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Wednesday, January 28, 2009

REAL CHRISTIANITY William Wilberforce revised & updated by Bob Beltz Book Review

REAL CHRISTIANITYWilliam Wilberforce/Bob Beltz

ISBN 978-0-7394-7987-2
Regal Books, Ventura CA
Crossways Book Club 1227801

Hardcover/Dustjacket
8.5x7.5 inches
203 pages

recommended book

A Paraphrase in Modern English of A Practical View of the Prevailing Religious System of Professed Christians in the Higher and Middle Classes in This Country, Contrasted with Real Christianity. 1797.

From the book’s dustjacket:He believed that slavery was wrong; and with his classic book, Real Christianity, William Wilberforce set out to describe for people an authentic expression of the Christian faith. In doing so, he changed the course of a nation—and the world. In this modern paraphrase of a contemporary classic, Bob Beltz introduces you to a set of principles critical in living an authentic Christian life.

As you read his passionate words, you’ll find that Wilberforce’s examination of what it means to have authentic faith in a time of cultural Christianity resonates strongly, even today. Discover how the concepts of sin, evil and depravity have been watered down. Find out how the essential beliefs of authentic Christianity have been distorted.

Learn how to maintain a biblical lifestyle. Although written more than 200 years ago, the timeless truths in this book will speak to you in fresh ways. It will also serve as a litmus test of the authenticity of your own spiritual values.

babamarusia's review:
My impression of this book upon reading it was very positive. There is room within the thoughts and concepts for growth in faith life and discussion. I believe that the clear text will be beneficial for teenagers, young adults and adults. Throughout the book, it is stressed that the author is writing for Christians. What is challenged is the nature of belief and depth of faith.

The term used is “Cultural Christian,” in that one is a Christian in name only, or when convenient, who bases their depth of faith not against Scripture, but upon their own reasoned criteria. The call is for beginning with the realization that we are all totally helpless to sin, and that human nature is not intrinsically good, but rather not good, and that is why we need the Cross and Jesus Christ. Bounded by total sin within and attacked by evil society from without, there is truly nowhere else to turn but to Jesus Christ.

Once on the right path, the Christian must by necessity guard and preserve what the soul contains through the in-pouring of the Holy Spirit, and then from the good stem, good fruits will follow.

I have never read the original text of William Wilberforce’s Real Christianity, and without knowledge of that I am very hesitant to judge the accuracy of a paraphrased text, as I would be to judge a paraphrased translation of the Holy Bible. Nevertheless, I believe this to be an excellent book, a good text for teaching Christian character, highly inspirational, and worthy of being read by any Christian disciple desiring to grow in faith.

Hello! I am babamarusia (Mary Katherine May), and we have a limited number of "Like New" copies in stock on our website, Quality Music and Books. CLICK HERE to bedirected right to the Real Christianity page. Thank you!

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