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True Spirituality
Experience Afresh the Prolific Work of Francis Schaeffer
As one of the greatest Christian philosophers of the 20th century, Francis Schaeffer made it his mission to relate Christianity to the surrounding culture's worldview. To Schaeffer true spirituality is not a mechanical process like some sort of to-do list, but an active experience--informed by the truth of what God has said in his word. Through the pages of this book, a new generation of readers will uncover what true spirituality is and how to experience it in their own lives--moment-by-moment communion with God himself, grounded upon Christ's finished work on the cross.
As one of the greatest Christian philosophers of the 20th century, Francis Schaeffer made it his mission to relate Christianity to the surrounding culture's worldview. To Schaeffer true spirituality is not a mechanical process like some sort of to-do list, but an active experience--informed by the truth of what God has said in his word. Through the pages of this book, a new generation of readers will uncover what true spirituality is and how to experience it in their own lives--moment-by-moment communion with God himself, grounded upon Christ's finished work on the cross.
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1971
320 people are currently reading
3781 people want to read
About the author
Francis A. Schaeffer
95 books810 followersFrancis August Schaeffer was an American Evangelical Christian theologian, philosopher, and Presbyterian pastor. He is most famous for his writings and his establishment of the L'Abri community in Switzerland. Opposed to theological modernism, Schaeffer promoted a more historic Protestant faith and a presuppositional approach to Christian apologetics which he believed would answer the questions of the age.
Wife: Edith Schaeffer
children: Susan Schaeffer Macaulay
Wife: Edith Schaeffer
children: Susan Schaeffer Macaulay
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 224 reviews
April 17, 2013
It took a crisis of faith for Schaeffer to sit down and pen this book. In the same way, it took a crisis of faith for me to truly appreciate this book. This is one of the few "books that changed my life". In it I found comfort, clarity and assurance about my faith and the struggles in my walk with Christ. Schaeffer patiently takes the reader through the various aspects of what it means to be "truly spiritual" in the everyday moments of our lives. What's even more compelling is how he easily draws his insights from the Cross and then returns his conclusions back to the Cross.
Just as the Cross justifies us once and for all when we "accept" Jesus Christ, the same Cross also sanctifies us as we grow and go onto the final glorification. We never move beyond the Cross. This book reminded me that whenever I am confused about my spirituality, I need to begin at the Cross. And whenever I think I have spirituality all figured out, I need to return to the Cross.
Schaeffer is also careful to deal with many distortions of true spirituality presented by the liberal movements, and Eastern religions (what would best be classified as "New Age" today). He is balanced in his presentation, pointing out where even these heresies have it right and why they sound so appealing and compelling. He does not just dismiss false teachings as mindless distortions of scriptures; instead, he traces the counterfeiting hand of the serpent through each dissenting strand of religion and then reforms it back to the truth of the Bible.
If you feel like your Christianity has become too routine and mechanical, please get this book. If you're not sure about what it means to experience God in your everyday moments, get this book. And if you want the truth's that impacted Schaeffer's thoughts and life to also impact yours, don't just get this book, study the Word of God and ask God for His help and guidance. This is what I loved most about this read, it kept pointing me towards the ultimate truth of God's Word. I follow Schaeffer as He follows Christ.
Just as the Cross justifies us once and for all when we "accept" Jesus Christ, the same Cross also sanctifies us as we grow and go onto the final glorification. We never move beyond the Cross. This book reminded me that whenever I am confused about my spirituality, I need to begin at the Cross. And whenever I think I have spirituality all figured out, I need to return to the Cross.
Schaeffer is also careful to deal with many distortions of true spirituality presented by the liberal movements, and Eastern religions (what would best be classified as "New Age" today). He is balanced in his presentation, pointing out where even these heresies have it right and why they sound so appealing and compelling. He does not just dismiss false teachings as mindless distortions of scriptures; instead, he traces the counterfeiting hand of the serpent through each dissenting strand of religion and then reforms it back to the truth of the Bible.
If you feel like your Christianity has become too routine and mechanical, please get this book. If you're not sure about what it means to experience God in your everyday moments, get this book. And if you want the truth's that impacted Schaeffer's thoughts and life to also impact yours, don't just get this book, study the Word of God and ask God for His help and guidance. This is what I loved most about this read, it kept pointing me towards the ultimate truth of God's Word. I follow Schaeffer as He follows Christ.
