5 comments about Jesus of Nazareth.

1. Pope Benedict XI's book gives a spiritual lift.
   Especially, the chapter on the Lord's Prayer gives a totally new perspective and meaning of Jesus' teaching and guidance for us about how we can get close to him.
   Every Catholic should read this book.



2. First, I am not a Catholic, but a Protestant. Second, I have read a vast array of Jesus books, over the last three years, by countless, great, respected: scholars, theologians, commentators, pastors, bishops, etc. I am doing research for a project, and therefore I have read quite a broad spectrum of material about Christ.
   
   "Jesus of Nazareth", by Pope Benedict XVI, is the greatest book on Christ that I have ever read, or at least have yet read. The depth and spiritual insight in this book is hard to describe except to say, it's incredible what you can get from just reading one page. The impressive spread of Ratzinger's knowledge of the scriptures, literature, the writings of the Church fathers, sermons, academic works, etc, will blow you away. It's staggering how much knowledge this man has, and how well and artfully he wields it. He draws beautiful and insightful connections between the scriptures and many outside sources.
   
   The most impressive thing in the book is just how deeply spiritual it is, and how much spiritual insight one obtains from reading it. Benedict reveals the intricate spiritual truths that connect major events in Jesus' life, as described in the gospels. The chapters on Jesus Baptism, the Tempations, etc, are packed so tight that it will take you hours to read just a chapter and reflect on it.
   
   Keep in mind, this book is not written in lofty, theological language. It is written for a layperson to read, quite easily - it is only the concepts and the spiritual truths, connections, and revelations that Benedict makes that force one to read slowly, to absorb and contemplate what Benedict is writing.
   
   I highly recommend this book to all Christians, non-Catholic, Catholic and everyone in between. This book is full of beauty and truth and you will truly feel close to Jesus, as if you are reading a book written about him by one of his close, personal friends who truly knows him.



3. I love B16's no nonsence teaching. I read the book and loved it so I bought the audio CD to listen in the car. What a mistake. I love the way the Holy Father brings so much of scripture into his work but here's the problem; when I read I can focus on his beautiful insights and know they are scriptural because of the citings.I can go back later for an in depth study. In the audio, I almost loose the focus of his teaching/ meditation because he uses so much scripture and the narrator reads every one as it is printed in the book. For me it makes the the listioning almost unbearable. I bought the recording to meditate on the message of Jesus and Salvation and I can't. Pope John Paul II's Crossing the Threshold of Hope is the same way. So again, this is a great book but an unfortunate audio production.



4. The Holy Father wrote a wonderful book on Jesus.
   It is not propaganda.
   It is a message of hope.
   Now people can understand the teachings of Jesus as a simple and loving human being with divine inspiration.
   I am Catholic but I never believed everything my Padre told me. In the book of the Holy Father, the teachings of our Lord are simple but full of hope for people of all faiths.
   
   Content/Subject Quality: Excellent book on the true message of Jesus.
   
   Product quality: Excellent quality. Very distinguished.
   Appearance: Excellent. Nicely printed.
   Delivery service: Excellent. No delay.Good service from amazon.
   Rating: 5 stars and plus.



5. This book is not so much a traditional biography per say but more of a biographical critical study. What made me buy it was an interest both in its subject and its author. The Pope, Joseph Ratzinger, is a figure who greatly fascinates me. He's a master's master and a scholar's scholar. Not that I'm a worthy appreciator of his skills as I am a Biblical ignoramus.
   
   While I did learn a ton from finishing this work what amazed me most was the Bishop of Rome's intellect. I knew he wrote voluminously but was astonished to see how well-versed he is in...well, everything. His talent as a scholar and teacher cannot be underestimated. Normal folks, and even ecclesiastical half-wits like me, can profit from his instruction. Of course, Jesus of Nazareth, was no page turner. It is very cerebral.
   
   And it was slightly incongruous to discover that the Pope even quoted Jacob Neusner and his A Rabbi Talks with Jesus, but I get the feeling that there is no truth Ratzinger will not examine in his attempt to understand God. Via discussion of the major elements of Jesus's life--such as the baptism, the temptation, and the gospel--the Pontiff succeeds in illuminating his essence.
   
