Scan barcode
jfraser82's review against another edition
5.0
Amazing. Don't read it unless you want your world to be rocked.
nao04's review against another edition
challenging
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
beccafeldhacker's review against another edition
5.0
His heart, his ability to balance humor/levity with gravity and genuine need, and his short story style all reminded me a lot of Gregory Boyle, who I also really love.
I don’t think I can simply read this and not think about it going forward.
I don’t think I can simply read this and not think about it going forward.
justicepirate's review against another edition
5.0
It isn't often that a book can make me cry at all, but this one did. I loved it. It was quite inspiring and insightful. It made me understand Jesus more too. It may have helped me review life with how I live and think.
ajreader's review against another edition
3.0
Read my full thoughts on this book and hundreds more over at Read.Write.Repeat.
As with any book of this type, I did not agree with everything Claiborne said, but his words and his life still challenged me to be more radical in my faith.
As with any book of this type, I did not agree with everything Claiborne said, but his words and his life still challenged me to be more radical in my faith.
adamrshields's review against another edition
4.0
I read this as an audio book and think that is the way that you should read all of Shane Claiborne and Rob Bell's works. They are both so conversational that their writing doesn't always flow right if it is not read by the author.
Many people will not like or agree with what Shane says or does, but I think that there are very few that are actually trying to live a radical Christianity like Shane is. I put him in the category of St Francis of Assisi. Many people thought he was nuts too but he did more for the long term health of the church than almost any other human. Shane will not have the kind of impact, but that doesn't keep him from trying.
Also, after reading several other's reviews I think that the main issue that people seem to have is with his economics. People keep charging that he is forcing people to redistribute money to the poor. He is not, he is suggesting that we give it away and by definition, giving it away is not forcing. You may be shamed that you are not giving, so give when you prefer not to, but that is not being forced either. One reviewer actually compared him to Stalin. But I should just ignore that.
Many people will not like or agree with what Shane says or does, but I think that there are very few that are actually trying to live a radical Christianity like Shane is. I put him in the category of St Francis of Assisi. Many people thought he was nuts too but he did more for the long term health of the church than almost any other human. Shane will not have the kind of impact, but that doesn't keep him from trying.
Also, after reading several other's reviews I think that the main issue that people seem to have is with his economics. People keep charging that he is forcing people to redistribute money to the poor. He is not, he is suggesting that we give it away and by definition, giving it away is not forcing. You may be shamed that you are not giving, so give when you prefer not to, but that is not being forced either. One reviewer actually compared him to Stalin. But I should just ignore that.
jdneusch18's review against another edition
5.0
Here’s the deal, I live in The United States. This probably holds true for at least 1 of the 2 that will read this review. If you’re from the west, you’re rich, or you’re white, this book has a chance to offend you in some way. Personally, I loved it. I haven’t been as moved or encouraged by a book in years.
My hope is that those that are offended would simply take the time to be introspective and find the root of their discomfort, rather than going to the Bible and finding verses to attempt to tear down Claiborne’s understanding of Christ’s message.
My hope is that those that are offended would simply take the time to be introspective and find the root of their discomfort, rather than going to the Bible and finding verses to attempt to tear down Claiborne’s understanding of Christ’s message.
hayli_brewer's review against another edition
5.0
I have found that so many followers of Jesus can’t separate their Christianity from their patriotism. That being a right-wing conservative is synonymous with following Jesus. Jesus wasn’t a white American republican. He was a brown, homeless man. He told us to love our enemies. He broke down social and political barriers. Yet Christians sit safely inside their church buildings and let “more qualified” people do the work. It’s time for the Church to wake up and stand up for the oppressed in our society. We are all missionaries - NOW - and I think that Shane does a great job of calling the Church to action, and telling personal stories of transformation that can happen when we truly follow Jesus.
“The only thing harder that hatred is love. The only thing harder than war is peace. The only thing that takes more work, tears, and sweat than division is reconciliation. But what more beautiful things could we devote our lives to?”
“Our big visions for multiculturalism and reconciliation will make their way into the church only when the hey are first lived out in real relationships, out of our homes and around our dinner tables and in our living rooms. Perhaps this is why Jesus begins it all by sitting around a table with a Roman tax collector, a Zealot revolutionary, a fisherman, a Pharisee, and a prostitute.”
“The only thing harder that hatred is love. The only thing harder than war is peace. The only thing that takes more work, tears, and sweat than division is reconciliation. But what more beautiful things could we devote our lives to?”
“Our big visions for multiculturalism and reconciliation will make their way into the church only when the hey are first lived out in real relationships, out of our homes and around our dinner tables and in our living rooms. Perhaps this is why Jesus begins it all by sitting around a table with a Roman tax collector, a Zealot revolutionary, a fisherman, a Pharisee, and a prostitute.”
jdintr's review against another edition
I began this book expecting to be called to a new monasticism as Shane practices it at his community in North Philadelphia, but instead I was called in a prophetic way to examine how I interact with fellow Christians, view the actions of my government, and pursue Christ's will in my life, my family and my community.
Make no mistake: Claiborne's message is revolutionary. You won't read this to pick up a few inspiring ideas, you will be confronted with a radical, Christian worldview. Claiborne has taken radical steps: traveling to Iraq to forestall George W. Bush's disastrous invasion, squatting in an abandoned Philadelphia cathedral, and wandering the streets of Calcutta with Mother Theresa.
What I appreciated about the book (and I listened to the MP3), was Claiborne's tone. It's not confrontational or holier-than-thou, he truly loves his work and the oppressed people God has given him. He invites the reader in love to join this irresistable revolution, changing our churches and our communities in the process.
Make no mistake: Claiborne's message is revolutionary. You won't read this to pick up a few inspiring ideas, you will be confronted with a radical, Christian worldview. Claiborne has taken radical steps: traveling to Iraq to forestall George W. Bush's disastrous invasion, squatting in an abandoned Philadelphia cathedral, and wandering the streets of Calcutta with Mother Theresa.
What I appreciated about the book (and I listened to the MP3), was Claiborne's tone. It's not confrontational or holier-than-thou, he truly loves his work and the oppressed people God has given him. He invites the reader in love to join this irresistable revolution, changing our churches and our communities in the process.