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Basic Christiantiy
Annotation
World-renowned scholar and preacher John R.W. Stott embarks on a compelling course of study that first defends the fundamental claims of Christianity and then defines the proper overworkings of these basic beliefs in the daily lives of believers. Here is a sound, sensible guide for those who are seeking an intellectually satisfying presentation of the Christian faith.
From the Publisher
"We must commit ourselves, heart and mind, soul and will, home and life, personally and unreservedly, to Jesus Christ. We must humble ourselves before him. We must trust him as our Savior and submit to him as our Lord; and then go on to take our place as loyal members of the church and responsible citizens in the community. Such is basic Christianity, and the theme of this book."
With these words, world-renowned scholar and preacher John R. W. Stott embarks on a compelling course of study that first defends the fundamental claims of Christianity and then defines the proper outworkings of these basic beliefs in the daily lives of believers. Here is a sound, sensible guide for those who are seeking an intellectually satisfying presentation of the Christian faith.
World-renowned scholar and preacher John R.W. Stott embarks on a compelling course of study that first defends the fundamental claims of Christianity and then defines the proper overworkings of these basic beliefs in the daily lives of believers. Here is a sound, sensible guide for those who are seeking an intellectually satisfying presentation of the Christian faith.
From the Publisher
"We must commit ourselves, heart and mind, soul and will, home and life, personally and unreservedly, to Jesus Christ. We must humble ourselves before him. We must trust him as our Savior and submit to him as our Lord; and then go on to take our place as loyal members of the church and responsible citizens in the community. Such is basic Christianity, and the theme of this book."
With these words, world-renowned scholar and preacher John R. W. Stott embarks on a compelling course of study that first defends the fundamental claims of Christianity and then defines the proper outworkings of these basic beliefs in the daily lives of believers. Here is a sound, sensible guide for those who are seeking an intellectually satisfying presentation of the Christian faith.
142 pages, paperback
First published January 1, 1958
621 people are currently reading
7054 people want to read
About the author
John R.W. Stott
305 books552 followersJohn R. W. Stott is known worldwide as a preacher, evangelist, and communicator of Scripture. For many years he served as rector of All Souls Church in London, where he carried out an effective urban pastoral ministry. A leader among evangelicals in Britain, the United States and around the world, Stott was a principal framer of the landmark Lausanne Covenant (1974). His many books, including Why I Am a Christian and The Cross of Christ, have sold millions of copies around the world and in dozens of languages. Whether in the West or in the Two-Thirds World, a hallmark of Stott's ministry has been expository preaching that addresses the hearts and minds of contemporary men and women. Stott was honored by Time magazine in 2005 as one of the "100 Most Influential People in the World."
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March 6, 2012
The mission : to find a book explaining Christian belief which makes the least bit of sense.
First attempt : Mere Christianity by C S Lewis. I think we know how that one went.
Second attempt : Basic Christianity by John Stott
***
The foreword of this tells me there are few landmark books that everyone in the world should read – "this is one of the few". This is the 50 year anniversary edition of the book originally published in 1958 and "in the 21st century you cannot afford to ignore this book!" Okay, I'm not ignoring. I'm told this will explain the basic worldview of one third of humanity.
Chapter one is called The Right Approach but it has the wrong approach. Immediately the non-believer runs into fundamental problems with the vocabulary. The whole idea of God is assumed – God as eternal, God as good and for Christians, God as personal. The entire assertion "God sent his only-begotten son" needs to be explained piece by piece – God needs to be explained letter by letter – me and the Christians need to start way way way further back to have any chance of understanding each other – you can't assume I know what you mean when you say these words. But this book does. For instance :
The Bible reveals a God who, long before it even occurs to men and women to turn to him, while they are still lost in darkness and sunk in sin, takes the initiative, rises from his throne, lays aside his glory, and stoops to seek until he finds them.
That's on page 2. Not good! The thing about this stuff is that without careful explanation I have no idea what in the above quote is supposted to be literal and what is metaphorical. Rising from a throne and stooping – that's surely metaphorical. But "initiative" – that's supposed to be literal. Yes? I think so, but I get no assistance from John Stott. So this is for me terminally confused language.
Here's a bold assertion. John Stott says :
Our chief claim to nobility as human beings is that we were made in the image of God and are therefore capable of knowing him.
And I say : Sez you! I think our chief claim to nobility is that we are still able to create love and art and music in the middle of this charnelhouse planet and in the face of our knowledge of the tiny spoonful of life we are able to live here, and that even in the middle of death, we live furiously and horribly and sadly and brilliantly, howling with laughter through the river of tears, and weeping at weddings and cheap pop songs.
Well something along those lines. You get my drift.
But let's try another chapter – The Fact and Nature of Sin, chapter 5. Now we run into another issue. John Stott is saying that Christianity is a project by God. He created humanity and gave us the free will to sin and guess what, we sin all day long, day in, day out. (Well, you know, quelle surprise. What did you expect, God?) Okay, you and me might say well, come on, John, I'm really too old to be sinning much these days, and he says no, even you goodreads reviewers are vile sinful wretches, because there is positive sin where you DO something which is wrong, like murder or invade a sovereign country or swindle millions, and it's reasonable for you to say that you haven't done any of those things lately, but then there's negative sin, which is where you haven't done something you should have done, and that's where we GETCHA!! Unless you're Mother Theresa you're just another dreadful selfish hideous squiggly mass of filthy sin in God's eyes. Yes, sorry, even you. You broke all the commandments before you cracked your four minute boiled egg this morning, yes you did don't you try to deny it you little creep I saw you.
Yes, there's a lot of this kind of thing in chapter five all right. John tut-tuts over us all :
We'd find it quite easy to consider ourselves good at high-jumping if the bar were never raised more than a few inches!
You see what he's saying ? Your standards of goodness are repulsively low. You might as well not have any. You worm. But hold on :
God is interested in the thought behind the deed, and the motive behind the action.
Actually, isn't that a bit hopeful? My motive for not ever washing my car is not laziness but environmentalism! All that wasted water! My motive for not joining the charity half-marathon in support of cancer research is also not laziness, it's to avoid being tempted into smugness and Pharisaic self-regard if I had done it! But actually John is more pitiless than me. He points out that
We may have attended church – but have we ever really worshipped God? We may have said our prayers – but have we really prayed?
Wow, this is Christianity as practised by the SS – come on now, Mr Bryant, your eyes were closed, you were in a church, but you weren't really praying – were you? Hmm? (Another twist of the thumb-screw, deacon).
John Stott is on much firmer ground when he talks about the collective action of humanity, but he only mentions this in asides. In 1958 the world was reeling from two world wars within forty years of each other, ending with the atom bombs of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. If he was writing in 2008, he'd have been pointing out climate change and general environmental woes, not to mention the one billion people on the planet still suffering in abject poverty. So human waywardness and selfishness - sin, if you like - is real all right. So, okay, let's go with humanity's sin. God's project is to rescue us all from its consequences – great! That's gotta be good news! But he does it in a really wierd way. It's like a Playstation game with hidden levels. It's not the way I would have done it at all.
Stott hammers home that the way God reconciles us with him & frees us (individually, conditionally) from sin is via the sacrifice of Jesus, the Crucifixion. Then he takes a paragraph to say that he can't explain why Christ was crucified. Not really. "Much remains a mystery." But he'll have a go.
1) Christ died as an example. Stott says that Christ demonstrated total non-resistance, complete passivity in the face of authority. If non-Christians persecute you for your belief, do not resist.
To bear unjust suffering patiently brings God's approval... Perhaps nothing is more completely opposed to our natural instincts than this command not to resist. Yet the cross urges us to accept injury, love our enemies and leave the outcome to God.
Whoah. This is very radical stuff. Seriously? So it was unChristian to declare war against the Nazis? Let Hitler and every other Hitler do their genocide dance? Seriously? I really have a hard time deciding what is to be taken literally here.
2) Christ died as our sin-bearer. Now we get mystical. But the idea to begin with is crude. Back in the Old Testament, you sinned and you made a sacrifice. I suppose slaughtering a few sheep & goats was giving up valuable animals as a symbolic gift to God, it's a common thing throughout many religions. The idea of the scapegoat started here. As soon as Jesus appears, John the Baptist identifies him as a human sacrifice : "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world." So apparently, according to Stott who gets it all from St Paul, when Jesus was on the cross
The accumulated sins from the whole of human history were laid upon him… He made them his own. He took full reponsibility for them…. Our sins sent Christ to Hell. He tasted the agony of a soul alienated from God. Bearing our sins, he died our death. He endured instead of us the penalty of separation from God which our sins deserved.
So he had freed us all from the alienation from God which our sins should have brought upon us.
Reconciliation to God was available to all who would trust this Saviour for themselves and receive him as their own.
Ah, there's the catch. The unique sacrifice comes with strings, it is the genuine article but only if you're a Christian. Stott does not comment on the fate of the other two-thirds of humanity.