   Basically, his narrative is a mixture of minor and major; detail and theory; the mundane and the sacred. In his words: The Kingdom of God is not to be found on any map. It is not a kingdom after the fashion of worldly kingdoms; it is located in man's inner being. It grows and radiates outward from that inner space.
   
   What more can I say about Christianity and this book than that it gives us hope: If you follow the will of God, you know that in spite of all the terrible things that happen to you, you will never lose a final refuge. There's not more we can ask for than that.

No comments about Multiple Blessings: Surviving to Thriving with Twins and Sextuplets.

5 comments about Jesus for President: Politics for Ordinary Radicals.

1. This book seems to be based on idealism - hence the title. It basically comes off as anti war anti establishment outside the kingdom of God. Fair enough - Christians need to hold their crosses higher than America, but lets not limit it to America. The IDEA of Jesus for president is nothing but an ideal. Let's face it - if Jesus were president He would have to come again, and when he comes again He will have fire in His eyes and blood on the hem of His robe. He is not coming again to run for election because he probably wouldn't get elected due to the fact that we reject truth and we would assassinate Him just like we did before.
   
   So as president Jesus would not battle evil? Interesting yet simple question to a book running up the propaganda. I propose another book entitle SATAN FOR PRESIDENT - Would Satan go to war against evil regimes? He most certainly would NOT. He would try to appease the likes of: HITLER, POL POT, LENIN, MARX, HUSSEIN, ETC... you name it. He would let them infiltrate the thinking minds of the people, and let them fester and grow until the mind wears away.
   
   This book fails on minor details in order to prop its anti American stance - saying AK-47's are US made - WRONG (RUSSIAN) Saying the US has the largest stockpiles of nuclear weapons - WRONG (RUSSIA). There are other simply falacies in this book that really weaken its credibility, but my fingers are getting tired of typing so I won't name them all - Use your head and figure them out for yourself as you read.
   
   This book is good on a PERSONAL level of turning the other cheek in our everyday lives. Going after the bully with love instead of fists. It really convicted me on my anger when I am wronged and seeking revenge on those who wronged me. I guess it lies in the hands of our Lord and Savior - If you are convicted that all war is wrong that is ok by me. However be careful of trying to make your convictions someone elses convictions.
   
   Our goal as Christians is brotherly love and peace. We should be against war that is not justified. Paul says to be at peace with all men, IF POSSIBLE. Mark 13:7-8 is another verse where Jesus says we will hear of wars and rumors of wars and to not be alarmed that this must take place...



2. I guess I'm a member of the choir. The book is a nice read but the authors are going to be attacked personally because the issues they raise cannot be attacked directly. As pointed out when discussing voting, sometimes there are no pat answers. But that's not bad.



3. Such a great book. Its content was so carefully written and accurate not to mention the creativity of the pages, fonts, images and colors. A must read for every christian and non christian as it explains christianity in such a clear manner. Excellent piece. Do not hesitate to get it, you must read it!!!!!!!



4. This is an amazing author simply put. Jesus for president will stir all kinds of thoughts about living as a true disciple. Very insightful and never dry winded i couldn't put it down. If you haven't already come across this school of thought in be prepared to have your head spin.



5. Everyone should read this book, Christian or otherwise. The kind of love and self-sacrifice talked about in this book is what Christianity is supposed to be about; Christians should read it so they know how to act, and non-Christians should read it so that they can understand what Christianity is really about.
   
   My only issue with the authors is that I don't think their vision is big enough. "Follow Jesus' example without regard for whether you are effectively 'changing the world'" (pg 283) seems pretty clear to me, yet on page 228 they recommend universal healthcare and affordable housing. The former is an extremely arguable issue, and the latter is demonstrably well-intentioned yet faulty (when handled by government). On page 301, they talk about what is essentially a pool of money that people put into to help others pay medical bills... a marvelous solution.
   
   Why not think bigger? Why not expand that pool, or figure out how to start more pools? Why not try to start up tithe pools (pun intended) for purchasing land and /making/ affordable housing?

5 comments about Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God.

1. Crazy Love is a very honestly written book from a pastor who has struggled to find true relevance throughout his relationships with his family, friends, congregation and those he ministers. This book struck me as a resource any Christian believer or pastor could use to re-calibrate their efforts and faith.



