the Württemberg legislature. Blumhardt began as an energetic legislator but soon became disillusioned with party politics and declined to stand for a second term of office, resuming his pastorate at Bad Boll until his death in 1919.
Blumhardt believed one of the greatest dangers to human progress was “Christianity” – Sunday religion that separated material existence from the spiritual and that erected rituals and practices of self-seeking, self-satisfying, otherworldly piousness instead of practical works and righteous living. His witness profoundly influenced theological giants like Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Emil Brunner, Oscar Cullman, and Karl Barth, yet is still waiting to be discovered in much of the English-speaking world. To that end, Plough has published several collections of Blumhardt’s writings, including Everyone Belongs to God, Action in Waiting, and Evening Prayers.
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May 28, 2018
Rather than a review as such, this are some of the statements from the book that I noted while reading it.
The Foreword is ‘Your Gospel is Too Small” by Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove. It begins, “In every age, God’s people need prophets to help us see beyond our blind spots—to expand our vision of what God is about” (p. ix). This book is by “a prophet who was ahead of his time, Christoph Blumhardt, who “heard a word that cut through his cultural formation and easy assumptions: Everyone belongs to God” (p. xi). “We cannot give up on the missionary enterprise because we have misunderstood and abused it. Instead, Blumhardt insists, we must reclaim the heart of Christian mission” (p. xii).
Next is a very good Introduction by Charles E. Moore. He says most of the material in the book was written by Blumhardt to Richard Wilhelm (1873~1930), his son-in-law who went as a missionary to China. Moore says that Wilhelm’s task “was to carry into the world, particularly the non-Christian world, ‘the gospel of Jesus Christ, not the gospel of the Christians” (p. xviii). Further, “For Blumhardt, the ‘gospel of Jesus Christ’ has nothing to do with Christianity, Buddhism, or any other religion. ‘No longer religion against religion, but justice against sin, life against death” (p. xix).
Blumhardt writes to Wilhelm, “Remember, there is no other purpose in your mission work than to proclaim God’s kingdom and bring it to the people (Matt. 10:5~42). Take your stand, therefore, with faith, courage, and perseverance. God’s kingdom will come” (pp. 8-9).
Blumhardt urged his son-in-law: “. . . do your utmost to understand the needs of the people and to learn how and where they can best be met” (p. 14). He went on to aver that “a faith that brings mutual respect will become a source of peace. This is why you must never engage in religious propaganda.” Further, he urged him to “be on guard against the leaven of proselytizing” (p. 15). Blumhardt also avers that “even today there is a great deal of work going on for the kingdom of God outside of the walls of the church, and people are not aware of it” (p. 29). He also admonished his son-in-law to “guard against the insolence of Christians who have no consideration for the cultural context they find themselves in” (p. 36).
In the third chapter Blumhardt’s advice was to “look for how God is at work” and “don’t cling tightly to anything or despair over how things are (Col. 2:20). God will put an end to everything that does not belong in his kingdom” (p. 39). Blumhardt also writes, “Whoever does the will of God is a child of the kingdom of heaven, whether he takes his cue from Confucius, Buddha, Muhammad, or the Church” (p. 45). The closing statement: “There is something in each person that will never be lost, something that can always be resurrected. That is the gospel” (p. 51).
In the next chapter Blumhardt writes, “It is not our preaching but our life that must give people light” (p. 54). And, “Our task is to radiate divine love, teach by example, and respect all as fellow human beings” (p. 58).
Blumhardt’s fifth chapter is “Open Wide Your Heart.” He writes, “God’s love tears down walls (Eph. 2:14). No longer religion against religion, Christian against non-Christians, but justice against sin, life against death. Therefore, every person you encounter should be your concern. Do not settle for less” (p. 83).
“Make God’s Love Known” is the title of the sixth chapter, and in it Blumhardt writes, “There is hope for all. Hate the evil, but not the people who do evil.” And, “Your vocation as a follower of Christ is to regard everyone as a future citizen of God’s kingdom” (pp. 91, 92).
In the next chapter in Blumhardt says, “An abstract faith based on theology is impotent (1 Cor. 8:1). We ourselves must be tangible expressions of the love and truth of God, seeking to bring light and life into the outer circumstances of life” (pp. 107-8).
