Unashamed to Bear His Name

I was unfamiliar with the author R. T. Kendall, but not with his message. “Unashamed To Bear His Name: Embracing the Stigma of Being a Christian” can hardly be called a delightful book because of its convicting truths, but that is not to say it isn’t a good book.


He starts out by addresses stigmas we bear in life--perhaps where we were born, or what denomination we were raised in. I found his childhood embarrassment of being from the second-to-last worst-educated state rather amusing, since the only state to out do that title is where I’m from. J

Kendall is not afraid to touch sensitive, doctrinal issues, as is the primary point of his book--not just willing to talk about controversial matters but to gladly embrace them. He cites the examples of the apostles rejoicing that they were worthy to suffer for Christ’s Name.

I don’t know yet that I could I say I agree with everything he writes. He definitely brings up some good points to present his views, but he also is not wanting his readers to believe what he says just because he says it. He advocates searching the Scriptures and letting God reveal His word to you, which I appreciate.

A sobering thought for me was that, during Christ’s life on earth, He did not have a good reputation, nor did his parents, yet He did not spend His days clearing His name, but in fact made Himself of no reputation, and was silent before His accusers! How much more should we be willing to live for God’s approval alone without any earthly vindication!

I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers for this review.