2. I was incredibley impressed by this book. It helped me to understand myself and God so much better. A must read for any Christian.



3. Chan sums up in this book the true definition of love. This book is written for all of humanity seeking true love.



4. If you are an "underliner," be prepared to use some ink! Often I had to tell myself that I couldn't underline everything on a particular page -How crazy is that? More than just a well written book about an important subject...walking fervantly in the passion of God's crazy love for us... Francis takes time to encourage you to truly ponder the truth he hands you in each chapter until it transforms you. Many times I felt the book too hot to hold as I examined my own heart and life in the light of the Glorious Gospel he so clearly articulates. In the forward of this book Chris Tomlin writes, "Francis leaves you wanting more of Jesus" ... and that was definitely the case with me!



5. If you can read just one book this year, let Crazy Love be the one book.
   
   It's that good. It's beautiful, hard-hitting, easy to read, convicting, life-transforming.
   
   Remember a time when you had fallen in love? How everything in your life seemed to change? You did some crazy stuff. THAT'S exactly how our lives should change, if we truly fall in love with God.
   
   Here is a summary of each chapter of the book, to give you a preview. I'll say it again, READ THIS BOOK!
   
   Preface
   This book is to convince you that by surrendering yourself totally to God's purposes, He will bring you the most pleasure in this life and the next.
   
   Chapter One
   Our problem isn't working harder, but realizing who God is, how "crazy" his love for us is, and falling in love with God. Because when you're wildly in love with someone, it changes everything in your life.
   
   Chapter Two
   On the average day, we live caught up in ourselves. It's crazy that we think today is just a normal day to do whatever we want with. Do you live with the fact that perhaps today you will die? Life is all about God and not about us at all.
   
   Chapter Three
   The greatest good on this earth is God. Period. God's one goal for us is Himself. Do you believe that God is the greatest thing you can experience in the whole world?
   
   Chapter Four
   Remember the parable of the soils. DO NOT ASSUME YOU ARE GOOD SOIL. Most American churchgoers have thorns that choke any seed that is in them. A relationship with God simply cannot grow when money, sins, activities, favorite sports teams, addictions, or commitments are piled on top of it.
   
   Chapter Five
   Jesus clearly states over and over he wants all or nothing. We can not give him leftovers, we cannot give him only what doesn't hurt us or only what doesn't put us at risk.
   
   Chapter Six
   To change our hearts, what we value, what we risk, how we act, we don't need more guilt or more rules, we just need to be in love with God. Because when you're wildly in love with someone, it changes everything.
   
   Chapter Seven
   Something is wrong when our lives make sense to unbelievers.
   God wants us to trust Him with abandon. He wants to show us how He works and cares for us. He doesn't call us to be comfortable. He calls us to trust Him so completely that we are unafraid to put ourselves in situations where we will be in trouble if He doesn't come true.
   
   Chapter Eight
   People who are obsessed with Jesus care more about the Kingdom than their own lives being shielded from pain or distress, live lives that connect them with the poor, will do things that don't make sense in terms of success or wealth, will seek humility, take joy in loving people, will be known as givers, not takers, will orient their lives around eternity, and will be characterized by committed, settled, passionate love for God.
   
   Chapter Nine
   There are people who really do live with a crazy love for Jesus, and if you look at their lives, it will eliminate every excuse for not living a radical, love-motivated life for Him.
   
   Chapter Ten
   How you live your days becomes how you have lived your life.
   Love. Risk. Listen to the Spirit. Be committed to live each day as if it is your last before you meet Jesus.

5 comments about So You Don't Want to Go to Church Anymore.

1. This is likely one of the best books I have ever read and I'll tell you why.
   
   I've been all about the Church for most of my life. I've been a pastor, a denominational official, a Church Administrator, an Elder, a Chairman of the Board and while I'm not currently in a formal Church Ministry role, I'm finishing up a Master's degree in Organizational Leadership and writing a Master's Thesis on Leadership Styles and impact within the organization of the Church.
   
