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What does it mean to have a personal relationship with God? What is the role of obedience in this relationship? Dietrich Bonhoeffer explains that a personal relationship with God is how discipleship works—and that obedience is at the center. A true disciple seeks to obey Jesus. Keep reading to learn about obedience within a personal relationship with God.
Can a Christian lose their salvation? Is salvation guaranteed? Are there categories of sin? According to Dietrich Bonhoeffer, salvation can be forfeited. However, his views on sin and the loss of salvation differ in some ways from the perspectives of the Catholic church, John Calvin, and other Christians. Read more to learn about these various theological views.
Do you experience suffering as a result of following Christ? Should you expect to? According to Dietrich Bonhoeffer, suffering for Christ is central to the discipleship experience. He argues that, as disciples become more and more like Christ, they are treated more and more like Christ was treated on earth. So, Christians should expect to be persecuted. This is part of the cost of discipleship. Read more to learn about suffering for Christ.
What is fasting? How does it contribute to spiritual growth? Dietrich Bonhoeffer, in his book The Cost of Discipleship, urges Christians to practice fasting for spiritual growth. He argues that the suffering that comes from fasting builds self-discipline. Other religious traditions differ in some ways regarding their views toward fasting, but many still see it as a part of spiritual life. Read more to learn about fasting for spiritual growth.
What is the point of meditation? How can meditation be used as a tool? In his book 10% Happier, Dan Harris believes that the main goal of meditation is mindfulness. In addition, meditation can have added benefits such as recognizing your ego, Here is what self-help author Dan Harris had to say about meditation.
What are the various religious views on poverty? How do they perceive wealth? In the Christian classic The Cost of Discipleship, Dietrich Bonhoeffer argues that Christians should build wealth in heaven, not on earth. He asserts that earthly belongings contribute to worry, as we have more to lose. However, some religions—even other Christian traditions—disagree with him. Continue reading to learn about various religious views on poverty.
Should Christians practice pacifism? What exactly does pacifism mean? Dietrich Bonhoeffer, in his book The Cost of Discipleship, argues that Christians should practice pacifism to follow Christ’s example. Other Christians—and other religions—handle the matter of pacifism in a variety of ways. Keep reading to learn about Christian pacifism and other perspectives.
How does meditation help you in the long-term? What important life lessons can be learned from meditation? In his self-help book 10% Happier, previous self-help skeptic Dan Harris describes the many benefits of meditation. The top lessons he goes over are how to respond rather than act, how to worry productively, and how to be compassionate. Below, we will go over each of the lessons from meditation.
Are you looking for The Cost of Discipleship quotes? What did Dietrich Bonhoeffer say about following Christ? Bonhoeffer was a Christian pastor and seminary professor living in Germany in the 1930s. He wrote The Cost of Discipleship as a wake-up call for the church, which he felt had rendered Christianity somewhat meaningless by making discipleship too “easy.” He lived as he preached—his Christian beliefs compelled him to speak out against Hitler’s regime and ultimately led to his execution in 1945. Below are four quotes from The Cost of Discipleship with explanations and context.
Are you looking for tips on how to start meditation for beginners? What are the three meditation basics? Dan Harris is the former self-help and meditation skeptic who wrote the book 10% Happier. In his book, he explains how meditation changed his life and why everyone should do it. Here are Dan Harris’s meditation tips for beginners.