Mark of the Christian

What is it that sets the Christian apart from the unbeliever - it is faith, or devotion, or piety? Schaeffer explores this question in light of the fact that today it is nearly impossible to tell the difference between professing followers of Christ and anyone else. Schaeffer believes that this is a unique quality of the Christian life that should be present in their lives that would not only clearly demonstrate their relationship with the Lord, but would also transform those around them in the process - that quality is love. An incredibly short book, less than 40 pages long, The Mark of a Christian is a powerful and poignant book for every Christian today. In the era when denominational struggles reign and Christianity is presented to mainstream audiences highlighting the most extreme antics of gay-bashing and anti-abortion demonstrations where young women are labeled as murderers, it's not difficult to see why the world views all religious people as "fanatical" and "extremists." Some radicals are "called by God" to fly planes into tall buildings, others cut the arms off their infant children. The world is left wondering what kind of God these people worship. Schaeffer agrees with them. True Christianity, Schaeffer argues, is marked by this one great principle - love. Love for God is demonstrated by a love for His greatest creation: man. Which means that one fundamental principle of the Christian walk is truly loving one another. While this may sound simple, Schaeffer explains that this is the greatest contradiction to the self-centered human nature of the unredeemed and when faced with the concept of a sacrificial love for another, the world will be turned upside down! We all know those self-professed followers of Christ who we definitely wouldn't describe as embodying the quality of love - this short and powerful book is for them; and for all Christians as a reminder that what the world needs more is love, sweet love...it truly is the only thing that's worth living (and dying) for.

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!

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.

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!

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.