August 27, 2025
Francis Schaeffer was one of the most insightful Christian thinkers of the Twentieth century. Schaeffer’s love for truth and lost people helped galvanize a generation for the sake of the gospel.
True Spirituality, originally written in 1971 alerted readers to the importance of propositional truth and set them on a course that enabled an approach to the Christian life that is timeless. Crossway Books has reprinted this important work for a new generation of readers.
The great strength of True Spirituality is its simple presentation of the gospel. Schaeffer shows how creatures are shackled by sin and points the way to freedom through the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ.
One sentence sums up what Schaeffer refers to as true spirituality: “To live moment by moment through faith on the basis of the blood of Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit, is the only really integrated way to live.”
I commend True Spirituality to first-time readers of Francis Schaefer and urge them to continue the journey by pouring over some of his other well-known works such as The God Who is There, He is There and He is Not Silent, and Death in the City.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.
True Spirituality, originally written in 1971 alerted readers to the importance of propositional truth and set them on a course that enabled an approach to the Christian life that is timeless. Crossway Books has reprinted this important work for a new generation of readers.
The great strength of True Spirituality is its simple presentation of the gospel. Schaeffer shows how creatures are shackled by sin and points the way to freedom through the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ.
One sentence sums up what Schaeffer refers to as true spirituality: “To live moment by moment through faith on the basis of the blood of Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit, is the only really integrated way to live.”
I commend True Spirituality to first-time readers of Francis Schaefer and urge them to continue the journey by pouring over some of his other well-known works such as The God Who is There, He is There and He is Not Silent, and Death in the City.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.
April 25, 2019
I’m not sure how to rate this book. I really didn’t like reading it AND parts were so brilliant and insightful. In all it was a slog. I just don’t connect with Schaefer’s style in it and find it exceptionally muddy.
November 12, 2021
The more Schaeffer I read the more I like his work. So wise and really makes you think about your spiritual life. This is an excellent book and should be a required reading for Christians IMO. I’ll definitely re-read as I’ll probably need to do some annotating and reflecting.
June 27, 2016
My "read" book list is too long to review every book, but this review was a must. I cannot say enough good things about this book. What can I say? Schaeffer is the best. This book touched my heart when I was spiritually a baby, while a member of a semi-pelagian denomination. The Lord used this book when I needed it so much. Schaeffer's way of touching the vulnerable parts of your doubts and discouragements is so profound. The way he explains his own time of doubt and restoration is so encouraging. My first copy fell apart, and I had to tape it together. It's a book I was compelled to highlight and underline. I have read it at least three times (maybe more), since it first landed in my hands. And I still want to read it again. I love scanning the shelves of used book stores for copies. This is the book I've recommended and given away more than any other. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is struggling in their walk with the Lord, or just needing a check-up on their Christian faith.
January 24, 2022
I let this “wash over me” and missed some of the depth I am sure but I loved his reminders and outlook on Christian life. I also really loved how he included so much scripture throughout. Definitely one I will read again and recommend to others!
January 17, 2018
Great book. Classic Schaeffer. Besides the small prob of his view of sanctification (almost to the likening of the imputation in justification), the book is amazing. Especially, the insights in the last four chapters are worth the whole thing. Theology and the knowledge of God should never be treated as a game.
March 9, 2023
Finalmente conheci o grande Francis Schaeffer, que livro, quanta riqueza e quantas coisas a serem colocadas em prática para se obter a verdadeira espiritualidade. Recomendo a todos a leitura desse livro pois a sua perspectiva em algumas coisas pode mudar e mudar para o bem!
September 27, 2021
I listened to it this time and really enjoyed it hoping I can actually read it the next time I want to pick it up.
June 4, 2022
One of his best. If you read a Schaeffer book, read this one.
November 8, 2024
― “If the individual Christian, and if the church of Christ, is not allowing the Lord Jesus Christ to bring forth his fruit into the world, as a demonstration in the area of personal relationships, we cannot expect the world to believe.”
― Frances A. Schaeffer, True Spirituality: How to Live for Jesus Moment by Moment
― “…among those who held the orthodox position one saw little reality in the things that the Bible so clearly said should be the result of Christianity.”
