Inside Story: The Life of John Stott [Hardcover]

I received this as a birthday present, rather surprisingly, as I own and have read the excellent two volume work by Timothy Dudley-Smith. This work is certainly shorter, and thus more accessible, while dealing with the major contours of John's life and ministry. it clearly shows how influential the life and work of John Stott has been in the church, especially (although not exclusively) the Anglican denomination.
He is a unique person, one of the last vestiges of a way of life that has almost completely disappeared - the unfailing courtesy, the colossal correspondence (Richard Bewes reveals he still has a particular letter about a certain situation from Stott in his files, many years later), the clarity of mind and the radical and consistent determination to pursue a simple lifestyle and 'remember the poor'.
And yet ... I agree with the other reviewer that this biography was lacking. It does indeed read like a history of John's achievements - the books, Lausanne, Keele - which, although interesting in showing Stott's tireless work and concern for the global church, can seem to be irrelevant today. I would have enjoyed more critical engagement with the subject, dealing with issues such as the relevance and lasting impact for 21st century Christians - Anglican and otherwise - of Lausanne, Keele etc. I was brought up C of E, went through private school m attended the camps at Iwerne Minster, and have absolutely no idea what the influence of such events was. I would have been interested to know more about the distinction, clear in the minds of Stott and Steer, between his brand of evangelicalism and fundamentalism, as well as the 'liberal evangelicalism; mentioned in the book that so disturbed John. What legacy have his books had, particularly 'The Cross of Christ' - and how does that fare in today's theological climate? - and the BST series?
I am an evangelical, but I would have liked more discussion of exactly what sola scriptura means for Stott, as surely he must realise that different people see the Bible in different ways, and believe it to say different things - what makes him right and others wrong? Disappointingly, some of the most important events in recent years, both outside the Church - 9/11, 7/7 - and within - gay priests, women bishops, GAFCON - are omitted. It would have been fascinating to learn how he evaluated the importance and legacy of these events. Given Stott's claim that he would leave the Anglican church if he felt so compelled to do, the latter seism,ic events within the Anglican communion would have made an interesting contemporary discussion. Thus I found the book disappointingly hagiographical - perhaps this is inevitable while a biographer's subject is still alive - and rather superficial.
However, that notwithstanding, Stott remains a hugely inspiring person, and I have left this book with a clear determination to pursue my faith more whole-heartedly.
If you own the Dudley-Smith books, I very much doubt this will add anything new; if you don't then this book will provide a clear overview of the man and his ministry; if your interest is thus piqued, then plunge into the Dudley-Smith books.
Inside story? Possibly, but it feels more like you're looking through a window into the drawing room - the best kept room in the house, with all the treasured mementoes and curios of life orderly arranged - than wandering round a close friend's jumbled and lived-in house.

Roger Steer has produced a gripping and very readable biography of one of the great spiritual leaders of our time. John Stott's contribution to evangelical Christianity, and immense gifts as a preacher and teacher, are well-documented in a way that appeals to the layman as well as clerics and academics. Particularly appealing is his depiction of this brilliant academic and theologian as someone who treated everyone the same, and was loved and admired by those who met him, as well as those who worked with him - all well-documented with thoughtful and amusing reminiscences from many of them. His human failings are noted too, honestly and fairly. Most importantly, Roger Steer is true to the character of John Stott, letting us see beyond the man himself to the Christ whose gospel inspired, and continues to inspire him to live the Gospel as well as preach and teach it. This is a must-read for all thinking Christians

I was delighted to recieve this biography as a Christmas gift as I knew virtually nothing about John Stott. I do not move in anglican circles so this was an excellent opportunity for me to find out something of Mr John Stott. Having completed reading I now know for sure what I had suspected that John is indeed a solid evangelical and a huge asset to the Kingdom of God. Christendom would be better placed with more in the mold of John Stott. The book also revealed other things about Mr Stott, The Langham Trust I was aware of but did not know the connection with John Stott. I was not aware that John was president of TearFund for 14 years and that he was instrumental in setting up the excellent London institute for contemporary Christianity, nor was I aware of his long time friendship with Billy Graham and other notable evangelicals. There is an excellent chapter were Malcolm Muggeridge gives a series of lectures at Mr Stott's invitation. The author has wisely quoted Muggeridge rather than paraphrase and the dialogue is riveting. This has spurred me on to read more of Muggeridge. These are all the positives and indeed I do feel I know a little bit more about Mr Stott, but unfortunately this biography does not tell us enough, its not quite there. There is little, indeed virtually nothing of the inner man, the real man behind the cloaks and robes of office. I am not looking for scandal or gossip, heaven forbid. No-one is built up in their faith due to scandal or gossip but some of the human element is missing and thats a real shame. Perhaps, its just a sympton of the 'anglican' reserve but this is a biography lacking. This book reads more like a career in the church than a personal biography. Far too often we read about CEEC, SEAC, PCC, CICCU, EFAC etc. Too much is made of church governance in its various committees, councils, conferences and congress and little about the man himself. For me the author has missed an opportunity. I suppose the real test comes if I could recommend it? Perhaps the reserved style would suit evangelical anglicans.
gjc