Book Review: The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer

The Cost of Discipleshipby Dietrich Bonhoeffer is not new to the "Christian" book world per se, but it is a new read for me. Technically, I did not read this book, I listened to it. I have never listened to an entire audio book previously, but this was a good one to start with.

One of the forgotten doctrines of this age, an overlooked necessity in modern Christendom, is discipleship. Bidding believers, or would be disciples, to 'come and die' with Christ is a central call of the book. Bonhoeffer, fixes on a position that many in today's evangelical climate would not be intimate with, one that listens to and obeys the words of Jesus Christ.

Stunningly deep at times, this is a book that warrants a second pass in order to fully grasp. Even then, it might be worthy to purchase a paperback copy to wear out. Bonhoeffer's emphasis on personal holiness may put off a few readers who subscribe to free, cheap, unhinged grace, but hopefully, will win them with the work of effort he puts into illustrating true cost counting for Christ.

Leaning on Luther in many instances, Bonhoeffer also offers commentary and correction regarding certain emphases in Reformed doctrine. Being a personal believer that the Reformation was only an instance and not an end-all to Christian principle, this book will encourage you to tread lightly on dogmatic assertions of once-saved-always-saved'ism that lack power and proof and rely confidently on the security and call to discipleship given of our Lord Jesus Christ, to 'come, and follow me."