The Irresistible Revolution: Living as an Ordinary Radical
Written by Shane Claiborne
Narrated by Shane Claiborne
4.5/5
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About this audiobook
Many of us find ourselves caught somewhere between unbelieving activists and inactive believers. We can write a check to feed starving children or hold signs in the streets and feel like we've made a difference without ever encountering the faces of the suffering masses. In this book, Shane Claiborne describes an authentic faith rooted in belief, action, and love, inviting us into a movement of the Spirit that begins inside each of us and extends into a broken world.
Shane's faith led him to dress the wounds of lepers with Mother Teresa, visit families in Iraq amidst bombings, and dump $10,000 in coins and bills on Wall Street to redistribute wealth. Shane lives out this revolution each day in his local neighborhood, an impoverished community in North Philadelphia, by living among the homeless, helping local kids with homework, and "practicing resurrection" in the forgotten places of our world. Shane's message will comfort the disturbed, and disturb the comfortable . . . but will also invite us into an irresistible revolution. His is a vision for ordinary radicals ready to change the world with little acts of love.
Shane Claiborne
Shane Claiborne is a prominent speaker, activist, and bestselling author. Shane worked with Mother Teresa in Calcutta and founded The Simple Way in Philadelphia. He heads up Red Letter Christians, a movement of folks who are committed to living “as if Jesus meant the things he said.” Shane is a champion for grace, which has led him to jail advocating for the homeless, and to places like Iraq and Afghanistan to stand against war. Now, grace fuels his passion to end the death penalty. Shane’s books include Jesus for President, Red Letter Revolution, Common Prayer, Follow Me to Freedom, Jesus, Bombs, and Ice Cream, Becoming the Answer to Our Prayers, his classic The Irresistible Revolution, Executing Grace, and Beating Guns. He has been featured in a number of films, including Another World Is Possible and Ordinary Radicals. His books have been translated into more than a dozen languages. Shane speaks over one hundred times a year, nationally and internationally. His work has appeared in Esquire, SPIN, Christianity Today, the New York Times, and the Wall Street Journal, and he has been on everything from Fox News and Al Jazeera to CNN and NPR. He’s given academic lectures at Harvard, Princeton, Liberty, Duke, and Notre Dame. Shane speaks regularly at denominational gatherings, festivals, and conferences around the globe.
More audiobooks from Shane Claiborne
Red Letter Revolution: What If Jesus Really Meant What He Said? Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Jesus for President: Politics for Ordinary Radicals Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Rethinking Life: Embracing the Sacredness of Every Person Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Awakening of Hope: Why We Practice a Common Faith Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5Beating Guns: Hope for People Who Are Weary of Violence Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Becoming the Answer to our Prayers: Prayer for Ordinary Radicals Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Follow Me to Freedom: Leading as an ordinary radical Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
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Reviews for The Irresistible Revolution
47 ratings21 reviews
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Welcome to the world of radical Christian Shane Claiborne, where compassion and brotherly love trump all else. It’s a world of protest rallies, sleeping alongside the homeless, frequent jail time, caring for others alongside Mother Teresa at Calcutta, and visits to leper colonies and wartime Iraq. Shane believes in works, and has written a book for a new generation of Christians who want to live their faith to the fullest. Church is no longer enough: Shane jokes that if someone had a heart attack on Sunday morning, the paramedics would have to take the pulse of half the congregation before they would find the dead person. A friend of his put it this way: “I gave up Christianity in order to follow Jesus.”Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. For Shane, these are no longer repetitious words, atonally muttered in anticipation of a future era. They are today’s conviction.At this point in my book review, I'm supposed to gleefully endorse Shane's revolutionary Christianity. Actually, the book was a bit troubling for me, more so as I saw shades of Jesus himself in its radical suggestions, for I cannot lend my support to some of Shane's teachings, and others, though just as unarguably Christ-like, I find myself unwilling to embrace. I find, like Shane, that Jesus was a radical activist, a role I am uncomfortable with. I agree with Shane that Jesus taught we should literally sell all and follow his humanitarian lead, and the only weak defense I can muster is to point out that that was 2,000 years ago. Shane's energy (fueled by a deep belief in the "Jesus of faith" and the Bible's inerrancy that I cannot share) left me drained and discouraged. I’d like my Jesus served up passive and agreeable, please, even when I know it ain’t so.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Although I disagree with many things Shane shares in this book, overall he makes some very good points. It is a easy read that provokes the reader to reconsider what being Christian really means. He is a very genuine person and shares many personal stories. I would highly recommend it, but would caution that it is a work meant to provoke thought. He admits he is no theologian and his teachings may not agree with your beliefs. As a Catholic, I found that this was sometimes the case. Even so, however, the points he brings up are things that every Christian should think about as they discern how to follow Jesus Christ more closely.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5This book made me believe I could not only imagine - but could do, even be - another way of 'church'. This book made me believe I could make a difference.Though I do agree with what szarka said - he deserves better editing - I loved it, and can't recommend it highly enough.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Awesome book from start to finish. I would recommend it to anyone.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5This is such an important book. Amazing and lovely, rooted in Scripture and overflowing with the love that Jesus has for humankind.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Definitely thought-provoking and worth reading. I got the most out of the first few and last four chapters; the middle of the book was full of personal stories which, while inspiring, did become redundant. I don't agree with all of Claiborne's social/political views, but I certainly agree that Christians need to seriously refocus on what is truly important in ministry. The Gospel of faith, hope, and love is so often lost in petty disputes, misguided efforts, and bad attitudes.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5a life and mind changing book. will challenge everything you think about how we live and how we should be living. it can be a bit repetititve, but very great stuff. a true prophetic voice! a must read!
