A Tender Lion

The Life, Ministry, and Message of J.C. Ryle

By: Bennett W. Rogers

Narrated by: Jim Denison

John Charles Ryle became the undisputed leader and spokesman of the evangelical party within the Church of England in the last half of the 19th century, and his works continue to be read by evangelicals of various denominational stripes more than a century after his death. Accordingly, he is often portrayed as “an old soldier” of a heroic cause. While this view of Ryle holds some merit, it often obscures the complexity and dynamism of a most remarkable man.

In this intellectual biography, Bennett W. Rogers analyzes the complicated life and times of a man variously described as traditional, moderate, and even radical during his 58-year ministry. Ryle began his ministerial career as a rural parish priest; he ended it as a bishop of the second city of the British Empire. In the time between, he became a popular preacher, influential author, effective controversialist, recognized party leader, stalwart church defender, and radical church reformer.

©2019 Bennett W. Rogers (P)2020 Blackstone Publishing

Good and eh…

I love JC Ryle so it was fun to get to learn more about him. This book had several interesting facts but a lot of it bored me unfortunately. I’m thankful for the audio because that made it easier to get through.

Required Reading?

Required reading for Anglican ministers and adult confirmands in the Anglican Church? As an evangelical, it shows one what he or she might have to contend with in Anglicanism. Ryle is a good if imperfect model. Many ministers and lay Christians would do well to glean from his life and ministry.