Not bad, a lot of interesting meditations. ( )

One of the best Christian books I've ever read. Read this book an it'll mess you up - and that's what he wants. Claiborne's perspective if fresh and thoughtful. I couldn't put the book down. ( )

http://www.wordandspirit.co.uk/blog/2... ( )

Highly recommended. ( )

Love 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. ( )

I 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. ( )

After repeatedly hearing about this book from family and friends, I had high expectations. While it did not live up to my expectations, overall I thought it was good, although I have some issues with it. My biggest issue is that, like all people who are sharing their own beliefs and way of life, Shane's discussion of his faith, his life at times came across in a manner that made me feel simultaneously guilty for not living mindfully enough, and disenchanted with my ability (or willingness) to do anything about it. I realize that his intention was NOT to make me disenchanted with the possibility of enacting change (though perhaps the guilt was warranted, even wanted), but his passion for his way of living the gospel is so enthusiastic and assured, that I felt he left little room for others to feel that they could make changes in their own lives without going all the way of mirroring the Simple Way community. It wasn't until the final few chapters that I finally felt that Shane made room for acknowledging that his lifestyle may not be the route for everyone to follow (he might argue that I missed the point on this). I believe that Christians are called to live in many different settings, many different situations and that we can be used in our various life stations in ways that are both unique and intentional. Obviously that personal belief is somewhat at odds with Shane's belief, which inevitably contributed to my inability to fully embrace the alter call he gave in the final chapter.

The other big issue I had with the book was the lack of discussion/acknowledgment by Shane on how he and the Simple Way are funded. If his intention in writing the book was to inspire others to create communities or houses like the Simple Way, then I think greater acknowledgment of the funding needs of such a commitment is in order. I also think that would've added legitimacy to his call for such a radical lifestyle; while life shouldn't be about money, the world's reality is that money is necessary, even for ordinary radicals.

Despite these criticisms, I am glad I read the book. I appreciated Shane's writing style: personal stories and humor helped to alleviate the discomfort encountered while reading about the disparities that surround us, but not in a way that trivialized the hardships; rather, his humor brought about a bittersweet sense of personal sadness that might have been easily dismissed or overlooked had the harshness of the world simply been presented as is. It certainly opened by eyes and heart to the hurt that is so pervasive in our world, both within and outside the church.

Ultimately, this book serves as a great wake-up call to discouraged Christians who feel that the established church doesn't meet their needs. I really appreciated that he closed the book by emphasizing the need for radicals to remain within the church, as we all need one another's insights and knowledge and gifts to further God's kingdom on earth through the ministry of Christ's love. ( )

As 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. ( )

This book turned me inside out. It made me rethink why I am a religious person and how can I get myself off of my prayer mat and do a simple act that benfits so many. This book should be earmarked for those who seek to do social change and the students who attend the schools featured in Sojurner's magazine. ( )

Preaching 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. ( )

Reading Claiborne is like sitting down to a cup of coffee with him, yet the ideas that he shares and the revolution he calls for are anything but ease. I was both challenged and encouraged by Claiborne. Definitely worth the read. ( )

Very 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. ( )

a 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! ( )

Shane Claiborne is a mover and shaker, as well as an opinionated speaker. He's not one to think about making changes without doing it. He's not afraid to speak his mind and seems to be opposed to those who disagree with him. I rarely read a book that doesn't have some good in it. There were a lot of unnecessary, cutsie comments that crowded the pageg. But I did find some of it inspiring. ( )

Shane is a brilliant man with a lot to say. I just wish he would leave out the cutsie comments in paranthases. I don't agree with a lot of what he has to say. But like most books, there are things to be learned. ( )

Challenging look at the way wealthy American Christians relate to the rest of the world. Insightful & delightful read, without lecturing or dumping guilt on readers. ( )

This 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. ( )

made me think. good stuff, yeah. ( )

An 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. ( )

While 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] ( )