The Cost of Discipleship

Rating:
Summary: A very ascetic approach
Review: I found the book's emphasis on abandoning "cheap grace" in favor of a very hard and "costly" road - the total abandonment of self in an imitation of Christ- to be unattainable to non-saints. This road to "earning" salvation is tough and if you think you are successful (you lose your merit just for thinking you are doing something right). In this way one could never be certain of their own true motives (or their salvation). Much is made of Bonhoeffer's martyrdom but he would say it didn't prove his love of God and that it was meritless (just expected). He sees the desciple as detached from the world - and it being an opportunity to do good, die to ourselves, emphasizing we must love God in a superhuman way. I imagine Bonhoeffer like the struggling young Luther - prior to breaking with the Roman church and the rejection of the connection of good works - working so hard to be perfect and to be sure of his salvation. Perhaps this is why the book was required reading in my Roman Catholic College. Grace is a gift - accept it for the wonderous thing it is and it will inspire your love of God. Trying to match or outdo Christ's sacrifice means you can't bring yourself to just accept it. And I agree with Bonhoeffer on this point - nothing you can do will merit your salvation. I found the book a little tedious and vague at parts towards the end with no real focus. It might be useful if you are looking to become St. Francis. If you buy the book - read it in bad light - you wouldn't want to enjoy reading it too much!

Rating:
Summary: good book for a difficult world
Review: i got this book after watching the PBS special on bonhoeffer; his life and stand moved me deeply. his writing is not easy; he has some ideas about christianity that will challenge both the liberal and the fundamentalist to look outside their respective boxes.

Rating:
Summary: An excellent book on what it means to follow Christ
Review: I recently took a seminary class that dealt with traditions in Christian devotion, and one of the assignments was to pick a classic Christian book and do a report on it. I chose "Cost of Discipleship" because I had wanted to read it for some time. Much has been said about the book's power, and I desired to experience that for myself. After finishing it, I can see why "Cost of Discipleship" has challenged so many in their walk with Christ.

The book's major theme centers on what it really means to be a disciple of Christ. This is summed up by Bonhoeffer's statement that Christ calls us to "come and die." Christ wants all of us - nothing is to be held back. One is either a disciple of Christ, or they are not. There is no middle ground. The true disciple is dying to his or her life as a whole, and their old life is being replaced with the life of Christ.

"Cost of Discipleship" is soaked in Scripture, and that is one of its main strengths. This is not surprising, since reading the Bible actually contributed to Bonhoeffer's personal conversion and commitment to Christ. Bonhoeffer constantly refers to Biblical passages to make his points, and he does not resort to storytelling or even personal anecdotes. One can sense his deep love for the Bible and for Christ throughout the book. Another strength is Bonhoeffer's conveyance of how imperative commitment to Christ really is. Bonhoeffer was an early foe of Adolph Hitler, and this book was published while he was being persecuted by the Nazis. Thererfore, he wrote as one who has stood for Christ in tough times, and he knew that Christ is one's only hope. Indeed, he eventually gave his life for his faith, and by all Christian and secular accounts glorified God to the very end. Finally, even though "Cost of Discipleship" was published in 1937, every page in this book counters the "easy believism" and license that tempt and seduce many Christians today. Bonhoeffer attacks "cheap grace" and demands a steadfast, deep loyalty to Christ. He illustrates the power and holiness of God in a way that indicates the necessity of a healthy, reverent fear towards God.

However, I did have a couple of minor issues with the book. It is somewhat densely written, and therefore may be daunting to the average layreader. Bonhoeffer was a highly educated theologian, and it shows in his writing style. In addition, Bonhoeffer tends to neglect grace in favor of emphasizing absolute holiness and commitment. His moralistic leanings have the danger of encouraging legalism and asceticism if a reader is inclined toward those pitfalls. I'm sure this was not his intent, since it was Bonhoeffer's genuine love for Christ that motivated his passion and perseverance. But this may be a situation where a person takes for granted a truth they have worked through and internalized, and therefore they fail to communicate it to others because it is so integral to them. I think Bonhoeffer loved God so deeply, with all his being, that he never thought to specifically describe loving God as the basis for the principles in this book. However, it is also possible that the times he lived in prevented a more introspective writing style. Bonhoeffer was under persecution by a political regime that he knew to be the epitome of evil. Therefore, he knew what was at stake, and so focused on what needed to be heard about the cost of Christian discipleship, with the assumption (or at least hope) that the reader already had an abiding love for Christ.