Stott then remarks : "This simple and wonderful account of sinbearing is strangely unpopular today." Perhaps because it's weird and incomprehensible. But he does not tell us what is the popular interpretation of the crucifixion. Which kind of leaves us dangling.
Stott winds up with an account of what it means to be a Christian, which reminds me of the old Byrds country song :
My buddies tell me that I should have waited
They say I'm missing a whole world of fun
But I still love them and I say with pride
I like the Christian life
I won't lose a friend by heeding God's call
For what is a friend who'd want you to fall
Others find pleasures in things I despise
I like the Christian life
Well, Basic Christianity is written without the paternalistic smugness of C S Lewis' Mere Christianity, but I really feel it might possibly have been a half-way decent account if a non-Christian had been along for the ride, interrogating John Stott a little more thoroughly than he interrogates himself. A little too mystical-twistical in the middle and far too Pol-pottish at the end.
First attempt : Mere Christianity by C S Lewis. I think we know how that one went.
Second attempt : Basic Christianity by John Stott
***
The foreword of this tells me there are few landmark books that everyone in the world should read – "this is one of the few". This is the 50 year anniversary edition of the book originally published in 1958 and "in the 21st century you cannot afford to ignore this book!" Okay, I'm not ignoring. I'm told this will explain the basic worldview of one third of humanity.
Chapter one is called The Right Approach but it has the wrong approach. Immediately the non-believer runs into fundamental problems with the vocabulary. The whole idea of God is assumed – God as eternal, God as good and for Christians, God as personal. The entire assertion "God sent his only-begotten son" needs to be explained piece by piece – God needs to be explained letter by letter – me and the Christians need to start way way way further back to have any chance of understanding each other – you can't assume I know what you mean when you say these words. But this book does. For instance :
The Bible reveals a God who, long before it even occurs to men and women to turn to him, while they are still lost in darkness and sunk in sin, takes the initiative, rises from his throne, lays aside his glory, and stoops to seek until he finds them.
That's on page 2. Not good! The thing about this stuff is that without careful explanation I have no idea what in the above quote is supposted to be literal and what is metaphorical. Rising from a throne and stooping – that's surely metaphorical. But "initiative" – that's supposed to be literal. Yes? I think so, but I get no assistance from John Stott. So this is for me terminally confused language.
Here's a bold assertion. John Stott says :
Our chief claim to nobility as human beings is that we were made in the image of God and are therefore capable of knowing him.
And I say : Sez you! I think our chief claim to nobility is that we are still able to create love and art and music in the middle of this charnelhouse planet and in the face of our knowledge of the tiny spoonful of life we are able to live here, and that even in the middle of death, we live furiously and horribly and sadly and brilliantly, howling with laughter through the river of tears, and weeping at weddings and cheap pop songs.
Well something along those lines. You get my drift.
But let's try another chapter – The Fact and Nature of Sin, chapter 5. Now we run into another issue. John Stott is saying that Christianity is a project by God. He created humanity and gave us the free will to sin and guess what, we sin all day long, day in, day out. (Well, you know, quelle surprise. What did you expect, God?) Okay, you and me might say well, come on, John, I'm really too old to be sinning much these days, and he says no, even you goodreads reviewers are vile sinful wretches, because there is positive sin where you DO something which is wrong, like murder or invade a sovereign country or swindle millions, and it's reasonable for you to say that you haven't done any of those things lately, but then there's negative sin, which is where you haven't done something you should have done, and that's where we GETCHA!! Unless you're Mother Theresa you're just another dreadful selfish hideous squiggly mass of filthy sin in God's eyes. Yes, sorry, even you. You broke all the commandments before you cracked your four minute boiled egg this morning, yes you did don't you try to deny it you little creep I saw you.
Yes, there's a lot of this kind of thing in chapter five all right. John tut-tuts over us all :
We'd find it quite easy to consider ourselves good at high-jumping if the bar were never raised more than a few inches!
You see what he's saying ? Your standards of goodness are repulsively low. You might as well not have any. You worm. But hold on :
God is interested in the thought behind the deed, and the motive behind the action.
Actually, isn't that a bit hopeful? My motive for not ever washing my car is not laziness but environmentalism! All that wasted water! My motive for not joining the charity half-marathon in support of cancer research is also not laziness, it's to avoid being tempted into smugness and Pharisaic self-regard if I had done it! But actually John is more pitiless than me. He points out that
We may have attended church – but have we ever really worshipped God? We may have said our prayers – but have we really prayed?
Wow, this is Christianity as practised by the SS – come on now, Mr Bryant, your eyes were closed, you were in a church, but you weren't really praying – were you? Hmm? (Another twist of the thumb-screw, deacon).
John Stott is on much firmer ground when he talks about the collective action of humanity, but he only mentions this in asides. In 1958 the world was reeling from two world wars within forty years of each other, ending with the atom bombs of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. If he was writing in 2008, he'd have been pointing out climate change and general environmental woes, not to mention the one billion people on the planet still suffering in abject poverty. So human waywardness and selfishness - sin, if you like - is real all right. So, okay, let's go with humanity's sin. God's project is to rescue us all from its consequences – great! That's gotta be good news! But he does it in a really wierd way. It's like a Playstation game with hidden levels. It's not the way I would have done it at all.
Stott hammers home that the way God reconciles us with him & frees us (individually, conditionally) from sin is via the sacrifice of Jesus, the Crucifixion. Then he takes a paragraph to say that he can't explain why Christ was crucified. Not really. "Much remains a mystery." But he'll have a go.
1) Christ died as an example. Stott says that Christ demonstrated total non-resistance, complete passivity in the face of authority. If non-Christians persecute you for your belief, do not resist.
To bear unjust suffering patiently brings God's approval... Perhaps nothing is more completely opposed to our natural instincts than this command not to resist. Yet the cross urges us to accept injury, love our enemies and leave the outcome to God.
Whoah. This is very radical stuff. Seriously? So it was unChristian to declare war against the Nazis? Let Hitler and every other Hitler do their genocide dance? Seriously? I really have a hard time deciding what is to be taken literally here.
2) Christ died as our sin-bearer. Now we get mystical. But the idea to begin with is crude. Back in the Old Testament, you sinned and you made a sacrifice. I suppose slaughtering a few sheep & goats was giving up valuable animals as a symbolic gift to God, it's a common thing throughout many religions. The idea of the scapegoat started here. As soon as Jesus appears, John the Baptist identifies him as a human sacrifice : "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world." So apparently, according to Stott who gets it all from St Paul, when Jesus was on the cross
The accumulated sins from the whole of human history were laid upon him… He made them his own. He took full reponsibility for them…. Our sins sent Christ to Hell. He tasted the agony of a soul alienated from God. Bearing our sins, he died our death. He endured instead of us the penalty of separation from God which our sins deserved.
So he had freed us all from the alienation from God which our sins should have brought upon us.
Reconciliation to God was available to all who would trust this Saviour for themselves and receive him as their own.
Ah, there's the catch. The unique sacrifice comes with strings, it is the genuine article but only if you're a Christian. Stott does not comment on the fate of the other two-thirds of humanity.
Stott then remarks : "This simple and wonderful account of sinbearing is strangely unpopular today." Perhaps because it's weird and incomprehensible. But he does not tell us what is the popular interpretation of the crucifixion. Which kind of leaves us dangling.
Stott winds up with an account of what it means to be a Christian, which reminds me of the old Byrds country song :
My buddies tell me that I should have waited
They say I'm missing a whole world of fun
But I still love them and I say with pride
I like the Christian life
I won't lose a friend by heeding God's call
For what is a friend who'd want you to fall
Others find pleasures in things I despise
I like the Christian life
Well, Basic Christianity is written without the paternalistic smugness of C S Lewis' Mere Christianity, but I really feel it might possibly have been a half-way decent account if a non-Christian had been along for the ride, interrogating John Stott a little more thoroughly than he interrogates himself. A little too mystical-twistical in the middle and far too Pol-pottish at the end.
February 15, 2024
Rock solid. I’ve loved using Stott’s Basic Christianity in both evangelistic and discipleship contexts. Stott writes clearly and directly. This books deserves to continue to be read widely.
October 13, 2020
I gave this to my 12-year-old son (he is halfway through it right now). I’m a Christian parent, he is growing up in a Christian home. Though it’s aimed more at the college level, the reading level is fine for him, and I like the tone (I don’t think it fosters arrogance like some apologetics books I’ve seen for young people.). I like how it makes the major themes of Christianity very clear and helps you see them all in context. I love how it emphasizes the need for personal faith and commitment to Christ and not just mental affirmation.
July 15, 2019
I know I'm only 50+ years late to the party, but this is excellent. Clear, winsome, and surprisingly comprehensive. This must still be one of the go-to-books for anyone wanting an introduction to the Christian faith.
