Practical Religion

“Real” religion is not mere show, and pretense, and skin-deep feeling, and temporary profession, and outside work. It is something inward, solid, substantial, intrinsic, living, lasting. A lack of reality is a striking feature of a vast amount of religion in the present day. —J. C. Ryle

Practical Religion, by J. C. Ryle (1816-1900), was first published in 1878 and is renowned as a theological and apologetic Christian “classic”—esteemed for its clear, profound and penetrating narrative on the practice of genuine Christian living. Within its pages, Ryle masterfully unfolds practical biblical truths in a series of treatises, or “papers” as he calls them, each written to address a critical aspect of where personal faith in Christ and the practice of that faith in holy living unite and are essential for Christian growth and effective discipleship.

Ryle exposes hypocrisy and nominalism in religion, or “Churchianity” as he calls it, which was as systemic in his day as it is today. His poignant narrative appeals to the evangelical Church as well as to individuals who profess to be Christians—a call to self-examination in all things, and a return to sound Biblical truths seriously and practically applied in every aspect of life.

Ryle’s powerful, engaging style penetrates the heart and challenges the mind of its readers and is not for the faint of heart. Ryle’s design is to stir the hearts and minds of those who genuinely and humbly seek a deeper abiding, surrendered life in Christ. No wonder his equally renowned contemporary English minister, Charles Spurgeon, considered Ryle “An evangelical champion. One of the bravest and best of men.” J.I. Packer calls Practical Religion, “The manual for the practice of Christianity.”

J. C. (John Charles) Ryle was the first Bishop of Liverpool, England, and one of the most influential evangelical ministers and writers of the nineteenth century. He was renowned for his rare ability to bring the riches of Biblical truth, plainly and powerfully, to the hearts of his hearers and readers.

Practical Religion will enrich the believer’s walk with Christ and provide the Church with much needed insight for preaching and living genuine Christianity, now and in every generation!