The last paragraph of the next chapter begins, “People have to realize their own sin for themselves. This comes through God’s judgment, not yours. Only then will they come to God. You can never make people mourn for their sin. No one can. God alone penetrates into their unconscious, into the invisible domains where everything comes out, both good and the bad. Seek therefore to draw God into this realm, into those hidden streams of sin that keep people in bondage” (p. 120).
The last chapter in Blumhardt’s book is “Always Hope.” He writes, “From every pulpit, and in every street and workplace, it should be proclaimed: ‘you all belong to God! Whether you are godless or devout, under judgment or under grace, blessed or damned, you belong to God, and God is good and wants what is best for you’” (p. 122).
The Foreword is ‘Your Gospel is Too Small” by Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove. It begins, “In every age, God’s people need prophets to help us see beyond our blind spots—to expand our vision of what God is about” (p. ix). This book is by “a prophet who was ahead of his time, Christoph Blumhardt, who “heard a word that cut through his cultural formation and easy assumptions: Everyone belongs to God” (p. xi). “We cannot give up on the missionary enterprise because we have misunderstood and abused it. Instead, Blumhardt insists, we must reclaim the heart of Christian mission” (p. xii).
Next is a very good Introduction by Charles E. Moore. He says most of the material in the book was written by Blumhardt to Richard Wilhelm (1873~1930), his son-in-law who went as a missionary to China. Moore says that Wilhelm’s task “was to carry into the world, particularly the non-Christian world, ‘the gospel of Jesus Christ, not the gospel of the Christians” (p. xviii). Further, “For Blumhardt, the ‘gospel of Jesus Christ’ has nothing to do with Christianity, Buddhism, or any other religion. ‘No longer religion against religion, but justice against sin, life against death” (p. xix).
Blumhardt writes to Wilhelm, “Remember, there is no other purpose in your mission work than to proclaim God’s kingdom and bring it to the people (Matt. 10:5~42). Take your stand, therefore, with faith, courage, and perseverance. God’s kingdom will come” (pp. 8-9).
Blumhardt urged his son-in-law: “. . . do your utmost to understand the needs of the people and to learn how and where they can best be met” (p. 14). He went on to aver that “a faith that brings mutual respect will become a source of peace. This is why you must never engage in religious propaganda.” Further, he urged him to “be on guard against the leaven of proselytizing” (p. 15). Blumhardt also avers that “even today there is a great deal of work going on for the kingdom of God outside of the walls of the church, and people are not aware of it” (p. 29). He also admonished his son-in-law to “guard against the insolence of Christians who have no consideration for the cultural context they find themselves in” (p. 36).
In the third chapter Blumhardt’s advice was to “look for how God is at work” and “don’t cling tightly to anything or despair over how things are (Col. 2:20). God will put an end to everything that does not belong in his kingdom” (p. 39). Blumhardt also writes, “Whoever does the will of God is a child of the kingdom of heaven, whether he takes his cue from Confucius, Buddha, Muhammad, or the Church” (p. 45). The closing statement: “There is something in each person that will never be lost, something that can always be resurrected. That is the gospel” (p. 51).
In the next chapter Blumhardt writes, “It is not our preaching but our life that must give people light” (p. 54). And, “Our task is to radiate divine love, teach by example, and respect all as fellow human beings” (p. 58).
Blumhardt’s fifth chapter is “Open Wide Your Heart.” He writes, “God’s love tears down walls (Eph. 2:14). No longer religion against religion, Christian against non-Christians, but justice against sin, life against death. Therefore, every person you encounter should be your concern. Do not settle for less” (p. 83).
“Make God’s Love Known” is the title of the sixth chapter, and in it Blumhardt writes, “There is hope for all. Hate the evil, but not the people who do evil.” And, “Your vocation as a follower of Christ is to regard everyone as a future citizen of God’s kingdom” (pp. 91, 92).
In the next chapter in Blumhardt says, “An abstract faith based on theology is impotent (1 Cor. 8:1). We ourselves must be tangible expressions of the love and truth of God, seeking to bring light and life into the outer circumstances of life” (pp. 107-8).
The last paragraph of the next chapter begins, “People have to realize their own sin for themselves. This comes through God’s judgment, not yours. Only then will they come to God. You can never make people mourn for their sin. No one can. God alone penetrates into their unconscious, into the invisible domains where everything comes out, both good and the bad. Seek therefore to draw God into this realm, into those hidden streams of sin that keep people in bondage” (p. 120).