― Frances A. Schaeffer, True Spirituality: How to Live for Jesus Moment by Moment
When I became a Christian in college at the age of 19 through the ministry of Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship, one of the first authors I became familiar with was Francis A. Schaeffer (1912-1984), theologian, philosopher and pastor. Schaeffer became a Christian believer from agnosticism at the age of 17, after reading the Bible for the first time. Years later, in the early 1950s, Francis experienced a spiritual crisis. He was concerned about the lack of true spirituality he saw in other believers. While he had embraced all the right doctrines, he found that he also lacked “true spirituality” in his own life. As a result, he decided to revisit everything, rethinking his reasons for being a Christian.
He spent two months hiking in the mountains near his home, examining himself and his faith. At the end of this struggle, Schaeffer emerged with a new sense of his Christian faith and "…saw again that there were totally sufficient reasons to know that the infinite-personal God does exist and that Christianity is true. This book is the fruit of that struggle—his call to believers to reexamine their lives and to experience true sanctification.
In chapter 2, he reiterates the importance of denying ourselves, taking up our cross, and following Christ. This is necessary to develop the attitudes of the kingdom of God and to overcome the infiltration of the world with its attitudes. “It is a calling, moment by moment, to be dead to all things, that we might be alive to God at this moment.” But, after the rejection of self, there is resurrection (chapter 3). Christians have been raised to newness of life.
One of the most powerful chapters, for me, was chapter 6, where Schaeffer addresses the three stages of salvation. When we make a decision to follow Christ, as I did in 1970, we are justified. Justification is the divine act whereby an infinitely holy God judicially declares a believing sinner to be righteous and acceptable before him because Christ bore the sinner’s sin on the cross. When a Christian dies, they are glorified. Glorification is when believers receive glorified, perfect bodies and souls, sinless and Christlike. Between justification and glorification is sanctification. Justification and glorification happen in an instant, but sanctification takes a lifetime. It “is the most important consideration for the Christian now.” It is the present portion of salvation.
― “…it is never doctrine alone that is important. It is always doctrine appropriated that counts.”
― Frances A. Schaeffer, True Spirituality: How to Live for Jesus Moment by Moment
Schaeffer really convicted me in chapter 12 when he wrote about personal relationships. We serve a personal God, and believers need to introduce this personal God to others. But, if we don’t develop personal relationships, we are “not allowing the Lord Jesus Christ to bring forth his fruit into the world.”
― “…each time I see something wrong in others, it is dangerous, for it can exalt self, and when this happens, my open fellowship with God falls to the ground.”
― Frances A. Schaeffer, True Spirituality: How to Live for Jesus Moment by Moment
Ask yourself: how is your sanctification going? Do you struggle to obey Christ? Is there unconfessed sin in your life? Are there people in your life you don’t like, so you criticize them when they’re not around? I can only conclude this review by saying: Get this book, read it, then re-read it. If your sanctification is off track, get it back on track.
― Frances A. Schaeffer, True Spirituality: How to Live for Jesus Moment by Moment
― “…among those who held the orthodox position one saw little reality in the things that the Bible so clearly said should be the result of Christianity.”
― Frances A. Schaeffer, True Spirituality: How to Live for Jesus Moment by Moment
When I became a Christian in college at the age of 19 through the ministry of Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship, one of the first authors I became familiar with was Francis A. Schaeffer (1912-1984), theologian, philosopher and pastor. Schaeffer became a Christian believer from agnosticism at the age of 17, after reading the Bible for the first time. Years later, in the early 1950s, Francis experienced a spiritual crisis. He was concerned about the lack of true spirituality he saw in other believers. While he had embraced all the right doctrines, he found that he also lacked “true spirituality” in his own life. As a result, he decided to revisit everything, rethinking his reasons for being a Christian.
He spent two months hiking in the mountains near his home, examining himself and his faith. At the end of this struggle, Schaeffer emerged with a new sense of his Christian faith and "…saw again that there were totally sufficient reasons to know that the infinite-personal God does exist and that Christianity is true. This book is the fruit of that struggle—his call to believers to reexamine their lives and to experience true sanctification.
In chapter 2, he reiterates the importance of denying ourselves, taking up our cross, and following Christ. This is necessary to develop the attitudes of the kingdom of God and to overcome the infiltration of the world with its attitudes. “It is a calling, moment by moment, to be dead to all things, that we might be alive to God at this moment.” But, after the rejection of self, there is resurrection (chapter 3). Christians have been raised to newness of life.