December 2, 2024
O carte care constituie adevărate puncte de reper, fiind esențială pentru cei din domeniul economic, guvernamental, academic, jurnalistic și din alte domenii care lucrează direct cu oamenii.
February 27, 2023
A winsome and persuasive welcome to prospective Christians, sound advice for new Christians, and a bevy of good reminders for all Christians.
January 6, 2020
The start of a new year (and a new decade) brings some interesting opportunities. It’s the chance for fresh beginnings. A chance to start over. And a chance to see with fresh eyes. In John Stott’s classic book Basic Christianity, we have the chance to be reintroduced to Jesus Christ and see where we stand with him.
Primarily written for those who want to examine Christianity, this landmark resource has been redesigned and republished as the first volume in the IVP Signature Collection. This series features special editions of iconic books to celebrate the 75th anniversary of InterVarsity Press.
After a one-page forward by Rick Warren, we are challenged to take the right approach to examine Christianity. This means we understand that God has spoken, He has taken action, and we are to respond. The book is broken up into four parts, working as an excellent outline for the readers.
Who Christ Is and What We Need
Part One is on Who Christ Is. First, the claims of Christ focuses on his deity. Stott examines and explains the direct and indirect claims of Jesus. Second, the character of Christ focuses on his sinlessness. Third, we are brought directly to the resurrection of Christ. Interestingly, Stott claims that Christ’s miraculous conception and resurrection do not prove his deity, but they are consistent with it.
Part Two details What We Need. Stott first makes us aware of the fact and nature of sin. He declares the universality of sin, and fittingly lists and explains the Ten Commandments. He does not beat his readers over the head. But he does not cut corners with them either. He makes the keen observation of three consequences of sin: alienation from God, bondage to self, and conflict with others.
What Christ Has Done and How To Respond
In Part Three, we are shown What Christ Has Done. Prominently featured is the death of Christ. Stott makes the memorable mention that Christianity is a rescuer religion, meaning God has taken the initiative in Jesus Christ to rescue us from our sins. This is the theme of the entire Bible. He positions in our minds the centrality of the cross, and makes references from the Old Testament to the New Testament. To be sure, he acknowledges that there is a certain mystery of the cross that we should not try to analyze. Christ died as our example, and He is the bearer of our sin.
With Part Four, Stott shows us How To Respond. Of utmost importance is the call to follow Christ. We are to renounce the old self as well as our sin. And I especially appreciate his boldness in saying that there is no compromise to be made. We are to take up our cross and lose our life. Indeed, Christian conversion is so radical that it changes our attitude toward everything. And as his followers, we are to openly acknowledge Christ through baptism and proclamation. But following Jesus is not without its incentives. It is done for our own sake, for others, and for the glory of Christ.
Basic Christianity
The book ends with the call to reach a decision. Stott convinces us that no one is born a Christian by family or national background. Being a Christian means stressing the relationship we have with Christ. And we have responsibilities including our duties to God, the church, and the world.
Around 4-7 study questions for each chapter are included at the back of the book. This makes it an excellent gift to give to a new believer, and a useful tool for group study or personal devotions. At less than 200 pages, it is a quick and compelling read while providing enough detail and depth to command and convince.
I’ve been a believer since my childhood. I cannot believe I did not read this work until now. While I absolutely recommend it for seekers or new believers, I also recommend it to believers of all ages to get back to the basics. And this book is not an end in itself. Rather, it is a launching pad that made me want to get back to my Bible so I can see more of Christ. And if this is basic Christianity, I can’t wait to see what God shows me next.
I was provided a free copy of Basic Christianity but was not required to write a positive review.
Primarily written for those who want to examine Christianity, this landmark resource has been redesigned and republished as the first volume in the IVP Signature Collection. This series features special editions of iconic books to celebrate the 75th anniversary of InterVarsity Press.
After a one-page forward by Rick Warren, we are challenged to take the right approach to examine Christianity. This means we understand that God has spoken, He has taken action, and we are to respond. The book is broken up into four parts, working as an excellent outline for the readers.
Who Christ Is and What We Need
Part One is on Who Christ Is. First, the claims of Christ focuses on his deity. Stott examines and explains the direct and indirect claims of Jesus. Second, the character of Christ focuses on his sinlessness. Third, we are brought directly to the resurrection of Christ. Interestingly, Stott claims that Christ’s miraculous conception and resurrection do not prove his deity, but they are consistent with it.
Part Two details What We Need. Stott first makes us aware of the fact and nature of sin. He declares the universality of sin, and fittingly lists and explains the Ten Commandments. He does not beat his readers over the head. But he does not cut corners with them either. He makes the keen observation of three consequences of sin: alienation from God, bondage to self, and conflict with others.
What Christ Has Done and How To Respond
In Part Three, we are shown What Christ Has Done. Prominently featured is the death of Christ. Stott makes the memorable mention that Christianity is a rescuer religion, meaning God has taken the initiative in Jesus Christ to rescue us from our sins. This is the theme of the entire Bible. He positions in our minds the centrality of the cross, and makes references from the Old Testament to the New Testament. To be sure, he acknowledges that there is a certain mystery of the cross that we should not try to analyze. Christ died as our example, and He is the bearer of our sin.
With Part Four, Stott shows us How To Respond. Of utmost importance is the call to follow Christ. We are to renounce the old self as well as our sin. And I especially appreciate his boldness in saying that there is no compromise to be made. We are to take up our cross and lose our life. Indeed, Christian conversion is so radical that it changes our attitude toward everything. And as his followers, we are to openly acknowledge Christ through baptism and proclamation. But following Jesus is not without its incentives. It is done for our own sake, for others, and for the glory of Christ.
Basic Christianity
The book ends with the call to reach a decision. Stott convinces us that no one is born a Christian by family or national background. Being a Christian means stressing the relationship we have with Christ. And we have responsibilities including our duties to God, the church, and the world.
Around 4-7 study questions for each chapter are included at the back of the book. This makes it an excellent gift to give to a new believer, and a useful tool for group study or personal devotions. At less than 200 pages, it is a quick and compelling read while providing enough detail and depth to command and convince.
I’ve been a believer since my childhood. I cannot believe I did not read this work until now. While I absolutely recommend it for seekers or new believers, I also recommend it to believers of all ages to get back to the basics. And this book is not an end in itself. Rather, it is a launching pad that made me want to get back to my Bible so I can see more of Christ. And if this is basic Christianity, I can’t wait to see what God shows me next.
I was provided a free copy of Basic Christianity but was not required to write a positive review.
May 8, 2016
It was a good book teaching what Christians should know. I especially enjoyed the last two chapters.
October 3, 2019
Nice and concise little book that gives what it advertises - the basics. Recommend to anyone who wants a bird's eye view of what Christianity is all about: Jesus.
January 11, 2020
I have to admit I was disappointed with this book, especially after it came so highly recommended by many of today's top theologians and apologists. I did not see where Stott offered much insight and there were times when I think he took too much license when explaining the Bible.
I suppose it was written for new believers or curious unbelievers.
I give it a "meh."
I suppose it was written for new believers or curious unbelievers.
I give it a "meh."
May 25, 2025
Very good - would 100% give to someone new to or exploring Christianity. Actually jks, would honestly recommend to any Christian cause it just so beautifully captures and clarifies the ‘basics’ (or more specifically, the ‘essentials’), of our faith.
A note I made on my phone whilst reading:
“Clarifying the Christ: as the LIVING LORD (rather than an intellectual concept or a figment of imagination); and as MY Lord and Saviour (the personal Lord and Saviour).
The accessibility of this Lord today - all we must do is choose/decide to trust him and open the door to him as our Saviour and our Lord.”
A note I made on my phone whilst reading:
“Clarifying the Christ: as the LIVING LORD (rather than an intellectual concept or a figment of imagination); and as MY Lord and Saviour (the personal Lord and Saviour).
The accessibility of this Lord today - all we must do is choose/decide to trust him and open the door to him as our Saviour and our Lord.”
March 22, 2022
Like with Packer's Knowing God, this book deserves a high rating in part because of the high quality of writing. Also like with KG, it took a while for me to get interested. Some parts toward the end sounded Arminian and Baptist.
Rick Warren wrote the forward in one edition.
Preface
Chapter 1: The Right Approach
Ps. 32:9: don't be mindless like a mule—use your mind
Part 1: Christ's Person
Chapter 2: The Claims of Christ
Chapter 3: The Character of Christ
Chapter 4: The Resurrection of Christ
Part 2: Man's Need
Chapter 5: The Fact and Nature of Sin
Ten Commandments; Spurgeon
Chapter 6: The Consequences of Sin
great comparison of Moses, Job, Isaiah, Ezekiel, Paul, and John
more Ten Commandments
Part 3: Christ's Work
Chapter 7: The Death of Christ
Chapter 8: The Salvation of Christ
Part 3: Man's Response
Chapter 9: Counting the Cost
See here: "Christians should stop society from deteriorating, by helping to preserve moral standards, influence public opinion, and secure just legislation."
