The Ethics of Smuggling

by Brother Andrew, Corrie ten Boom (Foreword)

Book by Brother Andrew

Genres: Christian, Religion, Nonfiction, Theology

139 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1974

About the author

Andrew van der Bijl (born 11 May 1928 in Sint Pancras, Netherlands), known in English-speaking countries as Brother Andrew, is a Christian missionary famous for his exploits smuggling Bibles to communist countries in the height of the Cold War, a feat that has earned him the nickname "God's smuggler". Brother Andrew studied at the WEC Missionary Training College in Glasgow, Scotland. Brother Andrew was born in Sint Pancras, the Netherlands, and was the fourth of seven children to a poor, near deaf blacksmith.

Reviews

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read God's Smuggler, I was looking forward to reading this. Brother Andrew shares the ethics of "smuggling" Bibles, and the truths from the Bible defending why there are times, as Christians, to go against the goverment laws. It was very thorough and he brought his point across well. This books convicts and reminds me that the most important thing in my life is to serve God. I also enjoyed the few stories Brother Andrew shared of border crossing! Amazing how God works just at the right time!

*different versions of the Bible used; not KJV

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one of those dorky old gems - the great-uncle who wears daggy cardigans and day old stubble and seems to get muddled up but is full of surprises (in a good way). I borrowed it from the church library but will try and get our own copy because it would be good to re-read a few times. Brother Andrew describes some crazy stuff, but he isn't a hyped up charismatic... he is so matter of fact as he talks about how sometimes, God asks us to do hard things and take risks, and how we are required to obey Him regardless of whether it's comfortable or convenient or scary.

Read it for... Brother Andrew's uncompromising but somewhat tolerant world-view; thought provoking statements about biblical ethics; stories of divine intervention.

[Angela Priebbenow · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting discussion by Brother Andrew about the tactics of "Bible smuggling". He uses examples from the Bible to show that it isn't always necessary to tell everything, since we are in a war against the devil and his powers, and no one tells everything to the opposing forces of evil. At the same time Brother Andrew emphasises the importance of the Truth and not lying.

[Chloe Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up at the thrift store and was intrigued by the title, when I saw that Corrie ten Boom wrote the forward, I was hooked. Phenomenal read. And apparently a hidden gem! I would commend this book to every believer who is grappling with engaging culture, government, politics, etc. It doesn’t have all the answers by any means, but is a fantastic and concise starting point. I am sure I will reference this book and reread it in the future.

[Eliceli Bonan · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Nós, os cristãos ocidentais, em geral, formamos uma maioria silenciosa, que não apresenta esta exigência. Somos indivíduos fracos e apagados, pessoas passivas que, como a maioria silenciosa, formam a ponte sobre a qual o mundo da corrupção, das revoluções e do ódio passa sem ser detido" - pág 92

"Se não dissermos nada, se nada fizermos, nossa própria omissão acaba se tornando uma grande contribuição para o triunfo da impiedade" - pág 93

"É sempre uma coisa pequena que Deus usa de modo grandioso" - pág 124

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick read. It opened my eyes to people that might have a problem with smuggling Bibles and what arguments one could use against them. I've never had a theological problem with Bible smuggling, so the book kind of backed up what I already thought. Brother Andrew explains in his stance in a passionate way. I enjoyed the personal stories mixed in.

[Rick Bavera · Rating 5 out of 5]

For many, smuggling of anything is seen as a crime, unethical.

But some things call for obedience to a higher law, a higher calling. Brother Andrew makes that case here, with his views on smuggling Bibles and other materials into places where it is dangerous and often illegal to follow your conscience.

[Christopher Hachet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of the most inspiring books I read in middle school.

Still think about it 45 years later.

Can't reccomened it highly enough.

[Anete Ābola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book.
This one was hard to find.
Just what I was expecting of brother Andrew.
Practical and biblical.