• Costly Grace

  • An Evangelical Minister's Rediscovery of Faith, Hope, and Love
  • By: Rob Schenck
  • Narrated by: Rob Schenck
  • Length: 11 hrs and 27 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (114 ratings)

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Costly Grace  By  cover art

Costly Grace

By: Rob Schenck
Narrated by: Rob Schenck
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Publisher's summary

A leading American evangelical minister - whom public figures long turned to for guidance in faith and politics - recounts his three conversions, from childhood Jewish roots to Christianity, from a pure faith to a highly politicized one, and from the religious right to the simplicity of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.

Rob Schenck’s extraordinary life has been at the center of the intersection between evangelical Christianity and modern politics. Attacked by partisans on both sides of the aisle, he has been called a "right-wing hate monger", the "ultimate D.C. power-broker", a "traitor", and "turncoat." Now, this influential spiritual adviser to America’s political class chronicles his controversial, sometimes troubling career in this revelatory and often shocking memoir.

As a teenager in the 1970s, Schenck converted from Judaism to Christianity and found his calling in public ministry. In the 1980s, he, like his twin brother, became a radical activist leader of the anti-abortion movement. In the wake of his hero Ronald Reagan’s rise to the White House, Schenck became a leading figure in the religious right inside the Beltway. Emboldened by his authority and access to the highest reaches of government, Schenck was a zealous warrior, brazenly mixing ministry with Republican political activism - even confronting President Bill Clinton during a midnight Christmas Eve service at Washington’s National Cathedral.

But in the past few years Schenck has undergone another conversion - his most meaningful transition yet. Increasingly troubled by the part he played in the corruption of religion by politics, this man of faith has returned to the purity of the gospel. Like Paul on the Road to Damascus, he had an epiphany: revisiting the lessons of love that Jesus imparted, Schenck realized he had strayed from his deepest convictions. Reaffirming his core spiritual beliefs, Schenck today works to liberate the evangelical community from the oppression of the narrowest interpretation of the gospel, and to urge Washington conservatives to move beyond partisan battles and forsake the politics of hate, fear, and violence. As a preacher, he continues to spread the word of the Lord with humility and a deep awareness of his past transgressions.

In this moving and inspiring memoir, he reflects on his path to God, his unconscious abandonment of his principles, and his return to the convictions that guide him. Costly Grace is a fascinating and ultimately redemptive account of one man’s life in politics and faith.

©2018 Rob Schenck (P)2018 HarperCollins Publishers

What listeners say about Costly Grace

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One of the most moving testimonials ever heard!

I can't put into words the emotion and the sincere admoration I feel after listening to Rob's journey. Costly Grace is amazing!

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A must read to understand how we became so divided

I bought this book because I wanted to understand why Evangelicals aligned themselves with the Republican party and Trump when so much of their rhetoric is not Christain. As a liberal, at times I didnt want to listen to his earlier political views and judgments, but I persisted and I am glad I did. His journey is enlightening and inspiring. It gives me hope during this difficult time and restores my faith.

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Great read!

Thank you, Dr. Schenck for your thoughtful and very enlightening memoir. I found it very helpful in understanding how other Christian's can get to positions I don't understand or agree with, let alone priorities as you so effectively explain. I just completed listening to it myself and am now playing it for my wife when we're together and getting a lot more out of it the second time around. Thanks again for a great and important explanation.

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God’s character finds a way to shine.

As a liberal woman, the first 30 chapters were Excruciating to listen to. They have awakened feelings of fear anger and resentment towards a Christian totalitarian church. Growing up in communist Romania I was well familiar with these feelings. Praise be to the God of truth and light that Pastor Shank Was finally enlightened To discover the true character of God As portrayed by Jesus Christ himself. May God give you the strength to be a powerful light into this world and change the minds of many radical views.

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Unexpectedly Moving

This was a phenomenally open, honest, blunt, and truly beautiful look at one man's struggle with his religion, politics, community, inner conscience, and God himself. I was truly moved.

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So needed!

What a wonderful book! I was inspired and encouraged as I followed Schenck's candid journey.

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Waiting my whole life to hear his story

This book makes sense to me. I am in the process of healing from wounds and as I listened it felt like comfort to know that what I’ve witnessed in church makes perfect sense. With grace i am able to read it

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Moving Personal Journey with Insight for all

I didn't know much about Rob Schenck or his story before deciding to listen to this book on a friend's recommendation. The author's unflinching honesty about his faith, his achievements, and most importantly his mistakes force the reader to look inward for similar self-analysis (and hopefully similar personal learning and insight).Highly recommended.

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a book that will challenge you.

I suspect the point of this book will be missed by many. That is unfortunate since it is not important that you agree with the conclusions and deductions of the author but rather that you analyze the process by which he reaches them, and challenge yourself about what you believe.

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Amazing Costly Grace

Every evangelical, every Christian, everyone needs to read this book! It will change you - hopefully forever!

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