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4.03 AVERAGE
4.03 AVERAGE
An absolutely beautiful book. Shane Claiborne has an incredible heart for his neighbor, and tells the story of his journey to a genuine discipleship of Christ in a disarmingly friendly, simple, witty, and humorous way. Don't let the tone fool you, however - this is a book that challenges the Church to re-examine what its core principles really are, why it is on this earth, and provides support for those disillusioned by the oppositional, self-centered Christianity that is too prevalent in Christendom today. He makes the radical suggestion that we follow Christ's teachings, fully and completely, regardless of how they may clash with capitalism, politics, religion, and life and relationships as we know it. It's a powerful idea in and of itself, but without an application, an idea is all it is. Shane's life offers a glimpse into what that idea looks like, lived out, and it is a beautiful, glorious, humbling, simple, and moving portrait of a man simply trying to follow in the footsteps of Christ. It is evident that society - including many Christians - regards his way of life as foolish and impractical. And it is, judging by the standard of the capitalistic, politically-charged perspective of America. Fortunately, that perspective is miles away from that of Christ.
This book is very challenging to read...in the best possible way. It drives me to prayer and really look at the cost of being a Christ follower. It makes me think about what it means to truly live like the Christ I claim to follow, and love like He did.
This book is simultaneously hilarious, thought-provoking, convicting, and hopeful. It could be a tad repetitive at times, and there were some things I didn't quite see eye to eye with Shane about, but for the most part, I didn't have to look hard to find God's love in his words. Definitely check it out!
This is the best book I have ever read on living like a true Christian. Instead of railing against liberals and attacking gays, Shane Claiborne makes the case (supported by scripture) that Jesus expected us to fight for social justice, to make sure that everyone felt God's love, had something to eat and a place to sleep. He believes that Jesus died for everyone, including terrorists and criminals, and that we can't expect peace with other nations if we are bombing them. He really made me think about how much I'm actually doing to help others and whether your beliefs mean anything if you're not putting them into action.
I found this book thought-provoking and inspirational. I find myself dissatisfied by the complacency I see, called to arms by such things as Shane Claiborne's words in this book, passages from the old and new testaments, and even a few stirring dreams of my own. All of these in aggregate with this book - one of the first of its kind I encountered - have changed my priorities and goals in life. I want to take part in the irresistible revolution.
Some good points, but not well presented. The entire thing lacks dynamics, coming across scatter-brianed and vague. What exactly is the author asking of the reader? That they sell everything and join him on the streets? It isn't particularly clear, and the picture he paints of his experiences is surely unrealistic; it doesn't really prepare anyone who might follow suit or inform them of what to expect.
The theology is weak and selective. Sometimes verses are drawn to help conlcusions, and sometimes they aren't... the cherry picking is all a bit convenient and the reading over-literal.
Anecdotes and ramblings are many, often laced with incredibly cringe humour. I'm honestly not sure why he wrote the book. Either he's dancing round the subject, or there isn't one.
The theology is weak and selective. Sometimes verses are drawn to help conlcusions, and sometimes they aren't... the cherry picking is all a bit convenient and the reading over-literal.
Anecdotes and ramblings are many, often laced with incredibly cringe humour. I'm honestly not sure why he wrote the book. Either he's dancing round the subject, or there isn't one.
An excellent book. Highly recommended for churchgoers and also for those who think that practicing Christianity is nutty and/or that all Christians are hypocrites.
This book was just as challenging as I remembered it. If not more. It makes me sad that the book was written over 10yrs ago and our world is still so greedy. Claiborne does an excellent job of using the words of Jesus to encourage us to get off our butts and do something for the world, for the downtrodden, for our neighbour, so challenging and encouraging at the same time.
Clairborne writes with the passion of a radical, of someone who thinks he's got this christianity thing down to the basics -- its comes across as arrogant and as one reviewer said as arrogant or against authority. What he proclaims is he wants one authority, which is Jesus Christ. I get that. It has pushed him at various extremes to living with the poor of Philly, seeking out Mother Theresa, sharing the American bombs of Iraq freedom with the people of Iraq. Radical. He wants to push the buttons of the status quo. And, it makes me uncomfortable but what have I done for Jesus lately or how have I interacted with the poor and helped look for Jesus in their eyes. Can you see this point of view? I guess I can. Evangelical Christians spend a LOT of money on their building, technology and on salaries but are we really reaching people with love. I sometimes wonder. This book made me wonder. I don't have to move to Philly to know this. I can do this here.
The book came recommended by Dave Bell out of a service on Greed at Grace CC.
The book came recommended by Dave Bell out of a service on Greed at Grace CC.
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-paced