Jesus through Experience

I just got back from a pastor's book club. 6-7 of us get together & discuss a book we've read the previous month. It's a wonderful time of argument, tension, & serious discussion, mixed with sarcasm, laughter, & friendship. It is a truly wonderful time. This month we read: "The Christ of the Indian Road;" by E. Stanley Jones. Mr. Jones is truly a theological find. He was described as the Billy Graham of India & his wealth of knowledge is radiant. Faced with unbelievable theological issues from a very spiritual culture, Stanley Jones is forced to search his soul & faith to find the very thing that makes Christianity worth living; thankfully, he doesn't shrink from the challenge.

Chapter: Jesus Through Experience.

Religion is the life of God in the soul issuing in the kingdom of God on earth. But first of all it is the life of God in the soul. Religion means realization. If not, then religion soon means ritual, & that means death. The early disciples had little ritual but a might realization.

Chapter: The Great Hindrance

(To Ghandi, his friend.) What would you suggest that we do to make (Christianity naturalized in India?)

"I would suggest, first, that all of you Christians must begin to live more like Jesus."

"Second," he said, "I would suggest that you must practice your religion without adulterating or toning it down."

"Third, I would suggest that you must put your emphasis upon love, for love is the center & soul of Christianity."

"Fourth, I would suggest that you study the non-Christian religions & culture more sympathetically in order to find the good that is in them, so that you might have a more sympathetic approach to the people."

Ghandi has some other amazing things to say about Jesus in this book.

E. Stanley Jones is a serious theological find.