Overall, "Cost of Discipleship" challenged me in a number of ways. First, Bonhoeffer's life and death were inspiring - he lived what he wrote, and I consider him to be an example of faith in action that every Christian should emulate. I pray that I would face persecution with his courage and perseverance. Second, his linking of sanctification with being part of the Body of Christ encourages me to avoid being a "lone wolf" Christian. It's important for my spiritual health to become part of a church so that I can minister to others and be ministered to as well. Third, his love for Scripture reminds me to never forsake reading the Bible, and also not to rely exclusively on the writings of others, or their interpretations of Scripture. Fourth, his focus on a relationship with Christ prods me to examine my own relationship with Him, and to ensure that I don't neglect it. Finally, his statement that Christ bids us to "come and die" leads me to evaluate the level of my own commitment as a Christian, especially in light of current events.

"The Cost of Discipleship" was difficult to read. This was in part due to its literary density, but also because of its powerful message about the true cost of being a disciple of Christ. Bonhoeffer's words are relevant, convicting, and challenging to anyone who claims to be a Christian. Highly recommended.

Rating:
Summary: Wears on You Over Time
Review: I used to think this was one of the most important spiritual books ever written. Over time, though, I have come to the realization that Bonhoeffer's sacrifice -- his failed attempt to assassinate Hitler -- was in itself an attempt at "cheap grace", the very thing he decried. He isolated himself from his community, and lacked the courage and fortitude to speak out when he had the opportunity. The result of his failed plot may have contributed to the deaths of millions of people, because without his plot it now seems likely that Hitler's generals would have overthrown him as much as two years before the end of the war.

Bonhoeffer has become somewhat of a cultic figure in recent years, and that's unfortunate. He was an important but flawed thinker who could never escape the Protestant individualism of his religious tradition. This book is probably the best example of his work, though Bethge's picture book on his life ("Steps") contains enough for most people.

Rating:
Summary: A MUST READ!!!!!!!!!!
Review: I was pointed to this book, by another great book (Following Christ, Joseph Stowell) and I am greatful for having the opportunity to read such a masterpiece. EVERY TRUE BELIEVER should read this, because our grace isn't cheap, there is a cost to discipleship.

Rating:
Summary: Grace is Not Cheap!
Review: If I tell you to be "Doers of the Word, not Hearers only, deceiving yourselves." And I don't DO it myself does it make my statement any less true? It certainly makes me a hypocrite, but it in no why whatsoever diminishes the TRUTH of the Statement. Truth is still truth. Let God be TRUE and every man a lair! Bonhoeffer realized that Believing and Obeying were synonymous and it rocked the foundations of his world. He 'counted' the cost of discipleship and found Grace a Costly Truth. Cheap Grace, as he called it, is grace bestowed on ourselves, preaching forgiveness without requiring repentance, eliminating self denial and the death of self life. Cheap Grace is grace without Discipleship. This book will drive home the important Truth that GRACE is NOT LISENCE to sin. It is the Power of God to Transform a sinful soul into Newness of Life. To continue a habitual practice of sin after coming to Christ would be an 'Insult', to the Spirit of Grace! And it would contradict the very essence of scriptural truth. When the Scripture says Believe and be saved, it is challenging you to OBEY and FOLLOW! This Bonhoeffer clearly spells out in his extensive study of Discipleship. Regardless how his own life turned out, the Truth still stands. Only Total Obedience to Christ is true soul saving Faith, and only the New Birth from above can deliver us from the corrupting influence of sin and make us 'partakers' of the Divine nature. "Since you OBEYED from your heart that form of doctrine TO which you were delivered and having been set FREE from sin you become slaves to righteousness." That's the Grace of Scripture. True COSTLY Grace, not the cheap and phony message emanating from pulpits across America today. [e-mail]

Rating:
Summary: Faith and obedience explained.
Review: In addition to the other reviews listed here:

Faith and obedience explained - The most revealing description of the relationship of these two essential concepts of Christianity. "There cannot be obedience without faith" and "there is no faith without obedience;" these two statements are revealed to be concurrently operative through grace. But, read it for yourself... I couldn't possibly improve on Bonhoeffer's work.

