Though his words may at times lack precision, Blumhardt clearly writes from a passionately moved heart. Theologically, there may be points with which one could take issue. Even his central assertions possess a remarkable duality, especially regarding the institutional church and the people of Christ, Christians and non-Christians, testimony by word and testimony by deed. Indeed, the wisdom he offers may at first appear "foolish" to those who demand theological exactitude.
A patient, generous reading of Blumhardt, however, should clear up any apparent contradictions. For instance, Blumhardt's critical comments regarding baptism and the attempt to make people Christians do not preclude the practice of baptism nor the need for conversion. Similarly, Blumhardt affirms God's working within history and culture, yet he is clear that civilization – with its technical, intellectual, and political development – is doomed without the truth that God revealed in Christ.
Blumhardt never claimed to be a scholar; he was a pastor at heart. Readers who long to faithfully stand their ground in the stream of the world as witnesses to God's coming kingdom will find no manufactured truths or artificial musings. For Blumhardt, making known the gospel was a matter of daring something in faith, of experimenting, and of finding new, concrete ways for God's kingdom to advance. His concern was that the message of Christ be brought to nations and peoples in a true, life-giving way, opening instead of closing doors to all those for whom Jesus died.
Blumhardt boldly believed that the earth and all its peoples belonged ultimately to God. He possessed an unwavering confidence in the advancement of God's new creation, even if it was "beneath the surface, in quiet, hidden ways." He held that in the midst of the storm and stress of world history, there have always been clearly recognizable signs of this clandestine advance. In an increasingly pluralistic world, the insights contained in this book can help us see the signs that are visible today – provided we are willing to have our conventional ideas challenged and our horizons broadened.
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