The last chapter in Blumhardt’s book is “Always Hope.” He writes, “From every pulpit, and in every street and workplace, it should be proclaimed: ‘you all belong to God! Whether you are godless or devout, under judgment or under grace, blessed or damned, you belong to God, and God is good and wants what is best for you’” (p. 122).
July 3, 2015
Everyone Belongs to God is an encouraging and inspirational guide that opens the reader’s eyes to a new way of seeing those we encounter day by day.
There remains a precious jewel in every person, which is stronger than any outward pressure in their lives (John 1:9).
The author, Christoph Friedrich Blumhardt (1842-1919), wasn’t a scholar. He was a Lutheran Pastor in Germany who sought God’s plan for each of us. Blumhardt’s selfless heart is evident in his fatherly guidance, taken from 100 year old letters he’d written to his missionary son-in-law.
As Christians, we are all missionaries, aren’t we? Or we should be anyway. So this book applies to our daily lives and the paths we choose to take in our Christian walk. It comes across as loving guidance, rather than scholarly instruction. Each page exudes gentle direction, encouragement, and soul-pricking inspiration.
There is something in each person that will never be lost, something that can always be resurrected. That is the gospel.
Let’s face it – Christianity has been given a bad connotation in recent years. Much of the world sees Christians as an intolerant and judgmental group. The challenge of this book is to alter that view by approaching each individual we come across as belonging to God. Loved, and sought after by a gracious and loving Father.
“I lay claim to you, not to judge you or condemn you, but to help you” (John 12:47). This is the light of the gospel and the darkness cannot overcome it (John 1:5).
We, as Christians, aren’t given the task of saving he world. Nor are we able to. But we are to be examples and guides, and to trust that it is God who is working in the heads and hearts of the people around us, and it’s Him alone who can transform souls.
The chapter headings below give a vibrant look at the personality of this book:
1. Keep the Kingdom in View
2. Avoid Being Religious
3. See How Christ is Already at Work
4. Remain Among the People
5. Open Wide Your Heart
6. Make God’s Love Known
7. Show the Gospel
8. Allow the Spirit to Work
9. Always Hope
This is a thought provoking, transforming book with discussion questions at the back of the book for reflection.
5 Stars
Cover: Like it
Title: Like it
Publisher: Plough Publishing House
Pages: 163
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a Review Copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The options I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
There remains a precious jewel in every person, which is stronger than any outward pressure in their lives (John 1:9).
The author, Christoph Friedrich Blumhardt (1842-1919), wasn’t a scholar. He was a Lutheran Pastor in Germany who sought God’s plan for each of us. Blumhardt’s selfless heart is evident in his fatherly guidance, taken from 100 year old letters he’d written to his missionary son-in-law.
As Christians, we are all missionaries, aren’t we? Or we should be anyway. So this book applies to our daily lives and the paths we choose to take in our Christian walk. It comes across as loving guidance, rather than scholarly instruction. Each page exudes gentle direction, encouragement, and soul-pricking inspiration.
There is something in each person that will never be lost, something that can always be resurrected. That is the gospel.
Let’s face it – Christianity has been given a bad connotation in recent years. Much of the world sees Christians as an intolerant and judgmental group. The challenge of this book is to alter that view by approaching each individual we come across as belonging to God. Loved, and sought after by a gracious and loving Father.
“I lay claim to you, not to judge you or condemn you, but to help you” (John 12:47). This is the light of the gospel and the darkness cannot overcome it (John 1:5).
We, as Christians, aren’t given the task of saving he world. Nor are we able to. But we are to be examples and guides, and to trust that it is God who is working in the heads and hearts of the people around us, and it’s Him alone who can transform souls.
The chapter headings below give a vibrant look at the personality of this book:
1. Keep the Kingdom in View
2. Avoid Being Religious
3. See How Christ is Already at Work
4. Remain Among the People
5. Open Wide Your Heart
6. Make God’s Love Known
7. Show the Gospel
8. Allow the Spirit to Work
9. Always Hope
This is a thought provoking, transforming book with discussion questions at the back of the book for reflection.