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5An excellent read for anyone raised in an evangelical environment who wonder about the poor and issues of justice. Most evangelicals (like myself) were taught that poor people just need to get a job and pull themselves up. After reading this book, you can see that the gospel and the poor are inextricably intertwined.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5One of the best books about living out the words of Christ. If you want to be challenged this is the book. If you want to be comfortable, run away quickly.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5made me think. good stuff, yeah.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5I really appreciate what the author is doing with his life, and the way he is choosing to live his life. the book really challenged me to think a lot about the choices i am making. i really liked what he had to say about experiencing more joy in life. at times it was a bit too jesusy for me, but as becky said, if it that is what motivates people then i am all about it. and i do appreciate the fact that he was loud and proud about his christianity because i think that sometimes liberals who are christians can downplay their belief in jesus to be more inclusive of other faiths. both options definately have their value and it's nice to read a book where someone is really proclaiming his beliefs unapologetically.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Love him or hate him, you can't say that Shane Claiborne doesn't make you think. In "The Irresistible Revolution," Claiborne challenges the Church to think differently about poverty, materialism, and love. Part memoir, part manifesto, the book follows Claiborne from his Tennessee childhood to working with Mother Teresa to starting the Simple Way in Philidelphia. While I don't agree with all of his statements (a few times he considers "military intelligence" to be an oxymoron), Claiborne has definitely inspired me to think differently about how I can help make the world a better place.
- Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5I should say going in that there is a lot - A LOT - I admire about Shane Chaiborne. I was listening the other day to a lecture on the Foundations of Western Civilization. The lecturer was speaking of philosophers of the mid antiquity era who felt that people spoke of one philosophy and did another. The draw of the early Christian church, according to him, was that its members actually did what they believed in. Claiborne is similar in this.But no, I could not fully embrace this book. He is a definite inspiration (even though he would deny it). The problem is like many crusaders, he has no room for those who does not follow his path. His path is one of extreme Christian community, where property is given up to the community to use for the Church (big 'C') and one fights for the underpriveleged - those who have none. The books traces his life, showing his theology through the events that formed it. His time serving the poor in Calcutta with Mother Teresa. His time in college fighting for the homeless. It led him to the realization that a major problem is that some of us have lots and others have none. So the solution? Give is all away to your Christian community.This is where my problem is. It is not that we should be ready to give up "our" belongings to help one another. In this we agree. But his call is more radical yet he tries to make it universal. His is a reaction to a society where the lines of communication and community are broken. He seeks to restore them by removing the barrier of materialism. But his rejection comes across less like a rejection of materialism and more like a sneer at people who do not agree. A laugh. Rather than effectively engage people and show what can be accomplished by a little, what can be done by helping people to open their clenching hands and letting go of materialism to embrace community, the book ends up being one note and flat - sell all. By limiting his interpretation to a few verses, he misses on the true joy of people using their different gifts - in business, in ministry, in public service, in anything - and sharing as they can.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5I've rarely heard such an authentic voice in a Christian book. Claiborne passionately delivers his experiences, his beliefs, his struggles, and his dreams to the reader, trying to be both challenging and respectfully humble to the church and community.