Chapter 10: Reaching a Decision
Holman Hunt's painting "The Light of the World" (1853) —> Christ knocks, but we must open (no handle on the outside).
Chapter 11: Being a Christian
The family analogy for sanctification is a good one: sin doesn't erase the official relationship status, but it can damage the level of fellowship. Infants should grow up (importance of self-discipline).
Rick Warren wrote the forward in one edition.
Preface
Chapter 1: The Right Approach
Ps. 32:9: don't be mindless like a mule—use your mind
Part 1: Christ's Person
Chapter 2: The Claims of Christ
Chapter 3: The Character of Christ
Chapter 4: The Resurrection of Christ
Part 2: Man's Need
Chapter 5: The Fact and Nature of Sin
Ten Commandments; Spurgeon
Chapter 6: The Consequences of Sin
great comparison of Moses, Job, Isaiah, Ezekiel, Paul, and John
more Ten Commandments
Part 3: Christ's Work
Chapter 7: The Death of Christ
Chapter 8: The Salvation of Christ
Part 3: Man's Response
Chapter 9: Counting the Cost
See here: "Christians should stop society from deteriorating, by helping to preserve moral standards, influence public opinion, and secure just legislation."
Chapter 10: Reaching a Decision
Holman Hunt's painting "The Light of the World" (1853) —> Christ knocks, but we must open (no handle on the outside).
Chapter 11: Being a Christian
The family analogy for sanctification is a good one: sin doesn't erase the official relationship status, but it can damage the level of fellowship. Infants should grow up (importance of self-discipline).
November 19, 2014
Good for what it is.
I would cautiously recommend it to someone who has just become a Christian and knows nothing about the faith.
I guess the title is accurate, although it is slanted in favor of the Evangelical Protestant perspective entirely.
I dislike the author's insistence that one use a modern translation of the Bible.
It's as if the Protestant church has decided to bury the KJV as fast as possible. Sorry, I still prefer it.
I would cautiously recommend it to someone who has just become a Christian and knows nothing about the faith.
I guess the title is accurate, although it is slanted in favor of the Evangelical Protestant perspective entirely.
I dislike the author's insistence that one use a modern translation of the Bible.
It's as if the Protestant church has decided to bury the KJV as fast as possible. Sorry, I still prefer it.
June 28, 2023
This book read really nicely and flowed seamlessly while explaining the redemption story. First, beginning with Christ and His claims and ending with the Christians' responsibility. I really enjoyed being reminded of the foundational truths of Christianity and would recommend this to those who are exploring Christianity or who are new to the faith. There was something refreshing about this one that made me grow in my love for Jesus even more. I will probably go back to this one again in the future!
February 20, 2024
Read with Y9 & Y7 students. This is a great, thorough overview of what Christianity is, the defense of it and what being a Christian means. I really like the tone and straightforward nature of his writing. It encouraged some good discussions with the kids and I plan to revisit this one with my younger kids when they’re older.
April 11, 2025
Beautiful!
August 2, 2024
Just a good book
December 31, 2022
Yep, pretty basic and definitely about christianity. Basic Christianity is, I think, a how-to guide for evangelizing those already leaning towards Christ. It begins with the assumption that the judeo-christian bible is true, authoritative, and correct, always a dangerous starting ground for debate and especially so if your debate adversary doesn't accept your foundational premise.
Funny how such books never start with "Say your talking with someone who's not interested, never been interested, and doesn't care to even talk on the subject..."
I recently had a group meeting and one individual was a devout born-again christian. The subject wasn't christianity, Christ, the church, or anything remotely related to faith. Just about every sentence spoken by this individual had some Christ or church reference in it. Finally our host asked our would-be evangelist to either stay on subject or leave.
I've encountered such people for better than two-thirds of my life. I always want to ask, "Are you so insecure in your belief that you can't be quietly comfortable with it? Is it impossible for you to walk your talk and let that be your testimony? So much so that people, witnessing your state, ask how to achieve it themselves?"
But such a discussion never occurs. I know. I've tried.
Sigh.
Funny how such books never start with "Say your talking with someone who's not interested, never been interested, and doesn't care to even talk on the subject..."
I recently had a group meeting and one individual was a devout born-again christian. The subject wasn't christianity, Christ, the church, or anything remotely related to faith. Just about every sentence spoken by this individual had some Christ or church reference in it. Finally our host asked our would-be evangelist to either stay on subject or leave.
I've encountered such people for better than two-thirds of my life. I always want to ask, "Are you so insecure in your belief that you can't be quietly comfortable with it? Is it impossible for you to walk your talk and let that be your testimony? So much so that people, witnessing your state, ask how to achieve it themselves?"
But such a discussion never occurs. I know. I've tried.
Sigh.
Read
November 24, 2021"But if the genius Shakepeare could come and live in me, then I could write plays like that. And if the spirit of Jesus could come and live in me, then I could live like that..to have him as an example is not enough "
Whoever loses his life will save it. The word for life here denotes neither physical existence nor our soul but our self. The psyche is the ego the human personality which thinks feels, plans, and chooses. When the Christian loses himself, he finds himself. He discovers his true identity. In order to follow Christ we have to deny ourselves to crucify ourselves to lose ourselves.
To take up the cross is to put oneself into the position of a condemned man on his way to execution. In other words, the attitude to self which we are to adopt is of crucifixion.
[Christ] does not call us to a sloppy half heartedness but to a vigorous absolute commitment...The astonishing idea is current in some circles today that we can enjoy the benefits of Christ's salvation without accepting the challenge of His sovereign Lordship. Such an unbalanced notion is not to be found in the NT.
Whoever loses his life will save it. The word for life here denotes neither physical existence nor our soul but our self. The psyche is the ego the human personality which thinks feels, plans, and chooses. When the Christian loses himself, he finds himself. He discovers his true identity. In order to follow Christ we have to deny ourselves to crucify ourselves to lose ourselves.
To take up the cross is to put oneself into the position of a condemned man on his way to execution. In other words, the attitude to self which we are to adopt is of crucifixion.
[Christ] does not call us to a sloppy half heartedness but to a vigorous absolute commitment...The astonishing idea is current in some circles today that we can enjoy the benefits of Christ's salvation without accepting the challenge of His sovereign Lordship. Such an unbalanced notion is not to be found in the NT.
December 20, 2018
There is one concept in John R W. Stott’s classic devotional-apologetical work, Basic Christianity that I wish I had used to assure believers over my entire ministry. Stott writes, “Do not be in too great a hurry to discover God’s will for your life. If you are surrendered to it and waiting on God to disclose it, he will make it known to you in his own time.” (p. 113) So many times in my ministry, I have tried to provide guidance for people who were certain that they needed to accomplish some great work for God (as compensation for past failures? Or, as a desire to be “special” and an indicator that one hasn’t truly learned to deny oneself?) when they really needed to get down to basics. And, alas, too many times in my life, I have sought out the new, the esoteric, the complex, or the sophisticated when I just needed to explain or share something with sincere simplicity. Reading Basic Christianity has reminded me of this, and it has been a healthy reminder.
Basic Christianity is a short treatise on very elementary tenets of the Christian faith: divinity of Christ, reality of sin (instead of original sin, I prefer to call it “universal entropy”), necessity of salvation (though Stott uses traditional wording here, I prefer to point out that it takes “energy” to overcome “entropy” and it takes “divine energy” to overcome humanity’s entropy toward failure), the foundation of salvation (essentials in “accepting Christ”), and guidelines for Christian living. Although the position might be labeled “ultra-conservative,” I find myself in major agreement with Stott on almost every point. On a few points, however, I think he is over-exuberant.
I appreciated the emphasis on God’s initiative (p. 15). So many people are looking for the right philosophy/theology to set things right in their lives or the right ethic/code to keep them moving forward, as opposed to recognizing that a transcendent power provides a bridge between human frailty and eternal possibility. Stott offers both direct and indirect arguments for the divinity of Christ. Most follow well-trod ground, but Stott proffered indirect evidence by pointing out the distinction between Christ and human mystics (pp. 38-39). As human mystics search for “god,” “meaning,” etc., they usually become more and more convinced of their inadequacy. We don’t see that in Jesus Christ, the One who is closest to God doesn’t react like the list of those who try to hide or fall to the ground in God’s proximity (ie. Moses, Job, Isiah, Ezekiel, Saul of Tarsus, and John the Seer—p. 72).
I also appreciated the emphasis on three types of salvation which God provides: 1) rescue from death via Christ’s suffering, 2) transformation of our nature/being/personality through the presence of the Holy Spirit, and 3) replacement of fractured relationships with the (hopefully) nurturing and cooperative fellowship of an authentic church (p. 81). I liked the quotation from a 16th century minister named Richard Hooker on pp. 96-97: “…man hath sinned and God hath suffered; God hath made himself the sin of men, and that men are made the righteousness of God.”