One of the most powerful chapters, for me, was chapter 6, where Schaeffer addresses the three stages of salvation. When we make a decision to follow Christ, as I did in 1970, we are justified. Justification is the divine act whereby an infinitely holy God judicially declares a believing sinner to be righteous and acceptable before him because Christ bore the sinner’s sin on the cross. When a Christian dies, they are glorified. Glorification is when believers receive glorified, perfect bodies and souls, sinless and Christlike. Between justification and glorification is sanctification. Justification and glorification happen in an instant, but sanctification takes a lifetime. It “is the most important consideration for the Christian now.” It is the present portion of salvation.
― “…it is never doctrine alone that is important. It is always doctrine appropriated that counts.”
― Frances A. Schaeffer, True Spirituality: How to Live for Jesus Moment by Moment
Schaeffer really convicted me in chapter 12 when he wrote about personal relationships. We serve a personal God, and believers need to introduce this personal God to others. But, if we don’t develop personal relationships, we are “not allowing the Lord Jesus Christ to bring forth his fruit into the world.”
― “…each time I see something wrong in others, it is dangerous, for it can exalt self, and when this happens, my open fellowship with God falls to the ground.”
― Frances A. Schaeffer, True Spirituality: How to Live for Jesus Moment by Moment
Ask yourself: how is your sanctification going? Do you struggle to obey Christ? Is there unconfessed sin in your life? Are there people in your life you don’t like, so you criticize them when they’re not around? I can only conclude this review by saying: Get this book, read it, then re-read it. If your sanctification is off track, get it back on track.
May 5, 2020
Third time reading this. Still excellent. Not the easiest read, but what makes Schaeffer so unique (Lewis-like) is his ability to say things that you’ve known before, but in a special, memorable way. While CS Lewis is able to do it with a spark of wonder, Schaeffer does it with a resolution in reality—he proves that this all is really *real*, that it makes the most sense, that it really does change your life.
If someone were to read one book by him, it would either be this (if you’re interesting in Christian living) or *The God Who Is There* (if you’re more interested in apologetics).
Each chapter in here is great. His ideas about a real positive and a real negative, Christ bearing fruit through us by faith by the Spirit, unfaith vs. faith, substantial healing, and more are all excellent. If you haven’t read, do so. And then read it again. A classic for good reason.
If someone were to read one book by him, it would either be this (if you’re interesting in Christian living) or *The God Who Is There* (if you’re more interested in apologetics).
Each chapter in here is great. His ideas about a real positive and a real negative, Christ bearing fruit through us by faith by the Spirit, unfaith vs. faith, substantial healing, and more are all excellent. If you haven’t read, do so. And then read it again. A classic for good reason.
July 27, 2025
(3rd read through - July 2025)
Favorite Schaeffer book. Evidently he said this should have been his first book, and I agree that - this is the one you should start with. It reminded me of Packer’s “Knowing God”, but less fragmented. This is the book I will recommend and read when in a spiritual funk.
Favorite Schaeffer book. Evidently he said this should have been his first book, and I agree that - this is the one you should start with. It reminded me of Packer’s “Knowing God”, but less fragmented. This is the book I will recommend and read when in a spiritual funk.
September 25, 2022
Incredible read!
February 2, 2023
Powerful, foundational truth. Definitely on my list of favorites.
June 3, 2019
Tem sido difícil conciliar o tempo com as leituras. Comentá-las, então, nem se fala. Mas me sinto no dever sobre esta importantíssima obra de Francis Schaeffer. Obra essa que foi difícil de achar em mídia física.
Pois bem...
Verdadeira Espiritualidade é um singelo lembrete sobre o essencial.
Quando se trata da vida cristã, é muito natural para o crente surgir perguntas tais como: "O que devo fazer?", “Como fazer?”. Sobre esse aspecto o autor constrói a primeira parte do livro, onde mostra o que a Bíblia tem a dizer sobre a pessoa de Deus, o homem, qual é a condição do homem, qual é o antídoto para essa condição etc.
Schaeffer pondera cuidadosamente os aspectos da vida cristã sob a base da realidade da obra consumada por Jesus Cristo na cruz do calvário em nosso favor. Obra essa que justifica todo aquele que crê de uma vez por todas, e que também transforma o cristão drasticamente e o conduz a um novo modo de viver (justificação e regeneração).
Sobre esse novo viver, algo importante que se repete ao longo do livro (fortemente tratado no capítulo 2), é a ideia do morrer diariamente para si mesmo. Assim como a morte de Cristo é a base e o primeiro passo na ordem da redenção, assim nossa morte com relação aos bens e ao ego, deve ser o passo tomado na ordem da espiritualidade autêntica e progressiva. Não é possível haver o segundo passo enquanto o primeiro não for enfrentado.
