Costly Grace

An Evangelical Minister's Rediscovery of Faith, Hope, and Love

By: Rob Schenck

Narrated by: Rob Schenck

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.

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!

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.

Amazing Costly Grace

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

Costly Grace

If you start reading or listening to this book you must finish it. The message of this book needs to be heard and understood by anyone living in today’s society.

Reflections on the Christian Witness

At a time when I find myself wondering "who have we become as Christians?" this book took me on one man's journey on the ethics of the Christian witness. His feelings echo many of my own sentiments in what we have lost by gaining so little in the here and now. As Christians, we are destroying our witness. We are choosing to settle for cheap grace with heavy consequences.