Stott builds on that to explain the work of Christ as: “There is healing through his wounds, life through his death, pardon through his pain, salvation through his suffering.” (p. 97)
But when I earlier typed about agreeing on “almost every point,” I must share my reasoning lest one think I am against Basic Christianity. Although Stott assembles some valid observations about evidence for Christ’s divinity, it seems like he goes overboard in interpreting the verb which describes the condition of the graveclothes after the resurrection. Stott gives great significance to what is translated in John 20:7 as: “wrapped together in a place by itself” (Geneva Bible, 1599), “was tied, not laid by the linens, but aside” (in original, das Haupt gebunden war, nicht zu den Leinen gelegt, sondern beiseits,--Luther’s Bible—mid 16th century), “rolled up by itself, a little way apart” (J.B. Phillips translation, 1960), “folded up in a separate place” (Holman Christian Standard Bible), “rolled up in a place by itself,” or “wrapped together in a place by itself.” But Stott takes this idea of being “twisted” or “rolled up” as evidence that the wrappings had dropped in situ at exactly the place where the head would have been (p. 53). Since this doesn’t have to be the interpretation of that phrase, it seems like an unnecessary appendage to a generally positive discussion.
My major objection has to do with context as opposed to message. Stott rightly emphasizes that accepting Christ requires a definite, individual decision. Unfortunately, in speaking of a sinner receiving Christ, he uses the familiar verse from the Book of Revelation where Jesus stands at the door and knocks. But Jesus isn’t speaking to unbelievers in this passage. He is speaking to the members of the Church of Laodicea. To be sure, this church is not anywhere near being what the church is supposed to be, but Stott presumes when he declares them unbelievers with his “Christians in name only” designation (p. 123). He is right that God takes the initiative in reaching out to humanity, but using this verse and building so much on it is questionable and doesn’t take the canonical context seriously.
Still, as one would expect with a book entitled Basic Christianity, one would expect plenty of principles for a believer or would-be believer to build upon. That is definitely the case. I hope my objections don’t detract from this. Also, so that I don’t end on a negative note, let me cite a couple of poetic verses Stott quoted and I found meaningful. I loved Arthur Hugh Clough’s satirical view of obeying the commandments:
“’Thou shalt not kill’, but need’st not strive
Officiously, to keep alive;
‘Thou shalt not steal’,--an empty feat
When it’s much more lucrative to cheat.” (p. 68)
Now, there’s a great description of a Pharisaical following of the “letter of the Law” while violating the Spirit if I ever heard one. There is also a wonderful verse about love, though unattributed.
“Love ever gives,
Forgives, outlives,
And ever stands with open hands,
And while it lives, it gives.
For this is love’s prerogative,
To give—and give—and give.” (p. 79)
There really weren’t any surprises in Basic Christianity, but reading it was a lot like listening to a well-constructed sermon (despite my minor reservations).
Basic Christianity is a short treatise on very elementary tenets of the Christian faith: divinity of Christ, reality of sin (instead of original sin, I prefer to call it “universal entropy”), necessity of salvation (though Stott uses traditional wording here, I prefer to point out that it takes “energy” to overcome “entropy” and it takes “divine energy” to overcome humanity’s entropy toward failure), the foundation of salvation (essentials in “accepting Christ”), and guidelines for Christian living. Although the position might be labeled “ultra-conservative,” I find myself in major agreement with Stott on almost every point. On a few points, however, I think he is over-exuberant.
I appreciated the emphasis on God’s initiative (p. 15). So many people are looking for the right philosophy/theology to set things right in their lives or the right ethic/code to keep them moving forward, as opposed to recognizing that a transcendent power provides a bridge between human frailty and eternal possibility. Stott offers both direct and indirect arguments for the divinity of Christ. Most follow well-trod ground, but Stott proffered indirect evidence by pointing out the distinction between Christ and human mystics (pp. 38-39). As human mystics search for “god,” “meaning,” etc., they usually become more and more convinced of their inadequacy. We don’t see that in Jesus Christ, the One who is closest to God doesn’t react like the list of those who try to hide or fall to the ground in God’s proximity (ie. Moses, Job, Isiah, Ezekiel, Saul of Tarsus, and John the Seer—p. 72).
I also appreciated the emphasis on three types of salvation which God provides: 1) rescue from death via Christ’s suffering, 2) transformation of our nature/being/personality through the presence of the Holy Spirit, and 3) replacement of fractured relationships with the (hopefully) nurturing and cooperative fellowship of an authentic church (p. 81). I liked the quotation from a 16th century minister named Richard Hooker on pp. 96-97: “…man hath sinned and God hath suffered; God hath made himself the sin of men, and that men are made the righteousness of God.”
Stott builds on that to explain the work of Christ as: “There is healing through his wounds, life through his death, pardon through his pain, salvation through his suffering.” (p. 97)
But when I earlier typed about agreeing on “almost every point,” I must share my reasoning lest one think I am against Basic Christianity. Although Stott assembles some valid observations about evidence for Christ’s divinity, it seems like he goes overboard in interpreting the verb which describes the condition of the graveclothes after the resurrection. Stott gives great significance to what is translated in John 20:7 as: “wrapped together in a place by itself” (Geneva Bible, 1599), “was tied, not laid by the linens, but aside” (in original, das Haupt gebunden war, nicht zu den Leinen gelegt, sondern beiseits,--Luther’s Bible—mid 16th century), “rolled up by itself, a little way apart” (J.B. Phillips translation, 1960), “folded up in a separate place” (Holman Christian Standard Bible), “rolled up in a place by itself,” or “wrapped together in a place by itself.” But Stott takes this idea of being “twisted” or “rolled up” as evidence that the wrappings had dropped in situ at exactly the place where the head would have been (p. 53). Since this doesn’t have to be the interpretation of that phrase, it seems like an unnecessary appendage to a generally positive discussion.
My major objection has to do with context as opposed to message. Stott rightly emphasizes that accepting Christ requires a definite, individual decision. Unfortunately, in speaking of a sinner receiving Christ, he uses the familiar verse from the Book of Revelation where Jesus stands at the door and knocks. But Jesus isn’t speaking to unbelievers in this passage. He is speaking to the members of the Church of Laodicea. To be sure, this church is not anywhere near being what the church is supposed to be, but Stott presumes when he declares them unbelievers with his “Christians in name only” designation (p. 123). He is right that God takes the initiative in reaching out to humanity, but using this verse and building so much on it is questionable and doesn’t take the canonical context seriously.
Still, as one would expect with a book entitled Basic Christianity, one would expect plenty of principles for a believer or would-be believer to build upon. That is definitely the case. I hope my objections don’t detract from this. Also, so that I don’t end on a negative note, let me cite a couple of poetic verses Stott quoted and I found meaningful. I loved Arthur Hugh Clough’s satirical view of obeying the commandments:
“’Thou shalt not kill’, but need’st not strive
Officiously, to keep alive;
‘Thou shalt not steal’,--an empty feat
When it’s much more lucrative to cheat.” (p. 68)
Now, there’s a great description of a Pharisaical following of the “letter of the Law” while violating the Spirit if I ever heard one. There is also a wonderful verse about love, though unattributed.
“Love ever gives,
Forgives, outlives,
And ever stands with open hands,
And while it lives, it gives.
For this is love’s prerogative,
To give—and give—and give.” (p. 79)
There really weren’t any surprises in Basic Christianity, but reading it was a lot like listening to a well-constructed sermon (despite my minor reservations).
Read
October 31, 2013I was expecting this book to be a mini-systematic theology, an introduction to the fundamental doctrines of Christianity but it turned out to be quite a devotional and worshipful read that largely focused on the question of “Who is Jesus?” John Stott paints a beautiful portrait of Jesus Christ from the Scriptures and must definitely read it to see how challenging, wonderful, and awesome Jesus Christ truly is. This work is evangelistic, being conscious of nonbelievers reading this work while remaining faithful to the Scriptures in a winsome manner. In fact, it’s clear that Stott wishes that it would be the Scriptures and the verse cited that will do it’s work in the readers. Again, a great book and also practical towards the end of how to walk in Christ after one comes to repentance and trust in Jesus. Even older Christians will benefit from the work’s discussion about Jesus. There’s a reason why this work has been a classic for over fifty years and I’m glad I got around to reading it.
May 28, 2017
First sentence: 'In the beginning God,' the first four words of the Bible are more than an introduction to the creation story or to the book of Genesis. They supply the key which opens our understanding to the Bible as a whole. They tell us that the religion of the Bible is a religion of the initiative of God.
