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War and Grace: Short Biographies from the World Wars
Here is a fascinating insight into the influence of the gospel on the lives of people who lived through the World Wars of the last century and the events that led up to it.
Read about
the Japanese pilot who led the attack on Pearl Harbor
the German pastor who was prepared to suffer imprisonment and death for the sake of his faith
the British general given the task of defending Malta against invasion by Hitler and Mussolini
the American airman who was converted while a prisoner of the Japanese and who later returned to Japan as a missionary
the Jewish girl who came to know Christ as her Saviour while in hiding from the Nazis
the American chaplain who witnessed to leading Nazi war criminals on trial at Nuremberg, and
the British secret agent who was the inspiration for Q in the James Bond 007 stories.
What did these people, and the others whose lives are told in this book, have in common? During the turbulent events of those momentous years, God was at work in their lives. He brought these thirteen people to trust, know, love and serve the Lord Jesus Christ, and therefore to give themselves to the service of others.
Read about
the Japanese pilot who led the attack on Pearl Harbor
the German pastor who was prepared to suffer imprisonment and death for the sake of his faith
the British general given the task of defending Malta against invasion by Hitler and Mussolini
the American airman who was converted while a prisoner of the Japanese and who later returned to Japan as a missionary
the Jewish girl who came to know Christ as her Saviour while in hiding from the Nazis
the American chaplain who witnessed to leading Nazi war criminals on trial at Nuremberg, and
the British secret agent who was the inspiration for Q in the James Bond 007 stories.
What did these people, and the others whose lives are told in this book, have in common? During the turbulent events of those momentous years, God was at work in their lives. He brought these thirteen people to trust, know, love and serve the Lord Jesus Christ, and therefore to give themselves to the service of others.
288 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2005
11 people are currently reading
171 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 6, 2025
Amazing accounts of Christians or how people came to know Christ during WW2 and how their faith in impacted their time during and after the war. Such an encouraging read.
December 30, 2023
Ignore the tacky font; this is brilliant.
A perfect gospel smoothie of historical research, character portraits, clear writing and the staggering, staggering power of the Jesus to change hearts completely.
I was dumbfounded by the improbable ways these guys were saved in brutal war - not just physically, but grasping the gospel against all odds. Look out for the Japanese pilot who oversaw the attack on Pearl Harbour, and the US army chaplain who ministered to 15 of the most senior Nazis at the Nuremberg trials and brought at least 5 to faith.
Providence is utterly palpable here. And so is the power of ordinary gospel tracts, gospel kindness, gospel truth scratched on cell walls. Nothing in the world can change embittered, broken hearts like the love of Christ.
If Don Stephens got a pound every time one of these stories was used as a sermon illustration, he’d be a millionaire.
A perfect gospel smoothie of historical research, character portraits, clear writing and the staggering, staggering power of the Jesus to change hearts completely.
I was dumbfounded by the improbable ways these guys were saved in brutal war - not just physically, but grasping the gospel against all odds. Look out for the Japanese pilot who oversaw the attack on Pearl Harbour, and the US army chaplain who ministered to 15 of the most senior Nazis at the Nuremberg trials and brought at least 5 to faith.
Providence is utterly palpable here. And so is the power of ordinary gospel tracts, gospel kindness, gospel truth scratched on cell walls. Nothing in the world can change embittered, broken hearts like the love of Christ.
If Don Stephens got a pound every time one of these stories was used as a sermon illustration, he’d be a millionaire.
February 28, 2020
Thirteen short bios of men who lived through WWI or WWII. I had only heard of one of them, so I learned a lot about these men, all of whom either knew Christ or came to know him through these difficult times and circumstances. There are many remarkable stories represented here, but the one I ended with was particularly moving, as it is the story of an American army chaplain who served as spiritual advisor to the Nazi war criminals on trial at Nuremberg.
June 2, 2019
This is a great book with lots of short biographies of men and women who had different roles during WW2. I loved the fact that the author corresponded with most of them to get first hand information which resulted in this book (plus other sources too). Very inspiring and encouraging to see how God works in and through people even in very challenging circumstances. Thoroughly recommended.
January 11, 2016
War and Grace is a terrific book. It contains thirteen mini-biographies all involving people caught up in the First or Second World Wars.
The stories are wonderfully varied. Some show how Christians involved in the conflict were helped and strengthened by their faith. Others tell of those converted during or following the war. There are stories of generals and civilians, and of both men and women. The stories tell of Americans, Britons, Germans and Japanese, of those who survived the war, as well as those who did not.