5 Stars
Cover: Like it
Title: Like it
Publisher: Plough Publishing House
Pages: 163
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a Review Copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The options I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
April 10, 2015
I would like to state that I was one of the lucky winners of the Goodreads "First Reads" contest and received this book. I enjoyed reading this book and will pass it along to as many friends as I can. Blumhardt challenges us to see the world as God sees the world. Blumhardt does not address any particular theology and his message is simple this, the risen Christ draws all of humanity to Himself. He begins with a quote from Paul, which is the basic theme of this book, "Here, there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and in all" (Colossians 3.11). The book is based on several 100 year old letters from a pastor to his missionary son-in-law, and gives us a clear definition of what is truly means to give witness to others about Christ. His message rang through to me that we should befriend and lead people to Christ without expecting them to become just like us.
May 5, 2015
This book of collected letters by Blumhardt forms an inspiring read. It is a constant reminder that justs because one thinks of themselves as Christian they are no better than the next person. God is bigger than denominations, sects and other divisions of man. God is so big that everyone belongs to him and for whom he sent His Son into the world.
Written nearly a century ago, the message of this book is timeless and should be read by everyone who thinks that they have a mission of talking or working with others for God.
J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the Isms" "Wesley's Wars" and "To Whom It May Concern"
Written nearly a century ago, the message of this book is timeless and should be read by everyone who thinks that they have a mission of talking or working with others for God.
J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the Isms" "Wesley's Wars" and "To Whom It May Concern"
April 28, 2026
If this was actually fully faithful to what God has revealed in scripture, it could have been very good. Unfortunately, Blumhardt seems to think God can save even the very worst person you know, except for the self-righteous, self-proclaimed Christian.
Fortunately, God can save even the self-righteous, but contra Blumhardt, it’s through actual faith and repentance and not just wishful thinking.
I wish this was a full and faithful call for us to live an embodied faith in a real Jesus whose kingdom is breaking through, even to the worst of sinners. I wish it was more faithful and helping us speak to the good in every image bearer and show them their God-given purpose and worth. Unfortunately, it’s not, and the very little very good is mixed with too much error to recommend.
Let us not ignore the clear teachings of Christ and pretend we know better than him.
Fortunately, God can save even the self-righteous, but contra Blumhardt, it’s through actual faith and repentance and not just wishful thinking.
I wish this was a full and faithful call for us to live an embodied faith in a real Jesus whose kingdom is breaking through, even to the worst of sinners. I wish it was more faithful and helping us speak to the good in every image bearer and show them their God-given purpose and worth. Unfortunately, it’s not, and the very little very good is mixed with too much error to recommend.
Let us not ignore the clear teachings of Christ and pretend we know better than him.
June 17, 2019
I love the passion with which the author proclaims, *You all belong to God!" I love how he encourages us to have Christlike love for everyone, not just those whom it may be easy for us to love. I love the admonitions to be humble and not let our ego get in the way of the Spirit. I personally still think scripture study and ordinances and rituals are useful, but their goal should be to bring us and others to Christ, not to make us feel self-righteous or like we've already done our part.
November 10, 2017
I can't rate this book highly enough. This is not the type of book that you can sit down and whip through in an hour, I don't even think I'm satisfied reading it through once. This book is going to stay with me for a long time.
March 21, 2019
There were things about this book that I liked because it caused me to think and evaluate the way I view people. Some of his ideas I’m not too sure about.
February 14, 2017
A sample collection of Pastor Blumhardt's letters addressed to his missionary son-in-law. It is a challenging book for those who tend to put distance between themselves as Christians and those who are considered as not. It places focus not on how we as Christians actually practice the love God demands but how God himself actually loves, and that he loves everybody, as demonstrated in Christ: "For God so loved the world..." It is an example that demands emulation.
At the same time, his theology can be a bit difficult to pin down. At times, his comments tend to suggest universalism, that everyone will eventually be saved. or even vaguely implies "ultimate reconciliation," which includes the salvation of the Satan and demons. Even the idea that men can be saved without necessarily knowing Christ is hinted.
At times, his writings sound more like a social gospel, a message against political oppression and social injustice, and the exhortation is to resist and obtain deliverance from worldly powers and structures.
However, not having a full idea of his theological beliefs, these thoughts on Blumhardt's comments are merely conjecture.
