The Hidden Christ

Theseletters from Blumhardtto his son-in-law, a missionary in China, turn the traditionalconcept of Christian mission on its head. For Blumhardt, the gospelof Jesus Christ has nothing to do with religion. There is no need tobring Christianity to people. What they need is the good news Jesuspromised--liberty for the oppressed and help for the poor.

Infact, as Blumhardt sees it, the "unchurched" and the"heathen," and especially the oppressed, already belong toChrist, and he is at work in their hearts before we arrive. Jesus didnot come to found churches, but to set in motion a movement of theSpirit that will encompass nations and lead to peace and socialjustice. "No longer religion against religion, but justiceagainst sin, life against death."

Blumhardtwrites from a passionately moved heart, hastily jotting down thoughtswith little regard for the choice of words or the skillfulmarshalling of ideas. It is not a matter of theology, but of daringsomething in faith, of experimenting, and of finding new ways forGod’s kingdom to advance.