This book also "held up a mirror" to me and reflected where I was in my discipleship and gave me fresh insight on where I needed to be headed in my relations with my church, my fellow believers, my world and my Lord. This is a must read for all who feel called to serve, or are serving, as leaders.

Rating:
Summary: Lovefest
Review: Let me be the first true believer to continue the lovefest over "The Cost Of Discipleship" by suggesting that everyone read a little known book obtainable on Amazon.com called "West Point" by another true believer, its author, Norman Thomas Remick. Why? Because I have caught more bees with honey than with vinegar after reading that book by showing how much I know about, not only religious philosophy, but their philosophy of "reason' --- and shown how the philosophy of "reason" actually is just another way of saying what "The Cost Of Discipleship" says.

Rating:
Summary: No Pain ... No Gain .....
Review: might be one way to describe the message conveyed in this book. Dietrich Bonhoeffer relates how we as Christians must "carry the cross" and by doing so, we must experience some amount of suffering and sacrifice on earth as Jesus did for our salvation. The Lord's grace comes at a price. The rewards of His efforts are not free. We can't assume that mere faith and God's grace will land us a spot in heaven. We have to be worthy of that grace. Obedience and service to Him is paramount.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer's book is enlightening and very powerful. It comes as a wake up call to all those that feel comfortable living their day to day lives without any kind of real personal sacrifices or sufferings. Dietrich states: "Suffering then, is the badge of true discipleship. The disciple is not above His master." Read the book and heed the message, and in doing so, expand your religious growth today. God Bless

J.B. Kruz
KruzKontrol

Rating:
Summary: Essential reading for all Christians
Review: Staggering in its theological depth and its unflinching call for the crucifixion of self, "The Cost of Discipleship" is a true classic, an essential book for any Christian library.

That Bonhoeffer truly lived what he wrote is reflected in his martyr's death at the hands of the Nazis mere days before the liberation of Germany. Given plenty of chances to leave the country, he instead stayed, claiming that the raising up of pastors in Germany during the time of war was essential to the nation's future.

But back to the book...

"Cost of Discipleship" is a challenging call to more radical discipleship. The famous line from this book, "When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die," is the bedrock upon which Bonhoeffer bases his entire premise. That Christ paid a penalty for our sins that cannot be acquired by any means except through His grace and faith in Him alone seems like a given in the Christian life. But Bonhoeffer renews a concept that was under attack in his day by the growing liberal theology: following Christ means dying to self. In the shadow of the rise of psychology that simultaneously arrived with the deconstructionist theology, the idea that must one abandon self to Christ seemed outdated, but Bonhoeffer stayed the course. Dying to self flew in the face of what the intelligentsia were espousing and what the general populace were beginning to believe.

Bonhoeffer also broke with his Lutheran predecessor, Martin Luther, who once said, "Sin boldly, but love God more boldly still." What this book asks is a consideration of the cost Christ paid for us on the cross. What comes with knowledge of this is the realization that to take sin lightly is to trample on the very blood of Christ. Grace is to be had for those that ask for it, but it is not cheap - an enormous cost was paid. To sin boldly shows contempt for the death of the Savior.

To this day, "The Cost of Discipleship" has remained controversial. At a time when personal fulfillment and the gratification of self are out of control (even in the Church), Bonhoeffer's masterpiece is a clarion call to a generation spiraling out of control. The cheap grace of hyperdispensationalism and the blasé attitudes of many Christians concerning their own sin need to be countered, and this book provides that in full.

While I cannot comment on this translation of "The Cost of Discipleship" (my copy is by a different translator), Bonhoeffer's words will still erupt from the page. Get this book as soon as possible if you have not read it - it will return incredible dividends in your own walk with Christ.