BOOK REVIEW
Being Disciples: Essentials of the Christian Life
Author: Rowan Williams
Rowan Williams’ Being Disciples: Essentials of the Christian Life is a book for all who seek to understand the fundamentals of living a life in Christ. Williams, who served as Archbishop of Canterbury for ten years and presently serves as the Master of Magdalene College, University of Cambridge, authors various thought-provoking books on Christian beliefs and practices. In this inspiring book, Williams focuses on what it means to be a disciple, a learner. He points to significant themes of faith, hope, love, forgiveness and holiness, and shares how these are important qualities to develop and grow as a follower of God. In addition to these, Williams touches on the topics of faith in society and life in the Spirit.
The most impactful part of the book for me was Williams’ chapter on Faith, Hope and Love as it challenged me to be more intentional with demonstrating these virtues in my life. In this chapter, Williams states, “Faith and hope and love are the heart of our discipleship, of our learning and growing in Christ.” This chapter brings us back to the basics of Christian living and how we can experience fulness of life. Even in our postmodern world, these three theological virtues can be rediscovered in relation to God as we live wholly committed lives of surrender, submission, and service. As Salvationist women, may we devote ourselves to living out these Christlike virtues for God’s glory.
I would certainly recommend this book to others. Whether you’re an officer or soldier, man or woman, new believer or not-so-new, any reader who picks up this book will be blessed by the information to be learned and the challenges to be accepted! May we experience the joy to be found in being disciples of Christ as we practice the essentials of the Christian life!