Premise/plot: Basic Christianity by John Stott is a Christian classic for a reason: it is GOOD. It addresses the basics of the Christian faith: what sets Christianity apart from every other religion. The book is divided into four sections that flow together really well. In the first part, Stott examines "Christ's Person." Who was Jesus? Who did Jesus say he was? who did he claim to be? Why should anyone--living in the first century or this century--believe Jesus to be the son of God? In the second part, Stott ventures forth into unpopular territory: "Man's Need." In other words, SIN is real, and it's your problem and mine. In the third section, Stott returns to the subject of Christ, "Christ's Work." This section deals with the death of Christ and the salvation Christ brings to believers. In the fourth and final section, Stott addresses, "Man's Response." Stott, for better or worse, was NOT reformed. And in this section, he argues that Christ is patiently waiting outside the door of your heart knocking, hoping that you'll take him up on his offer of eternal life. (Stott seems to have forgotten the whole SIN condition from previous chapters.) But it isn't just about positively responding to the altar call. No, Stott touches briefly on how to live the Christian life, what happens after 'you ask Jesus into your heart.'
My thoughts: I thought this was a GREAT book for the most part. I didn't love all of it; I would rewrite the last few chapters perhaps. BUT. Stott gives readers much to think about. And he writes in a way that doesn't compromise the truth of the Bible; he writes for agnostics and skeptics and seekers.
I also appreciate the fact that this one is SHORT.
Quotes:
You can never take God by surprise. You can never anticipate him. He always makes the first move. He is always there 'in the beginning.' Before man existed, God acted. Before man stirs himself to seek God, God has sought man. In the Bible we do not see man groping after God; we see God reaching after man. John Stott
The Gospel is not primarily an invitation to man to do anything; it is supremely a declaration of what God has done in Christ for human beings like ourselves. John Stott
Christianity is a religion of salvation, and there is nothing in the non-Christian religions to compare with this message of a God who loved, and came after, and died for, a world of lost sinners. God has spoken. God has acted. The record and interpretation of these divine words and deeds is to be found in the Bible. And there for many people they remain. As far as they are concerned, what God has said and done belong to past history; it has not yet come out of history into experience, out of the Bible into life. God has spoken; but have we listened to his word? God has acted; but have we benefited from what he has done? John Stott
Christ is the center of Christianity; all else is circumference. John Stott
The most striking feature of the teaching of Jesus is that he was constantly talking about himself. It is true that he spoke much about the fatherhood of God and the kingdom of God. But then he added that he was the Father's Son and that he had come to inaugurate the kingdom. Entry into the kingdom depended on men's response to him. He even did not hesitate to call the kingdom of God my kingdom. This self-centeredness of the teaching of Jesus immediately sets him apart from the other great religious teachers of the world. John Stott
So close was his identification with God that it was natural for him to equate a man's attitude to himself with his attitude to God. Thus to know him was to know God; to see him was to see God; to believe in him was to believe in God; to receive him was to receive him was to receive God; to hate him was to hate God; to honor him was to honor God. John Stott
There is no self-interest in love. The essence of love is self-sacrifice. Jesus was sinless because he was selfless. Such selflessness is love. And God is love. John Stott
In order to appreciate the work which Jesus accomplished, we must understand who we are as well as who he was. John Stott
Whenever our behavior is inconsistent with our belief, or our practice contradicts our preaching, we take God's name in vain. To take God's name in vain is to talk one way and act another. John Stott
Man's highest destiny is to know God. John Stott
God's order is that we put him first, others next, self last. Sin is the reversal of the order. It is to put ourselves first, our neighbor next, and God somewhere in the background. John Stott
It is more natural to us to talk than to listen, to argue than to submit. John Stott
All that was achieved through the death of Jesus on the cross had its origin in the mind and heart of the eternal God. No explanation of Christ's death or man's salvation which fails to do justice to this fact is loyal to the teaching of the Bible. John Stott
He died to atone for our sins for the simple reason that we cannot atone for them ourselves. John Stott
Every Christian can echo these words. There is healing through his wounds, life through his death, pardon through his pain, salvation through his suffering. John Stott
Repentance and faith belong together. We cannot follow Christ without forsaking sin. Repentance is a definite turn from every thought, word, deed and habit which is known to be wrong. It is not sufficient to feel pangs of remorse or to make some kind of apology to God. Fundamentally, repentance is a matter neither of emotion nor of speech. It is an inward change of mind and attitude towards sin which leads to a change of behavior. John Stott
Every day the Christian is to die. Every day he renounces the sovereignty of his own will. Every day he renews his unconditional surrender to Jesus Christ. John Stott
He asks no more than he gave. He asks a cross for a cross. Only a sight of the cross will make us willing to deny ourselves and follow Christ. Our little crosses are eclipsed by his. John Stott
Premise/plot: Basic Christianity by John Stott is a Christian classic for a reason: it is GOOD. It addresses the basics of the Christian faith: what sets Christianity apart from every other religion. The book is divided into four sections that flow together really well. In the first part, Stott examines "Christ's Person." Who was Jesus? Who did Jesus say he was? who did he claim to be? Why should anyone--living in the first century or this century--believe Jesus to be the son of God? In the second part, Stott ventures forth into unpopular territory: "Man's Need." In other words, SIN is real, and it's your problem and mine. In the third section, Stott returns to the subject of Christ, "Christ's Work." This section deals with the death of Christ and the salvation Christ brings to believers. In the fourth and final section, Stott addresses, "Man's Response." Stott, for better or worse, was NOT reformed. And in this section, he argues that Christ is patiently waiting outside the door of your heart knocking, hoping that you'll take him up on his offer of eternal life. (Stott seems to have forgotten the whole SIN condition from previous chapters.) But it isn't just about positively responding to the altar call. No, Stott touches briefly on how to live the Christian life, what happens after 'you ask Jesus into your heart.'
My thoughts: I thought this was a GREAT book for the most part. I didn't love all of it; I would rewrite the last few chapters perhaps. BUT. Stott gives readers much to think about. And he writes in a way that doesn't compromise the truth of the Bible; he writes for agnostics and skeptics and seekers.
I also appreciate the fact that this one is SHORT.
Quotes:
You can never take God by surprise. You can never anticipate him. He always makes the first move. He is always there 'in the beginning.' Before man existed, God acted. Before man stirs himself to seek God, God has sought man. In the Bible we do not see man groping after God; we see God reaching after man. John Stott
The Gospel is not primarily an invitation to man to do anything; it is supremely a declaration of what God has done in Christ for human beings like ourselves. John Stott
Christianity is a religion of salvation, and there is nothing in the non-Christian religions to compare with this message of a God who loved, and came after, and died for, a world of lost sinners. God has spoken. God has acted. The record and interpretation of these divine words and deeds is to be found in the Bible. And there for many people they remain. As far as they are concerned, what God has said and done belong to past history; it has not yet come out of history into experience, out of the Bible into life. God has spoken; but have we listened to his word? God has acted; but have we benefited from what he has done? John Stott
Christ is the center of Christianity; all else is circumference. John Stott
The most striking feature of the teaching of Jesus is that he was constantly talking about himself. It is true that he spoke much about the fatherhood of God and the kingdom of God. But then he added that he was the Father's Son and that he had come to inaugurate the kingdom. Entry into the kingdom depended on men's response to him. He even did not hesitate to call the kingdom of God my kingdom. This self-centeredness of the teaching of Jesus immediately sets him apart from the other great religious teachers of the world. John Stott
So close was his identification with God that it was natural for him to equate a man's attitude to himself with his attitude to God. Thus to know him was to know God; to see him was to see God; to believe in him was to believe in God; to receive him was to receive him was to receive God; to hate him was to hate God; to honor him was to honor God. John Stott
There is no self-interest in love. The essence of love is self-sacrifice. Jesus was sinless because he was selfless. Such selflessness is love. And God is love. John Stott
In order to appreciate the work which Jesus accomplished, we must understand who we are as well as who he was. John Stott
Whenever our behavior is inconsistent with our belief, or our practice contradicts our preaching, we take God's name in vain. To take God's name in vain is to talk one way and act another. John Stott
Man's highest destiny is to know God. John Stott
God's order is that we put him first, others next, self last. Sin is the reversal of the order. It is to put ourselves first, our neighbor next, and God somewhere in the background. John Stott
It is more natural to us to talk than to listen, to argue than to submit. John Stott
All that was achieved through the death of Jesus on the cross had its origin in the mind and heart of the eternal God. No explanation of Christ's death or man's salvation which fails to do justice to this fact is loyal to the teaching of the Bible. John Stott
He died to atone for our sins for the simple reason that we cannot atone for them ourselves. John Stott
Every Christian can echo these words. There is healing through his wounds, life through his death, pardon through his pain, salvation through his suffering. John Stott
Repentance and faith belong together. We cannot follow Christ without forsaking sin. Repentance is a definite turn from every thought, word, deed and habit which is known to be wrong. It is not sufficient to feel pangs of remorse or to make some kind of apology to God. Fundamentally, repentance is a matter neither of emotion nor of speech. It is an inward change of mind and attitude towards sin which leads to a change of behavior. John Stott
Every day the Christian is to die. Every day he renounces the sovereignty of his own will. Every day he renews his unconditional surrender to Jesus Christ. John Stott
He asks no more than he gave. He asks a cross for a cross. Only a sight of the cross will make us willing to deny ourselves and follow Christ. Our little crosses are eclipsed by his. John Stott
October 31, 2009
I needed to take this in small doses as Dr. Stott is an extremely intelegent man and digestion of his thoughts helps. I'd put this with Lewis's Mere Christanity as they sort of compliment. (I like Lewis best if I need to choose, but also like Dr, stoot. they both humble me.)