Isso não é realizado graças à nossas obras ou nossa própria força, mas é algo realizado por meio do Espírito Santo que torna possível o “serviço” (santificação).
A Verdadeira Espiritualidade nunca se move à parte da cruz.
Ela é uma lembrança constante de que os cristãos devem viver sempre conscientes, momento a momento, a realidade da morte e ressurreição de Cristo, de seus efeitos tangíveis e visíveis em nossas vidas, nos impulsionando a servir como testemunhas no mundo, não por mero dever, não de forma mecânica, mas por amor, pois se trata de uma relação com um Deus que é infinitamente pessoal, e por isso, algo muito além do que mera experiência religiosa abstrata ou uma experiência existencial sem conteúdo e vaga.
A segunda metade do livro se concentra em tratar de “amplas considerações da vida cristã genuína”. Neste ponto Schaeffer aborda questões de conflito entre o Cristianismo e o pensamento intelectual do século XX. Por fim, em seus quatro últimos capítulos sobre as chamadas “curas substanciais”, vemos todo o brilhantismo de Schaeffer, que fecha sua obra com chave de ouro, trazendo insights incríveis ao tratar de como as pessoas podem encontrar ajuda e cura em suas vidas e relacionamentos pessoais quando se está de encontro com a obra de Cristo. Nesta parte o autor se baseia nas verdades discutidas na primeira metade do livro para explicar, por isso, não tente a pular a primeira metade do livro, ein!
Verdadeira Espiritualidade é um livro pra ser lido por todos que desejam trilhar em fé autêntica. É um livro precioso, pois aponta para a Palavra de Deus, aponta para a poderosa e suficiente obra de Cristo Jesus. Isso é mais precioso que tudo!
Pois bem...
Verdadeira Espiritualidade é um singelo lembrete sobre o essencial.
Quando se trata da vida cristã, é muito natural para o crente surgir perguntas tais como: "O que devo fazer?", “Como fazer?”. Sobre esse aspecto o autor constrói a primeira parte do livro, onde mostra o que a Bíblia tem a dizer sobre a pessoa de Deus, o homem, qual é a condição do homem, qual é o antídoto para essa condição etc.
Schaeffer pondera cuidadosamente os aspectos da vida cristã sob a base da realidade da obra consumada por Jesus Cristo na cruz do calvário em nosso favor. Obra essa que justifica todo aquele que crê de uma vez por todas, e que também transforma o cristão drasticamente e o conduz a um novo modo de viver (justificação e regeneração).
Sobre esse novo viver, algo importante que se repete ao longo do livro (fortemente tratado no capítulo 2), é a ideia do morrer diariamente para si mesmo. Assim como a morte de Cristo é a base e o primeiro passo na ordem da redenção, assim nossa morte com relação aos bens e ao ego, deve ser o passo tomado na ordem da espiritualidade autêntica e progressiva. Não é possível haver o segundo passo enquanto o primeiro não for enfrentado.
Isso não é realizado graças à nossas obras ou nossa própria força, mas é algo realizado por meio do Espírito Santo que torna possível o “serviço” (santificação).
A Verdadeira Espiritualidade nunca se move à parte da cruz.
Ela é uma lembrança constante de que os cristãos devem viver sempre conscientes, momento a momento, a realidade da morte e ressurreição de Cristo, de seus efeitos tangíveis e visíveis em nossas vidas, nos impulsionando a servir como testemunhas no mundo, não por mero dever, não de forma mecânica, mas por amor, pois se trata de uma relação com um Deus que é infinitamente pessoal, e por isso, algo muito além do que mera experiência religiosa abstrata ou uma experiência existencial sem conteúdo e vaga.
A segunda metade do livro se concentra em tratar de “amplas considerações da vida cristã genuína”. Neste ponto Schaeffer aborda questões de conflito entre o Cristianismo e o pensamento intelectual do século XX. Por fim, em seus quatro últimos capítulos sobre as chamadas “curas substanciais”, vemos todo o brilhantismo de Schaeffer, que fecha sua obra com chave de ouro, trazendo insights incríveis ao tratar de como as pessoas podem encontrar ajuda e cura em suas vidas e relacionamentos pessoais quando se está de encontro com a obra de Cristo. Nesta parte o autor se baseia nas verdades discutidas na primeira metade do livro para explicar, por isso, não tente a pular a primeira metade do livro, ein!
