Mere Discipleship: Radical Christianity in a Rebellious World

This book will challenge how you understand Christianity. In short, the author is calling on the readers to be more than christendom Christians -- he is calling for a return to authentic discipleship. The wonderful thing about the book, for those of us forunate enough to know the author, is that he strives to live out what he so eloquently articulates in this book. Enjoy and be transformed!

This is not a review but a response to another reviewer. I'm not sure exactly what "doug dm" has in mind when he faults Camp and Brazos Press for not taking Paul and Romans 13 seriously, but I imagine individuals like Camp, Hauerwas, Richard Hays and John Howard Yoder might welcome the chance to point out the following: With its command that every soul be subject to the governing authorities, and its declaration that God has ordained the sword in the hands of rulers to punish evil, Romans 13 has been cited countless times throughout history as an argument for believers to join in acts of violence for the sake of social order. Martin Luther, for example, cited Romans 13 when he encouraged German princes to "knock down, strangle, and stab" starving peasants revolting in 1525. A more careful reading of the text, however, points toward a radically different Christian ethic. Chapter 13 is part of the same literary unit as Chapter 12, which ends with these words: "Repay no evil for evil... Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, `Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,' says the Lord. Therefore: `If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.' Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" (v.17-21). Next come the so often (mis)quoted instructions about submitting to earthly authorities. But lest there be any doubt on the matter, in Chapter 13:7-10, Paul returns to the theme of Christian nonviolence, driving his point home with systematic rigor. First, he instructs believers to render to all their due (v.7). Then he tells us that believers should owe no one anything except love (v.8). Next he defines what love is: "Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law" (v.10). Read carefully, and in historical context, Paul is in fact telling the early Church in Rome, in the face of increasing persecution by a brutal and tyrannical regime, to assume a nonviolent, non-rebellious stance as their reconciling ministry. He is also telling believers to trust in God's controlling power over history. God can use the secular authorities and their pagan armies for his own redemptive purposes and, ironically, even as instruments of his justice. But there is no hint that believers should therefore volunteer to serve in Assyrian, Egyptian or Roman legions. Quite the opposite, Romans 13, makes clear. Christians are called to a different way. How tragic, then, that this passage is so frequently cited to justify Christians killing their fellow human beings in the name of the "national interest", or to silently acquiesce when their governments do the same. It is true, as Doug says, that our government is not "excuting people for not becoming Christian", and religious liberty is certainly something Americans should be grateful for. But only the most superficial readers of history and of U.S. foreign policy in place

The Christian book market is constantly flooded with material that leaves people neither shaken nor stirred; books that call us to nothing beyond our confined consumerist lifestyles of comfort and conformity. In the flood of mass-marketed easy answers, this little book, 'Mere Discipleship', trusts God enough to ask hard questions. In the flood of apologetics that are not well thought through, 'Mere Discipleship' is a book you don't feel you have to apologize for. In the flood of takes on Christianity that are remembered for power games rather than the empowerment of the marginalised; that are remembered for genocide rather than lifestyles of generosity; that are remembered for the violence of the State rather than the nonviolence of the crucified Christ, we might rightly feel embarrassed about our faith. Yet upon this ocean of despair floats this little faithful vessel, 'Mere Discipleship', that reminds us that, although we may be horrified by a history of Christianity that looks nothing like Christ, we need not be ashamed of the gospel. Amidst the waters of unthinking fundamentalism and unengaged liberalism, 'Mere Discipleship' is a lucid, intelligent yet simple read which has shaken, inspired and moved me to embody the teachings and life of Christ in my person and in my community--and to do so in Resurrection power. Don't read it unless you are ready to hear the call, "follow me."

I picked this up at the library because of the title - a play on Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis. This book succeeds as well as any of C.S. Lewis' writings. The text is simple to read. The message is uncompromising in adherence to the Gospel. Mr. Camp has done a great service to all who want to follow Christ beyond doctrine or politics, religion or occupation.What would Jesus do? Check this book out. It may help in sorting through the options. A good sort can help with a hard choice, even if that choice may include one's own cross. Lee Camp reminds us that Easter is here and now, but only if we choose to carry our own cross. For all who worship the God of Abraham and seek to learn the Way of Christ.

Tired of the same ol' pablum one usually finds in popularly written evangelical spirituality? Check out this gem! An outstanding tour de force that strikes at the root (literal meaning of 'radical') of much of popular Christianity. Dr. Camp is a Biblical scholar that pleads for a Christianity that is at once true to its founding AND focused on contemporary culture AND life-changing. Springing from an independent tradition, Mere Discipleship challenges readers to think deeply about the fundamentals of their personal practice of religion.HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!