June 1, 2009
Excellent.
March 20, 2017
So straightforward; I enjoyed it much more than I thought I would.
December 27, 2024
I first heard of John Stott’s Basic Christianity from Derek Thomas, a reformed preacher who expressed his great love for the book, as he once read the opening prayer in the book as a young unsaved boy and then upon finishing was on his knees asking God to save him.
It’s easy to see why this book has had such long life as it has been such a ministry. The very opening lines of the book puts us right in our place “Before man stirs himself to seek God, God sought man. In the Bible we do not see man groping after God; we see God reaching after man.” Stott begins his convincing pitch of the Christian faith by telling of the person and works of Christ. And in this section of the book he achieves so much, elegantly organizing such an apologetical body of evidence in a manner difficult for the reader to resist.
Stott’s opening chapters attack the many misrepresentations of Jesus in the modern age, and lay out a biblical picture of Christ’s claims, character, and resurrection. “We cannot any longer regard Jesus as simply a great teacher if he was completely mistaken in one of the chief subjects of his teaching — himself.” Indeed, Christ is often regarded in the same category as Ghandi, Confucius or some other “wise” folk from history, but Christ proclaimed his unique deity as the Son of God time and again. Not only did he proclaim it, but it was so obvious to him it didn’t even require emphasis. His membership in the triune Godhead was evident to all who witnessed his holiness and miracles, and even his enemies conceded his innocence.
In chapter 4, Stott so brilliantly dismantles the many conspiracy theories surrounding Christ’s death and resurrection, beginning with the foolish idea that the women who discovered Jesus had risen simply entered the wrong tomb. Would those who watched his entire process of burial just days before have forgotten which tomb he lay? And would Peter and John and Joseph and Nicodemus done the very same? Furthermore, he addresses another silly conspiracy that Jesus’ followers simply removed his body and proclaimed his resurrection, which, if true, would mean they were tortured, imprisoned and died all for a lie. Finally, he dismantles the conspiracy of the fabrication of Christ’s resurrection via a full dissertation on the many eye-witness accounts of Christ’s presence post resurrection. Not only did he appear to many people individually, including Mary Magdalene, Peter and James, but to over 500 people in various places, and all of the accounts corroborate in thousands of scriptural manuscripts. A truly brilliant series of theological treatises on Christ’s person and work.
Next, Stott addresses man’s need for a savior, walking through how each of us has fallen short, starting with our violation of each of the 10 commandments. And so brilliantly does he explain our total depravity, pointing to many examples of our falleness and its consequences. He then walks the reader through the consequences of sin, “Sin brings inevitable separation, and this seperation is ‘death’, spiritual death, the severance of a person from God, the only source of true life.” He goes on to point out Christ’s diagnosis of the many ills of human society to one culprit: man’s very nature.
After explaining the reality and penalty of sin, Stott explains and defends the propitiatory death and resurrection of Christ. He starts by dismantling the argument that Christ merely died as an example, brilliantly pointing out that if Christ died as an example, there is a lot that goes unexplained in scripture and our human need for a savior would go unmet. Stott clings to the truth of scioture in his exposition of Christ’s death and resurrection: “Christ had ‘opened the gate of heaven to all believers’. And thirty six-hours later he was raised from death to prove he had not died in vain”. He was made sin at Calvary, dying the death we could not die to pay for a debt we could not pay.
In the chapter “Salvation of Christ”, Stott walks through the great benefits of being a citizen in God’s kingdom. Firstly, explaining the theology of the Holy Spirit, his eternal existence and membership in the Godhead, and his active role in every believer’s sanctification. “And so it is no good showing f me a life like the loce of Jesus and telling me to live like that. Jesus could do it; I can’t. But if the genius of Shakespeare could come and live in me, then I could write plays like that. And if the Spirit of Jesus could come and live in me, then I could live a life like that.”
Stott goes on to explain God’s calling to man “We may believe in the fiery and the salvation of Christ, and acknowledge ourselves to be sinners in need of his salvation; but this does not make us Christians. We have to make a personal response to Jesus Christ, committing ourselves unreservedly to him as our Saviour and Lord.” Stott goes on to condemn the rampant nominal Christianity we see today, particularly in the west. And it is still so relevant today, as we see many cover themselves with a “thin veneer of Christianity” as to protect them like a “great, soft cushion”. Never living with zeal or passion for the Lord, but simply going through the motions to reap the cultural, social, and even political benefits.
Stott then begins the close to his book with a call to repentance. “…repentance is a matter of neither emotion nor of speech. It is an inward change of mind and attitude towards sin which leads to a change of behavior.” Then, we will do all that we can to redress the past.
Second, Stott walks through the Christian’s necessary renunciation of self, by turning away from our strong self-will and surrendering to Christ. The call to deny oneself and take up your cross is a message exclusive to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and Stott walks the reader through what that means so clearly. He finishes the 3 sayings Jesus used to describe the renunciation of self; lose our life. Stott makes a brilliant point: when a Christian does this, he does not lose his personal self, but finds it, his true identity in Christ.
Stott then so pointedly warns and invites the reader into the Christian life honestly:
“If, then, you suffer from moral anaemia, take my advice and steer clear of Christianity. If you wantto live a life of easy-going self-indulgence, whatever you do, do not become a Christian.
But if you want a life of self-discovery, deeply satisfying to the nature God has given you; if you want a life of adventure in which you have the privilege of serving him and your fellow men; if you want a life in which to express something of the overwhelming gratitude you are beginning to feel for him who died for you, then I would urge you to yield your life, without reserve and without delay, to your Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.”
Amen
It’s easy to see why this book has had such long life as it has been such a ministry. The very opening lines of the book puts us right in our place “Before man stirs himself to seek God, God sought man. In the Bible we do not see man groping after God; we see God reaching after man.” Stott begins his convincing pitch of the Christian faith by telling of the person and works of Christ. And in this section of the book he achieves so much, elegantly organizing such an apologetical body of evidence in a manner difficult for the reader to resist.
Stott’s opening chapters attack the many misrepresentations of Jesus in the modern age, and lay out a biblical picture of Christ’s claims, character, and resurrection. “We cannot any longer regard Jesus as simply a great teacher if he was completely mistaken in one of the chief subjects of his teaching — himself.” Indeed, Christ is often regarded in the same category as Ghandi, Confucius or some other “wise” folk from history, but Christ proclaimed his unique deity as the Son of God time and again. Not only did he proclaim it, but it was so obvious to him it didn’t even require emphasis. His membership in the triune Godhead was evident to all who witnessed his holiness and miracles, and even his enemies conceded his innocence.
In chapter 4, Stott so brilliantly dismantles the many conspiracy theories surrounding Christ’s death and resurrection, beginning with the foolish idea that the women who discovered Jesus had risen simply entered the wrong tomb. Would those who watched his entire process of burial just days before have forgotten which tomb he lay? And would Peter and John and Joseph and Nicodemus done the very same? Furthermore, he addresses another silly conspiracy that Jesus’ followers simply removed his body and proclaimed his resurrection, which, if true, would mean they were tortured, imprisoned and died all for a lie. Finally, he dismantles the conspiracy of the fabrication of Christ’s resurrection via a full dissertation on the many eye-witness accounts of Christ’s presence post resurrection. Not only did he appear to many people individually, including Mary Magdalene, Peter and James, but to over 500 people in various places, and all of the accounts corroborate in thousands of scriptural manuscripts. A truly brilliant series of theological treatises on Christ’s person and work.
Next, Stott addresses man’s need for a savior, walking through how each of us has fallen short, starting with our violation of each of the 10 commandments. And so brilliantly does he explain our total depravity, pointing to many examples of our falleness and its consequences. He then walks the reader through the consequences of sin, “Sin brings inevitable separation, and this seperation is ‘death’, spiritual death, the severance of a person from God, the only source of true life.” He goes on to point out Christ’s diagnosis of the many ills of human society to one culprit: man’s very nature.