   On some levels, I'm sick and tired of the organization of the Church. Many of the criticisms leveled at it for being impersonal, political, manipulative, disingenuous and full of petty people are unfortunately true. There are literally millions of people who comprise the walking wounded who have brushed paths with many Churches and have sworn that they are never going back to such a place because it is full of hypocrites and toxic people.
   
   I understand that. I'm reminded of the man who said all the things above to his wife and ended up with the comment, "And I'm never going back there again." His wife responded, "But you have to go back. You're the Senior Pastor ......"
   
   For all who have felt this way, this book is for you.
   
   Through the masterful use of dialogue in the context of a fictional setting with a pastor who has been wounded, this book touches on all these themes and brings the reader through to the end with an alternative view of Church.
   
   It's not about the organizational Structure. Some imagine that if we just structured the Church right the problems would be solved. I can vouch from a level of involvement that exceeds many, that sadly this is not the case.
   
   The church will never be perfect in this age because I am not perfect.
   
   What is needed is a new view and understanding of the Church. This book does an excellent job of illustrating where hope lies.
   
   I recommend it highly! 5 Stars.
   
   Bart Breen



2. I have met the author of this book and he is true follower of Christ. What Jake had experienced in this book is similar to what I went through in my journey away from the walls of religion to a free and delightful walk with Christ. This book helped me to escape the traditionalsim I had been brought up in as a pastor's son and as a pastor. Frank Viola's book, Pagan Christianity?: Exploring the Roots of Our Church Practices, Wayne Jacobsen's book, He Loves Me! Learning to Live In the Father's Affection, and my book Free Indeed?: Are Christians Free Indeed or Enslaved by Religion? will accentuate Jake Colsen's (Wayne Jacobsen) book nicely. These books will explain why there are such love-hate feelings about the Church. BUY THIS BOOK! (you'll love it!)



3. It makes you analyze church and why we do it the way we do. Is the church in America what Jesus had in mind? I don't think so and neither does the author. Read with an open mind. You may not totally agree, but there is truth in this book.



4. Loved the book. Goes to show you that as long as you worship God it doesn't have to be in a church building it can be anywhere as long as you are building a strong relationship with Him. Good context of material.



5. So You Don't Want to Go to Church Anymore
   
   This is the greatest little book I've read in a long time! Even if you are pretty much satisfied with your current worship experience, this book will touch that longing for the real life of the Spirit that we all know, deep down inside, is sadly lacking in most all American churches. Go ahead, give it a read, and see if it stirs up that inner thirst for the real deal!

5 comments about The King James Bible (with book and chapter navigation).

1. I am not a tech savvy individual and I get frustrated having to scroll through many pages to get to the chapter and verse I want to read. Time is a precious commodity, and this kindle version of the King James Bible has just given me more bible reading time! No more endless back and forth scrolling, the navigation is easy-to-use and takes me where I want to go in just a few clicks.



2. This was one of the easiest books to navigate through that I have ever seen because it emulates the hardcopy. In fact, it's better because I don't have to keep paging and paging to get to where I want to read. Instead, each chapter or individual book is just a click away. This decreases my frustration which increases my enjoyment. Thank you, it's fantastic.



3. When I first used my Kindle, I inadvertently downloaded the wrong KJV. It had no table of contents and to get to the New Testament I had to turn every single page. I wasn't through the first chapter in Genesis when I realized the futility of my task. I began a more thorough search for a Bible that was more "user friendly." This one caught my attention because Diana Mecom, the lady who formatted this version, offered to send a sample of it. I requested it and was pleasantly surprised to receive a personal note from Ms. Mecum which instructed me in how to transfer it from my computer to my Kindle. The sample was ample. It gave me Old and New Testament books to experiment with. I bought it and am delighted with it. I was extremely impressed with Ms. Mecom's kindness and follow-up on this transaction. I highly recommend this version of the greatest story ever told. STLemos



4. This was the 3rd or 4th purchase I made when I received my Kindle. I was pretty hesitant that the Kindle version of the Holy Bible would be as good of quality as an original paper copy. I took a few minutes to see if I could navigate through the books and chapters with ease. I am pretty critical when it comes to a Bible in terms of what I want and expect. But after a few short minutes of searching through the text, I had forgotten that I was actually reading the Kindle version. It is very impressive. I am enjoying having the Holy Bible at my fingertips. I have given this 5 stars...for the simple reason that I notice nothing different between my Kindle version and my favorite hard copy of the Holy Bible. A perfect addition to my newly expanding Kindle Library.



