Some popular forms of modern Christianity emphasize prosperity and material blessing. It is true that God can and does bless His people in such ways, but he also promises them persecution and suffering (see Matthew 10)- the true cost of discipleship is death, both spiritual and (for some) physical. Noted German theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer discusses this and more in his classic The Cost of Discipleship.
After starting with a discussion costly grace and the call of discipleship, much of the book studies the sermon on the mount (Matthew 5-7), and draws conclusions for Christian living from that important passage. And on the whole, the work is excellent. Bonhoeffer is hard-hitting and unapologetic in his views on the Gospel and how the modern church at the time (he wrote pre-WWII) had wandered. There's a lot of value here; it was challenging, enlightening, and convicting. I did have trouble following some of his statements, but that could easily be difficulties in translation (or the reader).
Bonhoeffer was killed by the Nazis in the waning days of WWII for his alleged involvement in the plot to assassinate Hitler. This book was written well before that, and I'd be fascinated to hear if he changed his mind on some of the views he espouses here pertaining to the Christian's relationship with the state.
Rating: A-
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