The Body

Very wordy and heavy on ecumenism, but still a worthwhile read for those able to skip ahead.

This book gives lots of great information about the different types for "Religions and denominations". The book focus on the unification of all the Christians denominations as the body of Christ. Has lots of historical facts and great information for a person who wants to know more to make a wise decision.

Colson has written an excellent challenge to Christians to be of one mind and realize that all true Christians are on the same team. The book consists of about 450 pages, 28 chapters and 3 main sections: 1. What is the Church? 2. The Church vs. The World. 3. The Church in the World. The book is an excellent challenge written in a style like only Colson can. One particularly thought-provoking chapter focused on why Christians have had such little impact on society. Read, enjoy, and be prepared to think and be challenged!

With this book, Chuck Colson and Ellen Vaughn update their previous classic work about the Christian church (The Body). This version is even more powerful than the original, and it covers some new ground that is worth exploring. For instance, the event of 9/11 and how the Church reacted to them is described at length. Colson and Vaughn are right on when they argue that the Church was truly fulfilling its mission after this tragic event by showing God's love in our modern world. As many Christians are well aware, somehow we have once again lost the momentum (and possibly our direction) of that season. This book looks at possible reasons why we have returned to a normal state despite the fact this country experienced events which "forever changed the face of our nation".Of course, the scope of the book goes well beyond the Christian church in the USA, and the events of 9/11. It looks at the Church around the globe, and covers how the church has succeeded or failed throughout history. In fact, some of the more interesting stories and examples come from outside the US, and deal with events from other eras (the reformation, and WWII). I also like the fact that the authors use many examples from the Catholic church to demonstrate that they too are members of the body, and have made an enormous impact throughout history, despite their challenges (to include the current crisis).Just like the original version, this book challenged me to take a hard look at my own faith, and my role within the local church. For those who feel that Christianity is only a personal experience, I challenge you to read this book, and discover why our participation at our local church is so vital to the Body of Christ. Hopefully, this book will help change your mind, and get you involved with Gods people as they try to bring light into today's dark world.I highly recommend this book to any Christian who has not read it. More specifically if you are looking for a detailed analysis of today's church - this book is it. Also, if you have read The Body, it is worth the time and effort required to read this version. More than half of the material is new. The updates are of the same high quality as the original and result in an even stronger and more comprehensive look at The Body.

colson's books are always challenging and inspirational. the body is no different. usually, i find stories and anecdotes superfluous. however, colson cleverly combines his stories with hard-hitting commentary. this book is an insightful commentary on the chruch's misdirection that provides useful suggestions and emboldenment necessary to reverse the downward spiral.

A wonderful book that explores where the American church has failed its mission but also shows what it can be.