5. This offers book and chapter navigation - without such an ebook of this size is useless. I have tried a number and this is by far the best and worthy of 5 stars. Also includes a previous and next link on each chapter so you can easily navigate to the next. Great formatting of each page.

5 comments about God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything.

1. This author has done extensive research to support his belief or lack thereof. I found it very interesting and informative and in tune with my beliefs.
   Diana Amaniera



2. No matter what else you can say about this book, it was fun to read.
   
   Hitches is an excellent writer, regularly quoting literature and poetry as well as scientific documentation and personal experience all blended into an extremely readable book which is scathing towards religion.
   
   Some of the statements are so bold that I laughed out loud. He was insulting, but often to exactly the right people in exactly the way that they deserved.
   
   That being said, as fun as it was, I don't find that Hitchens really attacks religion so much as specific people at specific places and times. We all know that religions in charge of countries and large populations don't often offer joy, harmony and happiness, but rather oppression, poverty and preach being happy with what you have while the leaders bask in luxury.
   
   He did address much more modern points than many current writers, so the catholic church in many places even today continue to oppress poor people who they hold sway over.
   
   This, of course, says nothing about God or the goodness or badness of religion in general and is unlikely to convince anyone but a fence sitter. Still, my hat is off to Hitchens for writing a damn good read.



3. Unlike Dawkins' The God Delusion or Dennett's Breaking the Spell, Hitchens makes no effort to be conciliatory towards religionists. Even though, he has many good points, I doubt that many religionists could get past the strident tone. Hitchens pulls no punches in attacking the New and Old Testaments, the Koran, and eastern religions.
   
   For atheists this book is a fun read, although I would still recommend Dawkins or Dennett for more careful arguments. I especially like the insights in Chapter 17: The Last-Ditch "Case" Against Secularism, where Hitchens confronts the Hitler/Stalin/etc. fallacy.



4. I would just like to say that one must read Hitchens for what he is: a contrarian. In terms of the subject matter itself, I might contest his thesis that "Religion poisons everything" by pointing out that religion is a rather broad topic that involves some fundamental and perhaps unavoidable aspects of human nature. If he had gone the distance and followed Kurt Vonnegut into the land of "homo sapiens poisons everything", I might have enjoyed this contrarian screed even more.
   
   I think this book is served well by a comparison to Dawkins' "The God Delusion", as Hitchens seems to be more perceptive of human issues and less mechanistic in his thinking. The fact that Hitchens doesn't waste the reader's time with long-dead proofs of God's existence and lame attempts at evolutionary ethics makes it easy for Hitchens to look good in comparison.
   
   With regard to Sam Harris, I don't think Hitchens compares so well. Harris is just as courageous as Hitchens, but he is admirably honest in his thinking. Harris is, in contrast, hesitant to sell himself as an atheist, as he believes that specific issues are more important than the big war over God. Hitchens is more like Nietzsche: a marvelously entertaining wrecking ball, though not quite as effectively murderous and less dogmatic.



5. Hitchens is the master at making atheists' 'beliefs' believable. Without the familiar histrionics of the intolerant and faith-based believers, he --if somewhat pedantically--sets forth hundreds of objective facts from the earliest religious history to the present hegemonies of the three great (an undeserved encomium; I would say, generously, 'giant') religions, without substantive challenge from the devout or argument-from-design faction. Believe in God or not, Hitchens gives you a qualified intellectual choice, not an inculcated conditioned response.

5 comments about American Heroes: In the Fight Against Radical Islam (War Stories).

1. This is a great book about people who truly believe in what they do. You will like it no matter what your politics. Maybe it will help people realize what the military is realy all about. Oliver North is truly one of our great heroes himself, although someone should tell him he is not in the Corps anymore and he should go home and "sit on the porch". I'm sure his wife would agree. He has done more for our country than any other ten men, but he is a great storyteller and I love reading his books.