Verdadeira Espiritualidade é um livro pra ser lido por todos que desejam trilhar em fé autêntica. É um livro precioso, pois aponta para a Palavra de Deus, aponta para a poderosa e suficiente obra de Cristo Jesus. Isso é mais precioso que tudo!
July 26, 2012
Theologically, this was a fine range-fed beef--pure meat for the hungry...without the fine wine. As dry bones are to outlining a faith, 'True Spirituality' needs flesh and blood. I would've loved to have read Schaeffer's stories as to how he arrived at such foundational truths. He tells us that Christianity is to be fun--in italics, even--yet he leaves all the joy and sorrow out of his writing. I felt as if a beloved instructor from the previous generation commanded me, "Believe as I say, even as I do," and he goes on (and on) to clearly outline his beliefs.
I most appreciate his analogy on pg. 104, "For myself, through the twenty years or so since I began to struggle with this in my own life, I rather picture my conscience as a big black dog with enormous paws which leaps upon me, threatening to cover me with mud and devour me. But as this conscience of mine jumps upon me, after a specific sin has been dealt with on the basis of Christ's finished work, then I should turn to my conscience and say, in effect, ' Down! Be still!' I am to believe God and be quiet, in my practice and experience." I used to fear big black dogs, until I owned a huge Golden one, because now I know who's really in charge.
For anyone who seriously wants to walk through the Christian faith, understanding what his heart longs to believe, this is a champion.
I most appreciate his analogy on pg. 104, "For myself, through the twenty years or so since I began to struggle with this in my own life, I rather picture my conscience as a big black dog with enormous paws which leaps upon me, threatening to cover me with mud and devour me. But as this conscience of mine jumps upon me, after a specific sin has been dealt with on the basis of Christ's finished work, then I should turn to my conscience and say, in effect, ' Down! Be still!' I am to believe God and be quiet, in my practice and experience." I used to fear big black dogs, until I owned a huge Golden one, because now I know who's really in charge.
For anyone who seriously wants to walk through the Christian faith, understanding what his heart longs to believe, this is a champion.
July 8, 2016
A book I would highly recommend especially to anyone who is questioning their Christian faith and wondering if it was all a mistake or if there's something about God that they have either forgotten or never known.
The book is not an easy reading devotional. It will make you think long and hard about yourself, your Christian faith and the grounds on which you have based it to be true. In the end you will come away as I did, grateful for Jesus atonement on your behalf as well as eager to live a genuine faith in the world and especially in your church.
The book is not an easy reading devotional. It will make you think long and hard about yourself, your Christian faith and the grounds on which you have based it to be true. In the end you will come away as I did, grateful for Jesus atonement on your behalf as well as eager to live a genuine faith in the world and especially in your church.
November 13, 2016
A fairly good but intolerably repetitive reminder that Christians must live ever cognizant of the reality of Christ's death and resurrection, which should have a tangible and visible effect in our lives, serving as a witness to the world. Schaeffer's style is just too redundant, however. He endlessly turns back to repeat what has already been said, often with identical phrasing. The book could've been written at one third its length.
July 20, 2023
Ótimo livro. Recomendo para todos.
Uma apresentação simples do Evangelho. O livro aponta para a palavra de Deus, aponta para a poderosa e suficiente obra de Cristo.
Schaeffer resume o que chama de verdadeira espiritualidade no seguinte: "Viver momento a momento por meio da fé com base no sangue de Jesus, no poder do Espírito Santo, é a única maneira realmente integrada de viver."
Uma apresentação simples do Evangelho. O livro aponta para a palavra de Deus, aponta para a poderosa e suficiente obra de Cristo.
Schaeffer resume o que chama de verdadeira espiritualidade no seguinte: "Viver momento a momento por meio da fé com base no sangue de Jesus, no poder do Espírito Santo, é a única maneira realmente integrada de viver."
October 3, 2009
Schaeffer here summarizes many of his teachings and views of Christian faith.
I should probably read the book again; the audiobook version either doesn't do it justice, or it needs to be read in a more meditative way.
I should probably read the book again; the audiobook version either doesn't do it justice, or it needs to be read in a more meditative way.
December 17, 2018
It became more difficult for me to follow some of Schaeffer's thought processes towards the end, but the first section of the book was clear, simple, profound, and life-changing.
