Normal Christian Life by Watchman Nee (1977, Paperback)

When I first read the printed version of Watchman Nee's "The Normal Christian Life" I sensed that here is a book revealing the hidden secrets of what really matters, a map pointing to Bali Ha'i (the island of heart's desire). It's a treasure trove of wisdom densely packed - fairly easy to read on the surface, yet needing repeated reading and meditation to fully unlock it. During my teenage years many emotional troubles made concentrating enough to retain its message difficult, so I longed to have an audiobook I could listen to again and again to get an overall grip on the book and anchor it in my mind.

In the 1970s, audiobooks (also called "talking books") were virtually unheard of unless you were blind. Thank God sighted people can have them today and there now exists the recording I longed for. There are even two editions; I own both for variety, rotating a copy between my house and my car. The readings are generally rightly nuanced, and the narrators' voices can be listened to repeatedly without becoming annoying (at least to me). They are doing a narration, not preaching a sermon.

The audiobooks encouraged me to meditate again on the printed version, which includes helpful footnotes by editor Angus I. Kinnear who prepared the book for its first publication in Mumbai, India in 1957. There's also a study guide by Harry Foster published separately in England in 1976. Both Kinnear and Foster heard Watchman Nee deliver the original late 1930s spoken addresses on which the book is based.

Watchman Nee has been criticized in some circles because of the doctrines and practices of certain ones of his colleagues and followers. That is "guilt by association". It's no more legitimate than criticizing the apostle Paul for Hymenaeus, Alexander, Phygellus, Hermogenes, Philetus, Demas and "all who are in Asia" who had been Paul's associates and disciples but decided to "distance themselves from him" (I Timothy 1:20; II Timothy 1:15; 2:17; 4:10). Some of them became proto-Gnostic heretics who claimed Paul as their hero while totally perverting what he actually said. Unlike them, Watchman Nee once in a while extrapolates somewhat beyond the Scriptures in a few of his other books but never ventures into actual heresy. "The Normal Christian Life" has only one prominent mistake I've noticed: he applies Luke 17:26-37 ("one shall be taken, the other left behind") to the Rapture, when the context of that passage actually refers to the Flood of Noah and the judgment on Sodom "taking away" the sinners. Nee is not alone in this traditional misapplication. Just ignore the mistake and don't let it rob you of the wonderful benefits of everything else he has to say.

The message of "The Normal Christian Life" is not just for a few Christians who might enjoy it as their own particular interest or emphasis. Rather, it is the core of what it means to be a Christian. This is far different from what the average person thinks, or even the average Christian thinks. Had I read this book when I first believed in Jesus it would have put me on the right track and helped to save me from the will-power moralism of average Christianity. Nee's message may seem radical or strange, but that's only an

I ordered this book as it was referenced in the book, "The Complete Green Letters (which I read 3 times) as being a great book to read. And it is. I love it. I'm reading it for the 2nd time. I purchased two extra copies since to give to friends. The author describes what a "normal" Christian life is really supposed to be like..and I can safely say that I doubt 1% of professed Christians understand this. Everyone would benefit from learning how simple yet profoundly important this subject really is. Seasoned Christians and new Christians would love this book...and I believe even one who as yet has no interest in Christianity.

This book was written by a man of God who lived the life of Christ amidst great deprivation and persecution from the anti-Christ Communists of China. This book by a well read and dedicated author, challenges us to a life of Christ who goes way beyond what is ordinary to us in modern western society, but as he writes is "normal." When reading such passages in the Word of God as Mark 16: These signs shall follow them who believe... you will readily see that Watchman Nee is writing not only from personal experience but that experience is inspired by and conforms to the Holy Word of God.

This is the second book that I have read by Watchman Nee and I find it just as soul-stirring and spiritually uplifting. As we read the Word and follow Nee's interpretation, we have to give pause to our lives and experiences. While growing and maturing in our christian life, Nee's words give direction and offer an explanation of what it means to have a Normal Christian Life. Be prepared to squirm a bit when reading, because self-reflection and re-evaluation will definitely take place.

Highly recommended.

Debbie Alexander

I have been constantly looking for books to help grow into Christ and this book really delivered for me. Keep in mind that we are all created differently from one another so please consult with Holy Spirit in prayer to see where He leads. As for me, Watchman Nee was really used by God to provide me with truths about what was accomplished at Calgary. I think that these are foundational truths that every Christian should know and live by.