After explaining the reality and penalty of sin, Stott explains and defends the propitiatory death and resurrection of Christ. He starts by dismantling the argument that Christ merely died as an example, brilliantly pointing out that if Christ died as an example, there is a lot that goes unexplained in scripture and our human need for a savior would go unmet. Stott clings to the truth of scioture in his exposition of Christ’s death and resurrection: “Christ had ‘opened the gate of heaven to all believers’. And thirty six-hours later he was raised from death to prove he had not died in vain”. He was made sin at Calvary, dying the death we could not die to pay for a debt we could not pay.
In the chapter “Salvation of Christ”, Stott walks through the great benefits of being a citizen in God’s kingdom. Firstly, explaining the theology of the Holy Spirit, his eternal existence and membership in the Godhead, and his active role in every believer’s sanctification. “And so it is no good showing f me a life like the loce of Jesus and telling me to live like that. Jesus could do it; I can’t. But if the genius of Shakespeare could come and live in me, then I could write plays like that. And if the Spirit of Jesus could come and live in me, then I could live a life like that.”
Stott goes on to explain God’s calling to man “We may believe in the fiery and the salvation of Christ, and acknowledge ourselves to be sinners in need of his salvation; but this does not make us Christians. We have to make a personal response to Jesus Christ, committing ourselves unreservedly to him as our Saviour and Lord.” Stott goes on to condemn the rampant nominal Christianity we see today, particularly in the west. And it is still so relevant today, as we see many cover themselves with a “thin veneer of Christianity” as to protect them like a “great, soft cushion”. Never living with zeal or passion for the Lord, but simply going through the motions to reap the cultural, social, and even political benefits.
Stott then begins the close to his book with a call to repentance. “…repentance is a matter of neither emotion nor of speech. It is an inward change of mind and attitude towards sin which leads to a change of behavior.” Then, we will do all that we can to redress the past.
Second, Stott walks through the Christian’s necessary renunciation of self, by turning away from our strong self-will and surrendering to Christ. The call to deny oneself and take up your cross is a message exclusive to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and Stott walks the reader through what that means so clearly. He finishes the 3 sayings Jesus used to describe the renunciation of self; lose our life. Stott makes a brilliant point: when a Christian does this, he does not lose his personal self, but finds it, his true identity in Christ.
Stott then so pointedly warns and invites the reader into the Christian life honestly:
“If, then, you suffer from moral anaemia, take my advice and steer clear of Christianity. If you wantto live a life of easy-going self-indulgence, whatever you do, do not become a Christian.
But if you want a life of self-discovery, deeply satisfying to the nature God has given you; if you want a life of adventure in which you have the privilege of serving him and your fellow men; if you want a life in which to express something of the overwhelming gratitude you are beginning to feel for him who died for you, then I would urge you to yield your life, without reserve and without delay, to your Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.”
Amen
May 16, 2024
I feel like a heel giving this such a low (for me) rating, but for me I think I consider the star system to represent how highly I would recommend a book. I didn’t dislike this book by any means, but I do have significantly different theological convictions from Stott in regard to soteriology (the doctrine of salvation).
My impression of this book from the outset is that it is written to unbelievers who are curious about what it is to be a Christian, or those who may be very new believers. Stott regularly encourages the reader to “seek God” early on and while that language alerted my radar, I didn’t find it overly concerning. In this context Stott regards “seeking God” as being curious, to read the Bible (specifically beginning in the books of Mark and John), to attend church services and to speak to Christian friends or family members about the gospel - can’t say I disagree with any of that!
But what really solidified the discrepancy in our view of Salvation was in chapter 11, “Reaching a Decision”. Stott uses Revelation 3:20 “behold I stand at the door and knock” to illustrate how salvation occurs. This verse comes from the rebuke that Jesus gives the church of Laodicea for being lukewarm. Jesus standing at the door and knocking is not an invitation to an eternal inheritance but a warning of judgement should they continue in unrepentant sin! Stott goes on to say, “Christ will not open the door himself. There is neither handle nor latch in [an artists illustration of Rev 3:20] it is said he omitted them deliberately. The handle is on the inside. Christ knocks, but we must open... Christian parents and teacher, ministers and friends can point the way, but your hand and yours only can draw back the bolts and turn the handle.” Yowza! He does say that it is only by God’s Grace that anyone can repent and believe and Stott and I surely agree on more than we disagree, but because of this I likely wouldn’t recommend this book to anyone. I may revisit again for small gems here and there, but generally I tend to believe that if another author says all the same good stuff and none of the bad stuff, the lesser book is then redundant and unnecessary.
My impression of this book from the outset is that it is written to unbelievers who are curious about what it is to be a Christian, or those who may be very new believers. Stott regularly encourages the reader to “seek God” early on and while that language alerted my radar, I didn’t find it overly concerning. In this context Stott regards “seeking God” as being curious, to read the Bible (specifically beginning in the books of Mark and John), to attend church services and to speak to Christian friends or family members about the gospel - can’t say I disagree with any of that!
But what really solidified the discrepancy in our view of Salvation was in chapter 11, “Reaching a Decision”. Stott uses Revelation 3:20 “behold I stand at the door and knock” to illustrate how salvation occurs. This verse comes from the rebuke that Jesus gives the church of Laodicea for being lukewarm. Jesus standing at the door and knocking is not an invitation to an eternal inheritance but a warning of judgement should they continue in unrepentant sin! Stott goes on to say, “Christ will not open the door himself. There is neither handle nor latch in [an artists illustration of Rev 3:20] it is said he omitted them deliberately. The handle is on the inside. Christ knocks, but we must open... Christian parents and teacher, ministers and friends can point the way, but your hand and yours only can draw back the bolts and turn the handle.” Yowza! He does say that it is only by God’s Grace that anyone can repent and believe and Stott and I surely agree on more than we disagree, but because of this I likely wouldn’t recommend this book to anyone. I may revisit again for small gems here and there, but generally I tend to believe that if another author says all the same good stuff and none of the bad stuff, the lesser book is then redundant and unnecessary.
November 19, 2024
Basic Christianity is the Ronseal of Christian Literature: “Does exactly what it says on the tin”
As a very new Christian, I have found the shear amount of information, history, opinions and ‘best advice’ incredibly overwhelming. John Stott excellently strips our faith back to its foundation of Christ Jesus and then meticulously explains each detail, with scripture as the scaffolding. All the while in a way so approachable.
By no means is it ‘dumbed-down’. Yes, it effectively holds your hand through Christianity but has an air of respect - a respect given to the reader as someone who will become “mature in Christ” - and I found each section to be letting go of the hand more and more.
The final few chapters feel like those extra few moments you let your tea brew, just to really cement the flavour in. In John’s words, “to go over in ink, what was written in pencil”. I think he puts it better…
As a very new Christian, I have found the shear amount of information, history, opinions and ‘best advice’ incredibly overwhelming. John Stott excellently strips our faith back to its foundation of Christ Jesus and then meticulously explains each detail, with scripture as the scaffolding. All the while in a way so approachable.
By no means is it ‘dumbed-down’. Yes, it effectively holds your hand through Christianity but has an air of respect - a respect given to the reader as someone who will become “mature in Christ” - and I found each section to be letting go of the hand more and more.
The final few chapters feel like those extra few moments you let your tea brew, just to really cement the flavour in. In John’s words, “to go over in ink, what was written in pencil”. I think he puts it better…
January 17, 2020
Solid 3.5 out of 5. As the title suggests, Stott explores the basic tenets of Christianity in a similar fashion as Lewis did in Mere Christianity. I definitely think Lewis' work is superior—as attested by its wider popularity—but this one is more theological and biblical than Mere Christianity. Lewis' work is perhaps more philosophical in nature. The last few chapters of the book, particularly those that deal with the atonement and the centrality of the cross are worth the entire price of the book. It's reminiscent of Stott's Magnum Opus, The Cross of Christ, which in my opinion is one of the greatest theological works I have read. In any case, this is one of those books that I wish I had read when I was younger. Definitely helpful if one wants to get familiar with the core of Christianity. Plus it is short and sweet.
July 6, 2024
There are lots of good applications toward the end! He keeps it simple and I found them helpful; I appreciated having an author point right at certain habits and say ‘This is wise! Prioritize this!’ I thought it was an easier Mere Christianity.
If I didn’t believe the Bible already, Stott would not have convinced me. I think his logic for the trustworthiness of Scripture was weak for resting more on historical and subjective measures, and less on the character of God. Maybe arguing from the character of God would have been circular, but I think it would’ve been more sound. I think Stott wrote this at a time when the younger generation needed to be convinced of different things than we need to be convinced of now. Otherwise, I thought this was solid.
If I didn’t believe the Bible already, Stott would not have convinced me. I think his logic for the trustworthiness of Scripture was weak for resting more on historical and subjective measures, and less on the character of God. Maybe arguing from the character of God would have been circular, but I think it would’ve been more sound. I think Stott wrote this at a time when the younger generation needed to be convinced of different things than we need to be convinced of now. Otherwise, I thought this was solid.
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