What marks this book out is the obvious love Don Stephens has the people he writes about. The following comment is not uncommon: `For over thirty years I have had the privilege of writing and speaking to...' War and Grace is truly a labour of love. You feel that the author knows each of the men and women in the book, and as a result the reader feels he knows and understands them, too.
It would make a great gift for a teenage boy (and it's not often you can say that about a Christian book). It's real Boys' Own stuff - though I hope that doesn't put off ladies from reading it too. Did you know the Japanese pilot who led the attack on Pearl Harbour was later converted? Were you aware that the British secret agent who was the inspiration for 007's `Q' was a Christian? Had you realised the chaplain to Goering, Hess and the other Nazi leaders at Nuremburg was a believer? If not, you need to read War and Grace.
Almost everyone will enjoy and be helped by this book. The gospel is very clearly explained within each story, and therefore has great evangelistic potential. Yet believers will read it and be both challenged and encouraged. So buy at least two copies - one for yourself and one to give away!
The stories are wonderfully varied. Some show how Christians involved in the conflict were helped and strengthened by their faith. Others tell of those converted during or following the war. There are stories of generals and civilians, and of both men and women. The stories tell of Americans, Britons, Germans and Japanese, of those who survived the war, as well as those who did not.
What marks this book out is the obvious love Don Stephens has the people he writes about. The following comment is not uncommon: `For over thirty years I have had the privilege of writing and speaking to...' War and Grace is truly a labour of love. You feel that the author knows each of the men and women in the book, and as a result the reader feels he knows and understands them, too.
It would make a great gift for a teenage boy (and it's not often you can say that about a Christian book). It's real Boys' Own stuff - though I hope that doesn't put off ladies from reading it too. Did you know the Japanese pilot who led the attack on Pearl Harbour was later converted? Were you aware that the British secret agent who was the inspiration for 007's `Q' was a Christian? Had you realised the chaplain to Goering, Hess and the other Nazi leaders at Nuremburg was a believer? If not, you need to read War and Grace.
Almost everyone will enjoy and be helped by this book. The gospel is very clearly explained within each story, and therefore has great evangelistic potential. Yet believers will read it and be both challenged and encouraged. So buy at least two copies - one for yourself and one to give away!
February 11, 2013
Extraordinary stories of grace during the first and second world wars. I initially intended to read one chapter a night over about two weeks. The first night I went through three. I think I finished the whole book in three sittings.
June 18, 2021
I have just finished reading 'War and Grace' by Don Stephens. It's not the kind of book I usually read - it's a rather naff-looking set of short biographies of people who practised their Christian faith - or came to faith for the first time - during the Second World War - but it was bought for me by my father-in-law before he died so I thought I had better give it a try. And the more I read, the more impressed I was. The author knew almost all of his subjects personally, or at least corresponded with them for many years, and their stories are fascinatingly diverse. There are squaddies, Jews and Japanese officers amongst those who came to trust in Christ, and the final chapter concerns the German-American Lutheran pastor who ministered to many of the top Nazi war-criminals involved in the Nuremburg Trials, several of whom also made confessions of faith before they were hanged. This is controversial and visceral stuff.
July 4, 2022
Evangelical biographies from the World Wars- what the subjects did before and after being saved. These were very brave people either in what they did in the war, or what they did for their beliefs, or both. The most interesting to me was Henry Gerecke, a Lutheran pastor asked to minister to the Nazis accused of war crimes at Nuremburg.
I found this in cleaning out some of my Dad's things. It was a total surprise.
I found this in cleaning out some of my Dad's things. It was a total surprise.
February 15, 2020
Great stories, provides bibliography on each highlighted individual for further reading if you are interested. I've read material on one or two of them. I would highly recommend Louis Zamperini's autobiography, I think it is better than those put out by others. Gives the gospel more clearly and his own story with honesty and humility.
June 5, 2022
Wonderful & hugely inspiring short stories of deep Christian faith. Everyone should read this book, the faithful and the unbelieving. Even without faith in Christ, the stories of bravery, humility & self sacrifice is something we can all learn a great deal from. A highly recommended read with a great deal of rich historical narrative.
February 26, 2024
MY WORD, that's an incredible book. I recall reading it the first time it almost brought me to tears. They're all amazing stories, but I think the one that touched me the most was about the chaplain to the Nuremburg war criminals. An ABSOLUTE must read. It's incredible to see how God works!
