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4.03 AVERAGE
4.03 AVERAGE
challenging
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
I read this book many years ago and wanted to remind myself of the inspiring message it held. In reading it again, I was surprised at times how much I disagreed with Claiborne or found him to be judgmental and idealistic. It's interesting how much my views on faith have changed as I've grown.
challenging
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Thought provoking. I did not always agree with what he had to say, but most of it was on target and quite powerful.
Overall, I liked the book, which I read alongside my grade 11 students. Its purpose is to wake up the average Christian that's just putting in their time for appearances' sake, and it definitely had the potential to do that through some pretty radical stuff. However, I worry that after reading some of the "out-there" stuff, people that need to read it might put the book down.
I didn't agree with all of it. And I think it could have been edited down significantly. But any book that's going to challenge faith, and hopefully spark some kind of revolution in this sin-sick society is worth checking out.
I didn't agree with all of it. And I think it could have been edited down significantly. But any book that's going to challenge faith, and hopefully spark some kind of revolution in this sin-sick society is worth checking out.
challenging
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
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.
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.
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.
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.