Book Review: The Radical Disciple

The Radical Disciple by John Stott is more interesting because of what it says about John Stott than what it says about discipleship. Stott admits that he recognizes his time is short, and as such the topics he chose to include (and exclude) from this title tells more about what he finds important and worth saying than the content he puts forth in each chapter.

That’s not to say the chapters are lacking. They are well thought out and very biblical. However, compared to David Platt’s Radical, it is not as inspiring. Perhaps it is because Platt’s work seems more fundamental. Though environmental responsibility is important in our day and age, I don’t see it as a primary aspect of being a disciple as described in the New Testament. As a result, Stott’s work is novel, but not foundational.

The narrator, Grover Gardner, has also narrated many other books which I have listened to and reviewed before such as The Holiness of God, Desiring God, and A Sweet and Bitter Providence. His voice is both grandfatherly and professorial. Sometimes soothing, sometimes lecturing: at all times enjoyable.

If you are looking for a book on discipleship, I would recommend Radical and Radical Together. If you are looking for a book by John Stott, I’d start with The Cross of Christ and see where it takes you.

To buy the book, visit ChristianAudio.com (direct link).
To buy a hard copy, visit Amazon.com.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from ChristianAudio as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."