I began reading Lee Camp’s Mere Discipleship in May and I was thoroughly challenged by the first few chapters. Alas, by the first of June, I knew I wouldn’t have the time to devote to such a weighty read. I reluctantly put the book on the shelf for a few months, opting to wait until I had the time this text deserved. Last week, I started refreshing myself on the first few chapters again. Camp’s chapters on Gospel and Savior articulate some thoughts I’ve been working out in my mind for the past few months. I’ll probably be using this blog as an outpost to further develop those thoughts in the coming weeks. Please be patient with me as I sort out some of these things. I’ll probably take a bit of a departure from my “fluff” blogging for a while. Somehow, I think the world will be just fine without further exposition regarding my favorite comedies of all-time.
To close this post, I leave you with the story of the Anabaptist martyr Dirk Willems as told by Camp in his chapter on Savior. I believe this story says much about the cost of following Jesus:
Captured and imprisoned for various Anabaptist “heresies”, Willems had opportunity to escape his captors, and he fled for his life. A deputy (of sorts) pursued Willems; it being winter, some ice had formed across the water over which Willems took flight. The deputy, however, fell through the ice – and when Willems perceived that his pursuer might lose his life, he returned to the scene, pulling the deputy from peril. When the deputy’s superior arrived on the scene, the deputy argued that Willems should be released. But when reminded of his oath of fidelity to law and order, the deputy seized Willems and returned him to captivity. In time, after severe imprisonment and great trials, Willems was slowly burned to death outside the village.
Indeed, there is a life unto death just as surely as there is a death unto life.
Grace & peace,
JB
already & not yet 
I’m teaching this book on Sunday night right now. It’s challenging to say the least.It’s one of the five most important books I’ve ever read in terms of impact. I’ll anxiously await your thoughts.
I’ve read bits and pieces of the book, but also haven’t had the time to devote to it…I may pick it back up w/your posts. FYI-Wikipedia’s entry on Anabaptist lists Lee Camp one of “Anabaptists today”. Lucy P.
I read it 2 years ago, but I was like you and didn’t have the time to spend with it that I really should have. I had a newborn at home at the time and read through it faster than I should have. I also don’t know that I was quite ready for it then, either, but I think it did impact me and probably was at least part of what started me rethinking a lot of things. I’d like to read it again – along with the other 30-40 books in my stack…
It’s been a blessing to re-read the first few chapters again. It’s amazing what resonates with me the second time. Scott, I’d like to have a copy of your class notes when you’re through with them. And you may know about this already, but I discovered a website this week devoted to dissecting and discussing the ideas in Mere Discipleship. Check out discipleshipdiscussion.blogspot.com to follow. The site also contains a great link to a series of podcasts on atonement Camp did at Otter Creek this spring. Good stuff.Lucy, that’s interesting. I wonder if Camp knows he’s been “wikipediaed”. Wonder what I need to do to make “Anabaptists Today”. (Sounds like the lamest magazine title of all-time.) You should read up. I’m going to post either tonight or tomorrow about chapter 3 and where our allegiances should lie if you want to read ahead!
Do I hear, Book Club?
Are you making fun of me? You know, you can join the book club, too. I’m formulating my post now, so you can read up on chapter 3 before I get there. Lecture to follow.
While I’m at it, any thoughts on the story of Dirk Willems? I found it to be a powerful story. Thoughts?
Love the stories of martyrs. Ever read the “Jesus Freak” series. They are also very good. Make’s one realize how fortunate we are to live in America (at least as of now, there could have been another law change making it illegal to have silent prayers in public or something).
My notes would be largely indecipherable beyond what Camp has written. But I am game for a continued discussion, either here or on Brasco.
Not only does the Willems story illustrate the cost of following Jesus, but it also contrasts it with the cost of giving your oaths to institutions other than Jesus…i.e. fidelity to law & order. The deputy had to live with the cost of his oath to something seeming noble…makes you think about the pledge of allegiance etc..Once I find where I put my book, I’ll start reading it again…Lucy P.
Book Club!