Mark of the Christian

Rating:
Summary: Should be required reading for all followers of Christ
Review: Christian theologian and philosopher Francis A. Schaeffer (1912-84) wrote this pamphlet (38 pages) as a warning to fellow believers. Beginning with Jesus' admonition in John 13:33-35 that his followers should love one another, Dr. Schaeffer goes on to explain the love that a Christian *must* have, and how that love should be manifested. In particular, this book is advice on how Christians of differing denominations should love each other, and how they can avoid the pitfalls of showing their love in the wrong way. The book ends with a poem selected by Dr. Schaeffer to accompany this text; it is quite moving, and worth being read in its own right.

Although written in 1970, this book could have been written yesterday...I suppose you would have to say that it is timeless. This book is quite touching, and should be required reading for all followers of Christ. I highly recommend this book!

Rating:
Summary: A great analyzation of the necessity of Christian love
Review: Francis Schaeffer defends the simple notion that a Christian must be known by their love in this short and meaningful book. Astounding in its simplicity but deep in its implications.

Rating:
Summary: Penetrating. Convicting. Short.
Review: More than a global condemnation or a decrying of denominational distinctives, the Mark of a Christian is an honest view of how Christ has given the world the "right to judge Christians," by the merit of their love for each other. Schaeffer doesn't set up love for the brethren as penultimate, but he takes seriously the fact that Jesus stated that the second greatest commandment as, "Love your neighbor as yourself."

This was a very convicting work for me. It's too easy to live life in thinking that "love" is just as well as getting along with other people. Schaeffer gets to the point that loving our neighbors is more than we are capable of - something that only Christ can bring alive through the muck of our souls.

Schaeffer was very aware of the human condition. He doesn't set up unrealistic expectations before us. He has taken truth and set it before us to say, "This is what the Lord has said, how do you measure?" This is a very stern work for such a grace-centered man. I would recommend reading True Spirituality in addition to Mark of a Christian in understanding that our lives in Christ are much less centered upon what we do and don't do and so much more imperative upon the object of our faith. Therein, He bears fruit through trees that should be tossed into eternal flame.


Rating:
Summary: Love the brethren
Review: Schaeffer's tiny booklet is a must for anyone who calls themselves a Christian. In it, Schaeffer shows that Christianity is not simply about right answers or intellectual belief, but about a deep, heart-felt love. We may be able to share a perfect gospel presentation and logically and concisely answer all objections, but as Schaeffer says, our "final apologetic" is that the world sees us love each other. Christians can do infinitely more harm with all our bickering and in-fighting that we could ever do good with mere words.

Rating:
Summary: To show the world that the Father has sent the Son!
Review: Some of you might have thought, "What an old booklet it is! " when you saw the publishing year of this piece. Well, I must admit that I thought it's rather thin in size. Nevertheless, the message was strong enough: to love one another, as I have loved you, so that the world may know that the Father has sent me, and they will see that you are truly followers of mine. The message has a very clear structure and the author pointes out the aspects that I seldom thought of when I read the New Testament. By the way, he "speaks", rather than "writes" the book.

Rating:
Summary: A Must Read for all Christians
Review: The same problems plagued Francis Schaeffer in 1970 that continue to plague Christianity today. This little book is a mini-exegesis of John 13:33-35. The question being, even in our differences, can a world of non-believers see Christ's love in our dealings, one with another? If you've never read Francis Schaeffer this is a great introduction. If you've already read Schaeffer, then this is a great addition. In either case, 'The Mark of the Christian' is must read material!