December 28, 2021
I'm on a Schaeffer jag recently.
After starting with his 'trilogy' - The God Who is There, Escape From Reason, He is There and He is not Silent - I have begun working through other of his more popular books.
Schaeffer says of True Sprituality that he should have written this book first. I would agree. True Spirituality is Schaeffer's discription of what it means both to 'be born again' and what it means to truly be a disciple.
Schaeffer is straightforward in this book. His writes in the 70's out of years already of experience in evangelism and discipling He describes how he had almost given up on Christianity in his 20's. Liberal theology is already tearing the church apart, and Schaeffer writes as one who has re-established his commitment to true spirituality and embraces what he would describe as the orthodox faith.
All of Schaeffer's description of true spirituality springs from a few basic concepts:
-all people are the creatures of God's intent and in his image
-being in his image we have personality just as God himself has personality
-all true spiritualy springs from the value of the relations with those others who are his image: love the Lord your God, love your neighbor.
I especially appreciated his comments on the church as he closes his discussion. Schaffer's priority places the organized church above any individual. Many of our day would rebel at his priorities, but Schaffer would remind us that it is the setting of one's individual self above all others that causes the sin that mars all of creation.
There is nothing profound in this book, nor did Schaeffer intend there to be. This would be his 'mere christianity'.
I think much of the value for me has been to work through the issues of what it means to be a disciple in the language of the deep philosphical thinker from 50-70 years ago. Schaeffer's discriptoin of spirituality is stripped of the trendy language used today and so caused me to listen more deeply than I would a contemporary writer.
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After starting with his 'trilogy' - The God Who is There, Escape From Reason, He is There and He is not Silent - I have begun working through other of his more popular books.
Schaeffer says of True Sprituality that he should have written this book first. I would agree. True Spirituality is Schaeffer's discription of what it means both to 'be born again' and what it means to truly be a disciple.
Schaeffer is straightforward in this book. His writes in the 70's out of years already of experience in evangelism and discipling He describes how he had almost given up on Christianity in his 20's. Liberal theology is already tearing the church apart, and Schaeffer writes as one who has re-established his commitment to true spirituality and embraces what he would describe as the orthodox faith.
All of Schaeffer's description of true spirituality springs from a few basic concepts:
-all people are the creatures of God's intent and in his image
-being in his image we have personality just as God himself has personality
-all true spiritualy springs from the value of the relations with those others who are his image: love the Lord your God, love your neighbor.
I especially appreciated his comments on the church as he closes his discussion. Schaffer's priority places the organized church above any individual. Many of our day would rebel at his priorities, but Schaffer would remind us that it is the setting of one's individual self above all others that causes the sin that mars all of creation.
There is nothing profound in this book, nor did Schaeffer intend there to be. This would be his 'mere christianity'.
I think much of the value for me has been to work through the issues of what it means to be a disciple in the language of the deep philosphical thinker from 50-70 years ago. Schaeffer's discriptoin of spirituality is stripped of the trendy language used today and so caused me to listen more deeply than I would a contemporary writer.
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September 22, 2025
I read several of Francis Shaeffer's books back in the 1980's. Then it was said that he "gave Evangelicals permission to think". In a sense, he did that by helping them to engage in thought about the surrounding culture and a Christian response to it. Thinking philosophically and culturally in stead of religiously. That has been his main contribution and it helped me, as a young Christian to do the same. During that time some people referred to True Spirituality as his best book and I've always meant to read it but haven't until now. And, I agree, this must be Schaeffer's best book. One that's foundational to all the others and, as he says in the preface, that this book should have been his first.
The first section of the book is theological and familiar to me. It was good to read again such "Schaefferian" terms as the "infinite-personal God" and the grounding of the Christian faith in actual "space and time". But the book really shines in Section II, where he gets into the freedoms of conscience and though-life and the "substantial healings" in personal and congregational life that a true Christian faith and practice is intended to provide. Schaeffer characterizes these freedoms and healings with a large measure of grace rather that conformity and constant reminders about the ultimate source of freedom and healing in God alone through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit; emphasizing the "moment-by-moment" relationship to the infinite-personal "God who is there" that makes it all possible.
