The Irresistible Revolution: Living as an Ordinary Radical by Shane Claiborne Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Irresistible Revolution: Living as an Ordinary Radical
Book Review: Insightful yet flawed
Summary: 3 Stars
Shane Claiborne's "Irresistible Revolution" chronicles his thoughts and actions regarding Christianity in practice. He mourns the state of Christianity and the church, which he feels (correctly, I believe) have become stale. His own journeys have included trips to Calcutta (Mother Theresa) and Iraq, and he lives in a community that shares nearly everything.
While I found much of the book inspiring and challenging, two major flaws detracted from the message. First, in a book in which he condemns self-righteousness, he CONSTANTLY pats himself on the back. It's alarming to see how many sentences begin with "I" or "We" and how often he condemns people who don't believe what he believes. His arrogance stands in stark, and ironic, contrast to the humility of Jesus.
Second, the book spends too much time on political discourse...war is immoral, capitalism is evil, wealth should be redistributed, etc. I agree that religion cannot be completely separated from politics, but he takes stands that are open for debate and slaps them in your face as if they are indisputable. I found myself challenging his politics as often as I was considering his walk.
I found much of the book challenging and refreshing, though I also found it a bit naive.
Book Review: Oh...My!
Summary: 1 Stars
A friend I admire recommended the book. I read it..had a difficult time with the self agrandizement of the author. He was idealistic and preachy at best. Having worked at a retreat center for ten years of my life, when I was young and hopeful, I experienced first hand the hyprocracy of those who wrote books telling people what to do/how to live/what "Jesus meant" and yet couldn't come near to living what they preached. It is nice to think that Shane is living what he is preaching, but he does come across as a bit too much of a know it all and a stone thrower.Book Review: True heart for the Lord
Summary: 4 Stars
This book was wonderfully encouraging and challenging. While I agreed with many of the things stated in this book I had a problem with Shane's viewpoints on violence (lack of understanding for the necessity of violence sometimes in order to protect), and the responsibility of Americans (ie., not voting). Definetly a great read but one that requires discernment. Book Review: one of the best books i've ever read
Summary: 5 Stars
There is no going back with this book, if this doesn't change the way you think then there is probably something very wrong with your spiritual well-being. I very quickly realized how empty my deeds were and how pathetic my life is in context of showing Christian love. The message of this book will never leave me and I must say it is probably the most inspiring book outside of the word I have ever read. I can only hope it continues to inspire me to more action. I was only bothered by a few technicalities and for me that is saying a lot. Most of the people he looks at as an inspiration are unfortunately catholic, one of them being Mother Theresa who granted did many great things for the poor (shaming any Christian I ever met) but still I feel led many astray. For instance,
Naveen Chawla, asked Mother Theresa: "Do you convert?" She replied, "Of course I convert. I convert you to be a better Hindu or a better Muslim or a better Protestant. Once you've found God, it's up to you to decide how to worship him." Her failure to point people to Christ alone was disturbing to me. I also am not sure I completely agree with his pacifism stance, as Christ never said anything about the centurian needing to leave his profession. (and because of other various verses) But he certainly did make me reconsider my position, as his points are really not debatable because they are truth. This is a book for thinkers, those who want to live a "simple," "safe" will not enjoy it. If this book doesn't make you a radical for Christ, then nothing probably will.
-Jesse in NJ
Book Review: BEST BOOK I EVER READ OR EXPECT TO READ.
Summary: 5 Stars
The Irresistible Revolution: Living as an Ordinary Radical I read this book in amazement, rethinking my values carefully with every page. I loved it and am reading it again. This is the best book I have ever read or ever hope to read. Simple, straight-forward guide to living in a state of grace, of living and loving the Simple Way.