Frank C. Laubach (1884–1970)

I was skeptical going in when I ordered this book upon the recommendation of a friend. I was pleasantly surprised at Laubach's equanimity when it came to Islam v. Christianity. For example:

"A good Muslim would fill his life with God. I fear there are few good Muslims. But so would a real Christlike Christian speak to God every time he did anything--and I fear there are few good Christians. What right then have I or any other person to come here and change the name of these people from Muslim show more to Christian, unless I lead them to a life fuller of God than they have now? Clearly...my job here is not to go to the town plaza and make proselytes, it is to live wrapped in God, trembling to His thoughts..." (13)

I liked this idea of the reflective missionary--one who is as much on a mission for himself as looking to spread the Gospel. I used the book for my Lenten meditations and it worked very well for that. As for the "Game with Minutes," at the end? I didn't like it. I found the metaphor sort of silly and glib and it was a rather bizarre shift of tone from the letters, which are filled with the real anguished questioning and blissful moments of a true spiritual sojourn. show less

This old Spiritual Classic arose in the first half of the 20th century to help address the growing secularization of that day. Drops not only in church attendance, but in the clear presentation of Christ in preaching, meant that Laubach could say that most people we're having their thoughts turn to Christ for less than 10 minutes a week. How could anyone practice the presence of God under such circumstances? The Game With Minutes was Laubach's suggestion of a way forward. Turning our show more thoughts to Christ moment by moment, and considering how many minutes an hour we do so, suggested a Spiritual Practice to him which could help bring people back to Christ, of course not merely to think thoughts about Him, but to become increasingly aware of His presence, and so also then to be made like Him. Readable within 1/2 an hour, this text introduces an interesting devotional tool that can be introduced and deployed easily in a retreat setting. show less

I liked this little hardcover book as it provided little bits of advice for the Christian to think on, deepening their walk with God. It offers advice on ways to make it a daily practice to seek His presence, and how to become a bit more effective in their prayer life. I was able to read it in one day, but it is surely one I will continue to refer back to. Here is a bit about Frank C. Laubach from the back of the book: "Frank C. Laubach, often cited as 'apostle of literacy' began his show more missionary career in the Philippines in 1913. A few years later, he worked out the first edition of the now world-famous picture-word literacy charts and, in 1930, originated the volunteer method of promoting literacy known as "Each One Teach One" campaign. Through these Laubach teaching processes, more than 60 million people speaking in 200 different languages and dialects have learned to read in their native tongues. Dr. Laubach is widely known and loved as the author of numerous books, most of which carry definitive inspirational emphasis."
I found what he had to say, not only about his personal life, but also his career inspirational and fascinating.
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https://twogalsandabook.com/2018/01/23/christian-unity-week/#more-5391 show less

The last chapter is worth the whole book. The whole book is wonderful and very thought provoking. I will keep going back to the last chapter to remind myself of the game of minutes. I highly recommend this one!