Blumhardt's father, Johann Christoph Blumhardt, wherein is the account of his battle with real demonic forces in the book "The Awakening," seems to have had an influence as to the reality of Satan and demons, at least, implied in some places in this collection of his son's letters to his missionary son-in-law; for example, where he writes, "God reveals himself as the one, holy God through the deeds of the Spirit, which no amount of piety or learning can replace" (p.3); and, again, "If we can't see any of God's help in this world, who can guarantee that there will beheld in the next? ...The Bible guarantees to us the deeds of God, here and now, where you and I live" (p.6-7).
These edited letters of Blumhardt show a man very much against organized or institutional religion and the concept of what we today take to be as "Christian." He contends that Christ did not come into the world "to give us a new religion or to help us live a bit more decently" (p.16). He also encourages his son-in-law to "Preach the gospel of the kingdom of God, not that of the church." He tells his son-in-law that the task of the missionary is to "carry to the world...the gospel of Jesus Christ, and not the gospel of the Christians" (p.xviii).
At times, when he speaks of divine grace and the gospel, he almost sound like Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
Here is a short book of actually only 137 pages, which includes questions at the end for each chapter for further personal or group study. It will challenge not only your theological outlook but your concept of the authentic gospel message and what a genuine Christian life in it's relation to the world ought to be.
At the same time, his theology can be a bit difficult to pin down. At times, his comments tend to suggest universalism, that everyone will eventually be saved. or even vaguely implies "ultimate reconciliation," which includes the salvation of the Satan and demons. Even the idea that men can be saved without necessarily knowing Christ is hinted.
At times, his writings sound more like a social gospel, a message against political oppression and social injustice, and the exhortation is to resist and obtain deliverance from worldly powers and structures.
However, not having a full idea of his theological beliefs, these thoughts on Blumhardt's comments are merely conjecture.
Blumhardt's father, Johann Christoph Blumhardt, wherein is the account of his battle with real demonic forces in the book "The Awakening," seems to have had an influence as to the reality of Satan and demons, at least, implied in some places in this collection of his son's letters to his missionary son-in-law; for example, where he writes, "God reveals himself as the one, holy God through the deeds of the Spirit, which no amount of piety or learning can replace" (p.3); and, again, "If we can't see any of God's help in this world, who can guarantee that there will beheld in the next? ...The Bible guarantees to us the deeds of God, here and now, where you and I live" (p.6-7).
These edited letters of Blumhardt show a man very much against organized or institutional religion and the concept of what we today take to be as "Christian." He contends that Christ did not come into the world "to give us a new religion or to help us live a bit more decently" (p.16). He also encourages his son-in-law to "Preach the gospel of the kingdom of God, not that of the church." He tells his son-in-law that the task of the missionary is to "carry to the world...the gospel of Jesus Christ, and not the gospel of the Christians" (p.xviii).
At times, when he speaks of divine grace and the gospel, he almost sound like Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
Here is a short book of actually only 137 pages, which includes questions at the end for each chapter for further personal or group study. It will challenge not only your theological outlook but your concept of the authentic gospel message and what a genuine Christian life in it's relation to the world ought to be.
September 17, 2015
This is an unusual and extraordinary book. It gets past all the unfortunate church posturing and marketing to the heart of the Gospel: the love of ALL of our neighbors... "Businessmen, church workers, the military--all in their own way want to put people into their own pocket, instead of into God's hands" (page 25). Blumhardt is a prophet for our times who doesn't have time for piety. What he cares about is love for the people. This mirrors Jesus' mission. Jesus irritated and offended all of the pious and reached out to each and every person that crossed his path with compassion, regardless of reputation.
The best spiritual Gospel if finding the divine light within (Christ Light within) then seeing it in everyone else, which compels service. The best social Gospel cuts through the church posturing and politics of whose blessed and whose cursed to simply reaching out in compassion to the hidden Christ who appears before us in multitudinous guises (Matthew 25:31-46).
I am highly recommending this book now. It reveals the theological starting point for Nonviolence--a subject I am passionate about and that is at the heart of the Gospel.
-Amos Smith (author of Healing The Divide: Recovering Christianity's Mystic Roots)
The best spiritual Gospel if finding the divine light within (Christ Light within) then seeing it in everyone else, which compels service. The best social Gospel cuts through the church posturing and politics of whose blessed and whose cursed to simply reaching out in compassion to the hidden Christ who appears before us in multitudinous guises (Matthew 25:31-46).
