2/9/12

a christianity without discipleship

"Discipleship is commitment to Christ. Because Christ exists, he must be followed. An idea about Christ, a doctrinal system, a general religious recognition of grace or forgiveness of sins does not require discipleship. In truth, it even excludes discipleship; it is inimical to it. One enters into a relationship with an idea by way of knowledge, enthusiasm, perhaps even by carrying it out, but never by personal obedient discipleship. Christianity without the living Jesus Christ remains necessarily a Christianity without discipleship; and a Christianity without discipleship is always a Christianity without Jesus Christ. It is an idea, a myth. A Christianity in which there is only God the Father, but not Christ as a living Son actually cancels discipleship. In that case there will be trust in God, but not discipleship."

- Dietrich Bonhoeffer (from "Discipleship", Fortress Press, 2003, p. 59)

1 comment:

  1. Follow me!
    Come and die.

    Die
    to what the world dictates,
    to what you dictate,
    to what death dictates.

    Dying is painful
    but necessary
    to live.

    Let go
    and fall into grace.

    Follow me!
    Come and die
    that you might find true life
    with, in and for me
    for the sake of everything.

    I did it.
    You can too.

    Now, who can resist a calling like that?!

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