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available at your nearest christian bookstore

I have just started reading a book called The Irresistible Revolution. It was written by Shane Clairborne, a co-founder of an orginization called The Simple Way. I first read about this group in an article in Christianity Today. They are based in Philadelphia, and their main job is just to care for the homeless or whoever happen to pass by. I had heard about this book coming out, and have been eager to read it. I was eager to read especially after reading Under the Overpass, which was written by a Westmont student. I highly reccomend that book. Anyway, I have been reading this book and have been encouraged and also a little miffed.
Shane Clairborne is an extraordinary man who has used his talent and heart for the homeless in amazing ways. He encourages readers to be be more like Jesus, almost literally, in that he was a advocate and protector of the homeless.

Unfortunetly, Mr. Clairborne almost discourages the importance of doctrine and theology among Christians. He says the church has become too bogged down with "dusty old theology books." He puts the main emphasis on the church and how it has lost its meaning and what it was and is supposed to be. He is right about that, but how can you expect a church to stand up to scrutiny if it isn't founded upon good theology? And more importantly, how can we reach the lost if we ourselves are devoted to nothing but shallow ideals?

However, he did have good things to say about things we can do to help the homeless and get out of our comfort zone. When I go to Brazil this summer I hope this will be true for me. I have become so burned out on America, so I think it will be good to get away from friends, school, job, etc. I am praying God will give me some direction and focus while I am down there.

Anyhoo, I would read this book if just to hear about another man's great work in an area that we could all work on.

posted by stephen @ 10:02 PM