The first section of the book is theological and familiar to me. It was good to read again such "Schaefferian" terms as the "infinite-personal God" and the grounding of the Christian faith in actual "space and time". But the book really shines in Section II, where he gets into the freedoms of conscience and though-life and the "substantial healings" in personal and congregational life that a true Christian faith and practice is intended to provide. Schaeffer characterizes these freedoms and healings with a large measure of grace rather that conformity and constant reminders about the ultimate source of freedom and healing in God alone through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit; emphasizing the "moment-by-moment" relationship to the infinite-personal "God who is there" that makes it all possible.
November 7, 2021
True Spirituality is a great synthesis of Schaeffer's theological reflections and worldview critiques. He repeatedly argues for a spiritual universe where God is personal and Jesus is the means to the relational longing that is in each human soul.
I deeply appreciate the resolute convictions of this twentieth century titan as he passionately expounded a message of hope against the backdrop of modernity. The voice of this work carries a distinctive headiness but it remains accessible. And in this I see the one quality that inspire a lifetime of faithfulness in Schaeffer. Namely, in all his musings about philosophy, culture, biblical theology and church realities, he never loss his intense desire for intimacy with Jesus.
As we see the ongoing effects of modernism - the loss of a meta narrative, the collapse of absolutes and the epistemological skepticism that has left a generation wondering whom they can trust - the dated words of this book still hold resonance. The call to balance intellectual spirituality with a faith of the heart is still the message needing to be proclaimed. For the tired souls caught in frenetic life cycles, unsure of true purpose you may find some comfort in the pastoral plea of this book.
I deeply appreciate the resolute convictions of this twentieth century titan as he passionately expounded a message of hope against the backdrop of modernity. The voice of this work carries a distinctive headiness but it remains accessible. And in this I see the one quality that inspire a lifetime of faithfulness in Schaeffer. Namely, in all his musings about philosophy, culture, biblical theology and church realities, he never loss his intense desire for intimacy with Jesus.
As we see the ongoing effects of modernism - the loss of a meta narrative, the collapse of absolutes and the epistemological skepticism that has left a generation wondering whom they can trust - the dated words of this book still hold resonance. The call to balance intellectual spirituality with a faith of the heart is still the message needing to be proclaimed. For the tired souls caught in frenetic life cycles, unsure of true purpose you may find some comfort in the pastoral plea of this book.
June 15, 2020
Like Mere Christianity, True Spirituality is a book of essential points for the believer to wrestle with. The book is separated into two main sections termed: Freedom from the Bonds of Sin and Freedom from the Results of the Bonds of Sin. This book is far more theological than Mere Christianity and covers a wide range of topics ranging from salvation and eternity, to Christian marriage and the church. Schaeffer writes sometimes in very abstract ways but is especially good at tracing back over his argumentation to make sure you understand the point he’s making. This book is a timely word for anyone who is wrestling with living out their faith moment by moment and desiring to more deeply understand the present process of sanctification.
March 18, 2023
This is a classic book by Francis Schaeffer that certainly impacted the culture during his lifetime. Schaeffer discusses the need for a Christian faith that encounters a personal God and emphasizes the need for a “personal relationship” with Jesus Christ. Also, he emphasizes the need for repentance from sin by seeking holiness which will lead to “substantial” freedom and healing within the individual, in personal relationships, and within the church. He focuses on the power, fruit and presence of the Holy Spirit as the means of restoration for the church and the culture. Will these truths be preached once again? Will we see true revival in our churches and in our culture once again? May the Lord be merciful to His people in this generation!
October 30, 2024
I like Schaeffer but this is not his best work. Some good passages and some awkward ones.
And then, the shocking one where he insists I, as an individual, am the bride of Christ. I, an individual, am Christ’s bride with all the implications of a marriage union. Besides the awkwardness of the details into which he decides to plunge here and besides the mystical catholic devotional overtones, the bible describes this image as a corporate reality, not an individualistic one. The new Jerusalem, the bride adorned for her husband is His church, not me. His body is His church, not me. I am but a member. I believe his interpretation can have unhealthy devotional implications.
I found the writing style unpleasant and muddy, though I did find some parts useful and edifying.
And then, the shocking one where he insists I, as an individual, am the bride of Christ. I, an individual, am Christ’s bride with all the implications of a marriage union. Besides the awkwardness of the details into which he decides to plunge here and besides the mystical catholic devotional overtones, the bible describes this image as a corporate reality, not an individualistic one. The new Jerusalem, the bride adorned for her husband is His church, not me. His body is His church, not me. I am but a member. I believe his interpretation can have unhealthy devotional implications.
I found the writing style unpleasant and muddy, though I did find some parts useful and edifying.
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