I am highly recommending this book now. It reveals the theological starting point for Nonviolence--a subject I am passionate about and that is at the heart of the Gospel.
-Amos Smith (author of Healing The Divide: Recovering Christianity's Mystic Roots)
April 8, 2015
This was an interesting read but I was conflicted in the process. I enjoy books that challenge my positions but I found the thought process of Mr. Blumhardt confusing. This book reprints the letters of a Lutheran pastor to his missionary son-in-law in the late 1800's and early 1900's, and while I understand much and know many Lutherans I find that the pastor goes way off the grid in something's while providing keen insight on others. For example, his insight into colonialism and parallel efforts in evangelization of the "heathen" are on the mark, and the positional title of the book, that everyone belongs to God regardless of confession, race, creed or nationality is well ahead of his time. Yet his view of baptism as a "necessary evil" that could be done away with, then providing scriptural support that was at best contrived and forced was troubling. I accepted the challenge and referenced the same scriptures and simply do not see his development. A text, taken out of context, is a pretext.
Regardless, as a historical collection of his letters it allowed me an insight in time and history of colonial Europe and the challenges and struggles of missionaries of conscience.
Regardless, as a historical collection of his letters it allowed me an insight in time and history of colonial Europe and the challenges and struggles of missionaries of conscience.
July 9, 2015
Everyone Belongs to God is a series of letters written by Christoph Friedrich Blumhardt to his missionary son-in-law, Richard Wilhelm. The wisdom and guidance in his writings are just as relevant today as they were in 1898. Although initially some of what he says sounds shocking, he explains his message with scripture and the wisdom of a man with a heart for Jesus Christ. Blumhardt knew that he had a great influence over his son-in-law and felt a responsibility for his guidance. He wrote over a hundred letters to Wilhelm between 1898 and 1914.
I found the book so challenging and encouraging that I plan to go through again and read each chapter as a devotional. It offers practical spiritual advice encouraging the reader to look where Jesus is already moving and our contributions are to have a quiet influence.
I found the book so challenging and encouraging that I plan to go through again and read each chapter as a devotional. It offers practical spiritual advice encouraging the reader to look where Jesus is already moving and our contributions are to have a quiet influence.
June 10, 2015
This was a pretty decent little book. As it is a compilation of multiple sources written by Blumhardt, there were spots where it did not flow as well as one would expect had he written it as a book. However, it flows well enough to make for a pretty quick read (though one may spend more time dwelling on the thoughts Blumhardt shared). I would also be interested to understand better the theological basis from which he wrote; it would help with understanding the context for his perspective. I loved the push toward not making people similar to us, but to showing the love our Father to everyone around us.
I received this book as part of the LibraryThing Early Reviewer program in exchange for my honest review.
I received this book as part of the LibraryThing Early Reviewer program in exchange for my honest review.
June 12, 2016
The book is a constant reminder that justs because one thinks of themselves as Christian they are no better than the next person. God is bigger than denominations, sects and other divisions of man. God is so big that everyone belongs to him and for whom he sent His Son into the world. The book is based on a collection of 100 year old letters from a famous pastor to his missionary son-in-law. Well worth the read.
June 7, 2015
Really 3.5. This book was gook. It had great nuggets to pick out and really savor. One really important part for me was he's writing on loving all people, even the unloveable. This is what we are called to do. That made the whole book worth it for me. There were other valuable nuggets in there as well.
May 23, 2016
The thing that makes this book interesting is that it was written 100 years ago. Other than that, Blumhardt attempts to lay out a new kind of Christian mission, one that is perhaps more welcomed, inclusive, applicable -- but can't escape off-putting Christian language and thought.
August 3, 2016
This book is really important for church professionals to read. It is such a slim volume, but packed with truth and things I needed to hear, about service to God and neighbor, evangelism, and being in mission for Christ.
August 5, 2017
The Love Has No Limits
God's love is bigger, brighter, more intense, more inclusive than we can fathom. I have read this book twice. It has expanded my heart each time. The next time I read it my heart will be expanded again.
God's love is bigger, brighter, more intense, more inclusive than we can fathom. I have read this book twice. It has expanded my heart each time. The next time I read it my heart will be expanded again.
July 25, 2015
The best and most inspiring Christian book I've ever read. It opened my mind about God's perspective and heart for ALL people. He desires His Kingdom to be known now.
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