2. The photographs are amazing. This book is telling the story from "ground zero" in Iraq of the heroic men and women we have serving and giving their lives for our freedom. I am purchasing one each for two men that I am very proud of who served there, and one for my son who may go soon to either Afghanistan or Iraq.



3. Oliver North has written a fantastic book that is part chronological history, part political-military analysis, and one-hundred percent informative and interesting account of our involvement to date in the war on terror. His unique combat veteran-turned-combat reporter perspectives were fully complemented by honest, accurate descriptions of weapons, equipment, and operations, and the words and lives of countless American heroes fighting for the freedoms of millions of people in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Philippines.
   
   Rather than try and describe the book, below I have included selected quotes that I believe will provide a much better description of what this book is and what it offers to readers. I would be remiss, however, if I did not highlight what was beyond a doubt the best part of the book to me--the final four chapters: "Hero Values," "Wounded Warriors," "The `Other Heroes,'" and, "Getting It Done!"
   
   -"My heroes wear flak jackets, flight suits, and combat boots. This book is for and about them." (p.9)
   -"Real heroes are selfless. Those who serve in harm's way in this war have that quality in abundance. And so do their families and loved ones at home." (p.12)
   -"One female correspondent from a European news service was over heard asking--or was it telling?--one of the Marines that she had "never seen so much bravado, machismo, or arrogance" in her life. The young [Non-Commissioned Officer] NCO listened and appeared to mull over her grievance before replying, `Yes ma'am, that's why they call themselves U.S. Marines.'" (p.68)
   -"`Now think of this,' said 1st Lt. Ken Williamson, one of the squadron's pilots. `Here's a shipment worth more than sixty million dollars being signed for by a twenty-two-year-old Marine sergeant. Where else would you get that kind of responsibility at that age?' Where else indeed?'" (p.70)
   -"The Marine veteran, tongue planted firmly in his cheek, replied, `Dust storms aren't allowed to affect us. It's contrary to Marine Corps policy.'" (p.73)
   -"...I find Jerry Driscoll alone in the rear of the ready room tent, drafting the most difficult correspondence anyone ever has to write: letters from a commander to the relatives of his dead Marines. Having had to write such missives myself, I know exactly how he feels. The burden of command is never heavier than at a time like this." (p.95)
   -"Many [of the embedded journalists with coalition forces] expressed surprise at the humanity and compassion of coalition troops--young men going out of their way, often at great personal risk--to care for Iraqi civilians, enemy prisoners, and wounded combatants." (p.101)
   -"`I turn to the lance corporal, `The New York Times says the Marines are out of food, water, and ammo. Are you hungry?... No, sir...Are you thirsty?...No, sir...Are you short on ammo?...No, sir... `Well, what do you need?' I persist...Without a moment's hesitation, the young Marine replies, `Just send more enemy, sir.'" (p.123)
   -"When election day [in Iraq] was over, [Lance Corporal] LCpl Jeffrey Heath stood in front of our FOX News camera while I asked him if the day had been a success. His reply: `Absolutely. This is why we're here--to help the Iraqi people gain the kind of freedoms that we take for granted back in the States.' I couldn't have said it better myself.'" (p.197)
   -"Some people here at home claim, `I support the troops; I just don't support what they are doing in Iraq or Afghanistan.' Those who believe that statement need to try this experiment. When you get home after work, walk in the front door and tell your spouse: `I love you...but I really don't like the way you drive, cook, look after the house, or care for the kids--and that needs to change right now.' Then see where you sleep that night." (p.221)
   -"In all my years in and around the military, I have never seen so many men flock to chapel services, Bible study groups, and prayer sessions. I have seen them put pocket Bibles into their flak jackets and gather in a prayer circle before and after dangerous missions. In the midst of terrible gunfights, I've heard these men take vulgar language to the level of a new art form. But when the shooting stops, I've seen them reading the Bible in a quiet moment." (p.229)
   -"I [Marine Sergeant Gregory Edwards, father of two] lost my legs for the people of Iraq, so their children will be able to run around, just like mine. If time was turned back, I'd do it all over again." (p.237)
   -"Danger is a constant companion, but the source of their motivation is no secret--they hunt down the savages overseas in order to safeguard their loved ones at home." (p.254)
   
   If the measure of a book is the emotions and reactions it elicits from readers, then this book was a definite winner with me: I laughed out loud, I cried tears of joy and sadness, I shook my head in disgust, and I reminisced fondly about my twenty-plus years in and supporting the Marines. When my son is old enough to read about and understand the origins and initial actions in our war on terror, I want him to read this book.