February 15, 2020
A great book. Very interesting. I almost rated it 4 1/2 stars due to some poor writing of a couple of the biographies, however the great stories made up for the author’s writing deficiencies.
October 8, 2020
In short, this book encourages me that even in the most difficult of times God is still miraculously at work by using seemingly insignificant people in amazing ways. And all for His glory and grace!
September 14, 2022
Important stories to share. Bought this one for 4 veterans and shared as a thank you gift. Moving and real.
March 27, 2023
It takes a lot for me to be inspired, but I found it on these pages more than a few times. Short, historical bios of people who were changed by the Lord under horrific circumstances.
July 19, 2024
This is an amazing book of stories about people’s lives changed by Gods grace. Life changing and inspiring
January 20, 2016
This book was far too short. When I got to the end I just wanted to start it over again. Can you think of better praise?
War and Grace covers a handful of men and women who were either saved before, during, or after WW1 or WW2 and how the war and their salvation interacted. From pastors who helped save soldiers and Jews, to the chaplain for the Nazis during the Numberg trials, the book is filled with bravery, courage, and salvation.
Don Stephens is, I believe, and Orthodox Presbyterian. Because of this, he isn't interested in feel good stories, but in genuine salvation. He is careful with his wording, seeks out true professions of faith, and makes sure a health, wealth, and prosperity gospel is nowhere to be found in the men and women he featured. This made the stories all that more encouraging. They aren't 'feel good' stories, but tales of saints living out their lives. I'll admit, the Numberg trials story brought me to tears. God saves sinners, some of the greatest sinners, humanly speaking, of all time.
This book could easily be read aloud to children, used in the classroom, or for personal devotions.
War and Grace covers a handful of men and women who were either saved before, during, or after WW1 or WW2 and how the war and their salvation interacted. From pastors who helped save soldiers and Jews, to the chaplain for the Nazis during the Numberg trials, the book is filled with bravery, courage, and salvation.
Don Stephens is, I believe, and Orthodox Presbyterian. Because of this, he isn't interested in feel good stories, but in genuine salvation. He is careful with his wording, seeks out true professions of faith, and makes sure a health, wealth, and prosperity gospel is nowhere to be found in the men and women he featured. This made the stories all that more encouraging. They aren't 'feel good' stories, but tales of saints living out their lives. I'll admit, the Numberg trials story brought me to tears. God saves sinners, some of the greatest sinners, humanly speaking, of all time.
This book could easily be read aloud to children, used in the classroom, or for personal devotions.
August 20, 2014
Amazing stories of how Gods grace and love triumphed over the most horrendous circumstances and evil people to have ever lived. The stories include British, German and Japanese soldiers, pastors and ordinary people who came to trust Jesus as their saviour and found strength to endure. At the end of each chapter there is recommended further reading which I will definately be looking into. Particularly poignant is the last chapter tells the story of the chaplain who ministered to the Nazi war criminals at the Nuremberg trial. Reminding and challenging us that Jesus brought the message of love, hope and forgiveness for all. Would thoroughly recommend.
September 14, 2015
I'm only 4 or 5 stories into this book, but I am so impressed that I just ordered 3 more to give as gifts. Each true story contains an amazing account of how our Almighty God is not limited by human means to reach out and save mankind. The gospel is presented faithfully and without the "easy believism" so rampant in even evangelical churches of today. The book has had me in turns on the edge of my seat, in moving tears, and praising God for His awesome care of the men and women in each story. I am planning on giving these books as host/hostess gifts. I do not believe you can remain unchanged after reading just a few of the stories within.
June 28, 2014
Lately, I've really been more interested in World War 2 and I must say that this book was AMAZING! I really enjoyed learning about different people who fought in the World Wars that are not well known. I love history and I can't say how much I enjoyed this book. It is now a new favorite. Don Stephens did a fabulous job with this book.
Highly recommended for people who enjoy World War history.
Highly recommended for people who enjoy World War history.
August 6, 2012
Excellent. A lot of people I had never heard of. All Christians, but all who have amazing testimonies. Including the man who bombed Pearl Harbor, and his conversion story, and the man who was the real James Bond.
February 5, 2022
I great book, documenting twelve or thirteen incredible short biographies from the first and second world wars. I like to get a positive view of what happened during the world wars as we can sometimes get caught up in the incredible horror and forget to see what God was doing during that time.
January 19, 2022
My three favorite things: Short stories, world war 2, Jesus.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews