• The Cross and the Switchblade

  • By: David Wilkerson
  • Narrated by: Paul Michael
  • Length: 6 hrs and 57 mins
  • 4.9 out of 5 stars (967 ratings)

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The Cross and the Switchblade  By  cover art

The Cross and the Switchblade

By: David Wilkerson
Narrated by: Paul Michael
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Publisher's summary

The astonishing true story of Wilkerson's outreach to New York teens trapped by drugs and gangs.

Gang-fighters! Drug addicts. Teenage runaways and prostitutes! The toughest and most hopeless kids that New York's ghettos had to offer. Then a young preacher from the Pennsylvania hills arrived on their turf and began preaching a message of renewal, miracles, and God's love. This is one of the century's great true stories. Over 14 million copies in print!

©1986 David Wilkerson (P)2010 christianaudio.com

What listeners say about The Cross and the Switchblade

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

hope when there is no hope

A very inspiring true account of many set free by the power of the Holy Spirit when there is no earthly hope. And how God can lead those who follow the leading of the Holy Spirit to reach those who they seemingly have nothing in common with.

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12 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

This book will impact your heart and soul!

Not only is the content of the book excellent but the reader does an amazing job in his delivery. I highly recommend this book and it will impact your heart.

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9 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Amazing and inspirational true story!!

I couldn't hardly wait to keep listening to this story! It was moving, inspirational, and lit a fire inside of me! Thank you thank you!!

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7 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

I Couldn't "Put it Down"!

Would you listen to The Cross and the Switchblade again? Why?

Paul Michael did a great job narrating it. His character voices were just right; not too extreme, but enough of a change to add to the story.

What did you like best about this story?

As a believer, I found the stories of God's love and power changing lives inspiring. My guess would be that even if you don't follow Jesus, you would be touched by the compassion of the main characters and the power of love to change lives.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

There were three or four spots I found myself tearing up because of the scene.

Any additional comments?

I can't recommend this book enough. It was so inspiring and challenging. And a very easy listen, thanks to the writing and narration.

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7 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Informative

The down to earth way of the preacher makes him relatable. He is honest about his fears and unbelief at events. He does a great job describing all the people he meets, specifically gang members and his experiences with them.

It does get slow around the 5 hour mark when he talks about the organization that he created. It picks up again about 30-45 minutes to the end.

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7 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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This what it means to live as Christian

The book is a fine example of what it means when God says "Not by power or by might, but by my spirit."

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6 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Very Enjoyable Listen You Won't Be Disappointed

Any additional comments?

A great book, very good narration with very touching stories to go with it. You will not be disappointed in this book. Heartfelt funny and uplifting. I could have listened to this book in one sitting. Great way to spend your time.

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5 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

self-agrandizing? maybe... inspired? perhaps

I listened to this a few weeks ago, on the recommendation of a speaker whose opinion I respect.

The autobiography is about a small town preacher who follows the holy spirits urging (os so we must assume) and follows that urging to New York city. After some humiliating attempts to ensconce himself in a public trial, and bring the testimony of Jesus Christ to some murdering gang members, he eventually moves to the Big City. He starts to actually help lost children find meaning and purpose, and for some he helps to find God.

Often times the tone of the book struck me as holier-than-thou, or of a false humility, but I hesitate somewhat to say that, because I may be wrong. What he actually did was brave, and certainly much needed. His wife and child(ren) were so secondary while all this was happening that I wondered about his priorities a little bit, but put it down as secondary to the story he was relating.

I actually learned a lot about heroin addiction from this book, and how rare it is for someone to conquer this particular habit, so strong is it. I am glad I read it, but would not like to do it again. somewhat dated in feeling, I think this took place in the 50's or 60's.

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4 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Amazing amazing amazing

I read the book many times and it keep getting better and better. It's a must read and I just love it and I can highly recommend it

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3 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Great book.

I would recommend this book to anyone and have to many. it is as relevant today as it was 40 years ago..... maybe more.

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3 people found this helpful