4. This book is a great read. It is nice to get a diffrent view of what is going on.



5. Being a former Marine officer, this book and its stories creates a sense of pride in the current generation of Americans who give more than most to insure our continued freedoms. Well written, extraordinary stories of courage and heroism.

5 comments about The Irresistible Revolution: Living as an Ordinary Radical.

1. 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.



2. I read Shane's book, and was so inspired that I asked him to speak at our church. Funny thing that he elects poverty but wouldn't come to my church, jokingly turning us down because we didn't offer him enough money. I hope he walks his talk, and perhaps it's just his advisors who are sending the inconsistent message.



3. Not all of us are called to live as Shane lives, but this is an excellent book to get us thinking about what Jesus calls us to do/be in the real world of today's culture.



4. Shane shares in a clear and compelling way a revolutionary way of living and relating to others that can, one person at a time, bring about change in small but significant steps. He indicates the way to make a difference in the world is by each person living and relating differently, not by governments or political systems. He doesn't just tell us what we should do he shares his story as he actually lives out what he believes. A great read that you won't want to put down. Be careful however it can ruin your life and move you from comfortable to uncomfortable with the way things are and what you are doing to make a difference through your life.



5. If you're ready to roll up your sleeves, and march in God's army, pick up a copy of The Irresistible Revolution and get ready to load up on some serious ammunition. And for good measure, you'll also get a fresh compass and a friend to help you dig out of the trenches and be counted as a radical who is courageous and foolish enough to stand out as a true follower of Christ.
   
   From the streets of Calcutta, to war-zones of Iraq, to neighbourhood slums, to money-multiplying Wall Street, Shane Claiborne transports the face of Christ into a suffering and lonely world. In Irresistible Revolution, he converts his stories into a compelling case for the "ordinary radical" . His down to earth style will engage you, much like a conversation with an old friend. But be prepared, much of what he has to say is far from comfortable. In these pages you will be dared to take up your cross, and tear down some walls. You will hear first hand of the miracle of community, of working together, being one body in Christ. You will be asked to drop the rock of unforgiveness and embrace the poor, the needy and the "ugly". And kiss complacency good-bye.
   
   Watch out for the gut-wrenching and heart-breaking moments laced in pain...and some joyful, triumphant ones. Watch how you never lose the distinct feeling that Jesus is right there walking through every page as you read along. You will sense his presence watching over you, holding out His hand, insisting, "Come follow me...come and see." Watch yourself capture a fresh and renewed understanding of who Jesus was and what He asks of you...and behold the absolute ironic beauty of a revolution (a heart revolv-ing around Him) that is truly irresistible.

5 comments about The Screwtape Letters.

1. Pretty good version. The vocal quality of the performer was good, but somewhat nasal.
   
   Overall, great audio book for the students.



2. For those interested in exploring the ways in which the world trys to seperate us from God there is of course no one better to read than C.S. Lewis. Lewis uses subtle humor with his little devils in this short book and one can see the self in every chapter. I particularly like the chapter on the misuse of humility.



3. This audio book really brought the story alive. This and the book itself really makes you think on your own life. I would recommend this to anyone, saved or unsaved, because anyway you look at it its pretty cool.



4. This book describes how demons attack people spiritually by using various kinds of interesting stories. You will find the stories very interesting and easy to read.



5. In "The Screwtape Letters", author C.S. Lewis sets out to tale the story of two demons attempting to keep a man from finding and keeping faith in Christ. Such a premise could easily have turned into a silly and not particullary interesting book. However, Lewis actually does a fantastic execution of his preimse. It held my interest. Lewis tales the story through letters written between the villians and weaves in some interesting commentaries on friendship, spiritual growth, and even the Second World War (I believe the book was finished in about 1941 or so though the particular edition I read had some later material as well). The writing is good and fans of Lewis will probably enjoy this work greatly. Overall, a fine book that I was glad I took the time to read.