Penetrating. Convicting. Short.

More than a global condemnation or a decrying of denominational distinctives, the Mark of a Christian is an honest view of how Christ has given the world the "right to judge Christians," by the merit of their love for each other. Schaeffer doesn't set up love for the brethren as penultimate, but he takes seriously the fact that Jesus stated that the second greatest commandment as, "Love your neighbor as yourself." ^M

Should be required reading for all followers of Christ

Christian theologian and philosopher Francis A. Schaeffer (1912-84) wrote this pamphlet (38 pages) as a warning to fellow believers. Beginning with Jesus' admonition in John 13:33-35 that his followers should love one another, Dr. Schaeffer goes on to explain the love that a Christian *must* have, and how that love should be manifested. In particular, this book is advice on how Christians of differing denominations should love each other, and how they can avoid the pitfalls of showing their love in the wrong way. The book ends with a poem selected by Dr. Schaeffer to accompany this text; it is quite moving, and worth being read in its own right.

Love the brethren

Schaeffer's tiny booklet is a must for anyone who calls themselves a Christian. In it, Schaeffer shows that Christianity is not simply about right answers or intellectual belief, but about a deep, heart-felt love. We may be able to share a perfect gospel presentation and logically and concisely answer all objections, but as Schaeffer says, our "final apologetic" is that the world sees us love each other. Christians can do infinitely more harm with all our bickering and in-fighting that we could ever do good with mere words.