Action in Waiting

(Paperback)

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Description

Given the number of people who've been "saved", you'd think the world was becoming a brighter place. It could be, too, if more people would grasp the joy of losing themselves in service to God and each other. People like Christoph Blumhardt, who, in his quest to get to the essentials of faith, burns away the religious trappings of modern piety like so much chaff. Blumhardt writes with unabashed fervour, but his passion encourages rather than intimidates. His witness influenced theological giants like Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Karl Barth. But "Action in Waiting" is not theology; it is too blunt, too earthy, too real. Its "active expectation" of God's kingdom shows us that the object of our hope is not relegated to some afterlife. Today, in our world, it can come into its own - if only we are ready.

Reviews

Rodney Clapp, author, A Peculiar People Pulse-quickening...In plain but vibrant language, Blumhardt reminds us that personal peace is merely the wrapping paper of a greater, even more magnificent gift: confidence in the coming of the kingdom. Stanley Hauerwas, author, Resident Aliens That Barth saw Blumhardt's significance is surely not accidental. Who else, besides Barth, is so unrelenting in their attack on religion Who else reminds us that Christianity is about the worship and service of a strange God indeed Who else uses the language of faith so straightforwardly and without apology The fact that Plough has now made Blumhardt's work available is itself, as Barth would have put it, "a hastening that waits." Eugene H. Peterson, author, Subversive Spirituality On a landscape increasingly (and depressingly) eroded by world-accommodating strategies and programs, Blumhardt stands as a stark and commanding figure on the horizon. His life and writings are adrenaline for faltering and compromised followers of Jesus. William Dyrness, author, Let the Earth Rejoice Reading Christoph Blumhardt is like drinking from a pure, cold mountain stream. It is just the tonic we frantic postmoderns need...I always knew what an impact Blumhardt had made on Karl Barth, but after reading him I know why. Donald G. Bloesch, author, Wellsprings of Renewal The modern church needs to hear this social prophet. Here is a summons to act in confidence and courage in the firm expectation that God's kingdom is at hand. Clark Pinnock, author, The Flame of Love Blumhardt is filled with hope about the power of God to transform the world in concrete ways...His is a holy optimism grounded not in human prowess but in the triumphant grace of God. Robert Webber, author, People of the Truth Blumhardt's Action in Waiting proclaims a message that is indispensable for post-modern Christianity: Jesus is victor over all the powers and we, the people of God, are called to radically live out the politics. Vernard Eller, author, Christian Anarchy Blumhardt believes that God can make "all" things new. He challenges us to participate in this newness and devote ourselves to it. Dale W. Brown, author, Biblical Pacifism Blumhardt represents a wonderful union of eschatology and ethics with his focus on the coming and breaking in of the kingdom of righteousness, justice, love and peace.

Author Bio

Christoph Blumhardt was a noted German pastor who influenced a whole generation of Europeans, including Emil Brunner, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and Karl Barth.