His attitude and heart are a great witness. - Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Most Christians I know fall into two broad categories. The younger type of Christian (along with the older young-in-the-faith type) tend to be more idealistic and less jaded. The more ... let's call them "mature", trade a bit of that idealistic fire for a "reasonable" Christian life. I don't feel like speculating about which camp I fall into.Claiborne's a third type of person. He's as idealistic and visionary as they come, but without rancor. He's managed to mature in his Kingdom-vision without losing his passion. I hesitated to read this book for a while because I assumed it would lay out some grand call to discipleship that would thoroughly discourage most of the Christians I know. Nothing could be further from the truth.The Irresistible Revolution tells of Claiborne's own experiments in living faithful to the gospel, along with some of the lessons he's learned. Instead of prescribing solutions to lukewarm Christendom, he presents a story that's so attractive you can't help but want to join in.One of the best aspects of this book was Claiborne's humour. Here's an example. One of the times he was in court for civil disobedience, he called the prosecutor the persecutor by accident. Priceless. In a world that takes itself far too seriously, divine foolishness is one way to get noticed!Reading Claiborne is like moving from the sin-heavy atmosphere of this world to the rarefied air of the Kingdom of God.Note: A free review copy of this book was provided by Zondervan.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Shane Claiborne is a radical. So he writes to draw attention to his cause and, to some extent, to himself. I didn't agree with everything he advocated for ministry and political action, but I certainly was compelled by it. I, along with many, have been feeling disillusioned by the stagnant and comfy state of American Christianity today. The radical activism promoted in this book breaks down such stagnation. In a time of growing disparity between classes, and such stark revelations of scarcity in our society, a revolution should already be underway. The book was not a manifesto as such - thoughts about social action were interspersed with anecdotes from Shane's own life. But it does present a call to action that would be difficult to overlook. Hopefully this book and Claiborne's work become a jumping-off point for many Christians today, to re-engage them in the church as we rethink what exactly the church means.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Very provocative. Great book on Missional Church. HOWEVER, Claiborne steps in the mudd when he sharply criticizes missions of the typical local church (sure they give with the checkbook, mission trips, donations, etc. but it's not real mission - so we are to believe) and then turns around on his website gladly receiving those checks, donations, volunteers from those missing-the-mark typical local churches. When will people realize that there is a symbiotic/synergistic relationship between old urban ministry and new urban ministry? We need each other, since after all, we, together, are the body of Christ.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5I once heard you can glean truths from just about every book even though you may not agree with it in its entirety. This was the case for me in reading "The Irresistible Revolution". Overall, it is a terrific read. Claiborne tells a lot of neat stories about community, grace, serving, and caring for others. Truly, the epitome of Christian love that we are all called to task to. One thing that struck me was his boldness and courage to eat, sleep, and peacefully fight alongside the homeless of Philadelphia while he was in college and continues to do to this day. Furthermore, he goes on to Iraq during the war and serves alongside our Christian brothers as bombs are dropping and exploding in the background. I agree with Claiborne's stand on American imperialism and the need for alternative peaceful measures. However, there are a few things that seemed a bit contradictory to me. He talks a lot about serving and caring for others, but also spends a lot of time talking about himself and what he did. Although he doesn't call himself a liberal it does seem he takes up liberal causes (not that it's bad). There is a lot of talk about renewable energy and being good stewards of the earth's resources. Yet, he often talks a lot about opening up the neighborhood fire hydrant to play in it and wasting one of earth's most precious resources... water. He talks about oppression then quotes from a Communist oppressor, Che Guevara (pg 295), one of progressive liberal's favorite people.All negatives aside, I think this a great book that discusses ways we can be better stewards of what God has given us. Most of all, it provides examples of how to be involved in people's lives, be active in the world, how to better love our enemies and our neighbors instead of the complacency and apathy we find in today's American Christian pop-culture. It would do well for every Christian to read this book alongside David Platt's excellent book entitled, "Radical". It's all about getting out of the comfort zone of the American Dream and serving others in a BIG way that will affect change both on earth and for eternity.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5While Claiborne often rambles and repeats himself, sometimes making me wish he had an editor with a firmer hand, The Irresistible Revolution's literary sins are merely venal. In the end, Claiborne's authentic voice shines through. Agree with his politics or not, I suspect the world would be a far better place if every Christian read this provocative book. It is nearly--but only nearly, Claiborne would probably be the first to observe--as provocative as the Bible itself. [2006-03-14]
- Rating: 2 out of 5 stars2/5Preaching the way it should be and living it are two different things. I truly do hope that the author walks the walk and isn't only talking the talk.Liberalism and reality are two different things.I read this book marveling at the idealism and smiling at the innocence of youth.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5As soon as I finished reading this book I ran out and bought another copy which I shoved into my pastor's hands and said, "You have to read this book!" I had never read anything like it. I realize that I am idealistic, but the idea of being able to turn the world upside down by simply living your life for Jesus is a delightful one. Shane made me realize that you don't have to be Jesus to make a difference in the world. In some small way all of us not only can, but are expected to. Jesus asks for nothing less.