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Title: The Irresistible Revolution: Living as an Ordinary Radical
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Manufacturer: Zondervan
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| The Irresistible Revolution: Living as an Ordinary Radical by Zondervan A Bold Resistance to the Status Quo | Shane "gets it," despite what some intelligent, well-meaning reviews/reviewers suggest. God is not something "out there" waiting to judge, condemn and/or save believers and cast into hell the non-believers. God is in our action. In our kneeling eye-level comfort of a child, in our compassion for others, in our empathy and tears and laughter and, most of all, in our selfless efforts toward the poor and downtrodden, i.e. those who have less than us. Selfless energy gives life to the Divine spark that resides in humankind, the Buddhists, Muslims, Christians, Jews, Agnostics, Atheists, etc.
You don't need to "believe" this, you already know it. We can feel it in our gut when we help others. Divine goodness is inherent in all humanity, not just those who pledge a particular fraternity of faith.
The genius of "Irresistible Revolution" is its ability to cut through biblical argument and liberal-versus-conservative rhetoric to get to that core point of righteous living. Shane's message is in perfect sync with the messages of the great prophets of the past. Ageless advice handed down by parents everywhere, secular and devout, East and West teach us that we are to treat others as we would like to be treated. That's the universal Golden Rule. All the big tents teach it, preach it and/or live it.
The law of karma is the lifeblood of Buddhism and Hinduism: What goes around comes around. Muhammad in his final pilgrimage to Mecca told followers: "Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you." In Buddhist scripture, Siddhartha, the first Buddha and founder of Buddhism, said, "Consider others as yourself." The supreme philosopher of ancient China, Master Kung (Confucius), said, "What you do not wish upon yourself, extend not to others."
The great Jewish scholar Rabbi Hillel, a sage and spiritual leader in the time of Jesus and King Herod, was once asked to sum up all the lessons of the Torah (the first five books of the Hebrew and Christian Bibles, written by Moses and accepted by Islam). Hillel was asked to deliver his answer while standing on one foot. Succinctly, in other words. He replied, "What is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow man: this is the whole law; the rest is just commentary."
Chicago activist Saul Alinsky, like Shane, was a brash social organizer who became a champion for the poor. In Alinsky's 1971 book, "Rules for Radicals: A Practical Primer for Realistic Radicals," Alinsky argues for the use of aggressive nonviolent tactics for the good of all mankind, even when the action goes against the laws and politics of the land.
Similar to Shane, Alinsky espoused the view of the eighteenth-century humanist Johann Wolfgang Goethe, who'd said, "Conscience is the virtue of observers and not of agents of action." Alinsky wrote that "in action one does not always enjoy the luxury of a decision that is consistent both with one's individual conscience and the good of mankind. [But] the choice must always be for the latter. Action is for mass salvation and not for the individual's personal salvation."
It's selfless, in other words.
To Alinsky, "means-and-end moralists" and "practical revolutionaries," as he defined them, are opposing forces. The former maintains the status quo; the latter works for change.
To me, that's why "The Irresistible Revolution" is irresistible. Change is urgently needed. No one can stare into the gargantuan gap of our economic divide and honestly arrive at any other conclusion.
| | The Irresistible Revolution: Living as an Ordinary Radical by Zondervan A Humbled Resistance | I have just completed an extensive review of this book primarily for pastors, youth leaders, or those wanting to dig deeper into its theology. Here is an excerpt from the introduction:
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You'll find this not only to be a mixed review of TIR, but a mixed review of the contemporary church. Claiborne effectively exposes some serious problems in contemporary evangelicalism to a wider and more receptive audience. (He is not the only or first to expose these issues, but his contribution is welcomed.) We as a church have some painful self-examination and repentance ahead of us. I've titled the review "A Humbled Resistance" because the self-examination it has prompted in my own life has been humbling. As the review progresses, I believe the need for resistance becomes clear.
In the final chapter of TIR, Claiborne wisely encourages the ordinary radicals to stay anchored in the church:
So to the young `uns: we have to remind ourselves to stay anchored in the church, for we need roots and wisdom.
It seems to me that God could surround us with elders as we bring new energy into an aging body, but it will take tremendous courage from old folks to dream new dreams and allow a new generation to make their own mistakes. (353)
... we mustn't allow ourselves to detach from the church in a self-righteous cynicism. (354)
So may we have some grace, even with those Christians and pastors who make us nauseated and put us to sleep. After all, they have given us enough of the story that we have been able to stumble into God and community. A friend just told us that perhaps we should relate to the church as a dysfunctional parent. (354-355)
As one of those dysfunctional parents, I am seeking God's face for the courage to examine myself and repent of my many failures as a leader. Hopefully as you read this response to Claiborne's work, you will see that we (old folks) hear you and take your critique seriously. In turn I hope and pray for you to have the humility to listen to the wisdom of your elders and learn from our mistakes.
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If you would like a detailed examination of Claiborne's helpful contributions and his theology, you may find the complete review at my website (next to my name) under the "Iron Sharpens Iron" menu.
| | The Irresistible Revolution: Living as an Ordinary Radical by Zondervan Life Destroying Content Inside | | This book destroyed my easy little life. I am now over-analyzing every decision I make. I am actively planning my departure from the exploitation economy. I can no longer get excited about political candidates. Growing my own food and supporting local agriculture. If I keep it up at this rate, I am going to end up Amish, just with less-itchy clothing. | | The Irresistible Revolution: Living as an Ordinary Radical by Zondervan Arrogant | I was highly looking forward to reading this book. I was told it was absolutely "Life-changing" from several of my respected colleagues. I was quite disappointed.
It is high-minded theorizing from an obviously spoiled rich kid. Shane tries to be "cool" by hanging out with the poor, but ultimately, he is only fooling himself.
Someone who is truly poor would not have the opportunities that he has been afforded (meeting Mother Theresa in Calcutta - who could afford that trip?).
Yup, he lives among the poor - in between trips to Hawaii and other fantastic locations to spread his "gospel".
Give me a break. | | The Irresistible Revolution: Living as an Ordinary Radical by Zondervan Daughter's Request | | Ordered this book for my daughter and another copy for her friend. They had gone to a Church Retreat that evolved around this book. Great seller and price for the book. | | The Irresistible Revolution: Living as an Ordinary Radical by Zondervan Product Description | | Using unconventional examples from his own life, Shane Claiborne stirs up questions about the church and the world, and challenges readers to truly live out their Christian faith. |
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