Irresistible Revolution….some thoughts
Shane Claiborne’s book, “Irresistible Revoltion,” is absolutely profound. However, what he writes about is really not new. Shane is bringing back for me the passions that I had when I was in high school and college and reminded me of our work for civil rights, ecology, peace and justice. The late 60’s and early 70’s saw the church become involved with justice issues in profound ways, resulting is some dramatic changes in the culture.
I was discussing my thoughts with a 23 year old that had read the book and liked it, and told him that Shane had me stirred up with a desire to change lifestyle and approaches to ministry. I said it felt good to be back where I was. Then he asked me a profound question, “Why did you quit doing it?” I hated that question because I didn’t have a good answer.
Somehow, how got caught up in day to day ministry, graduate school, raising a family……I don’t know…..life just took over. I look back and truly hope that my ministry was about justice, stewardship and redemption. I think it was. But why didn’t I do more? I don’t know. Good question? But I am committed to it now.
Shane Claiborne is raising the prophetic questions that must be raised. The questions are uncomfortable and the challenge is at times almost overwhelming.
I began to pray with questions about how I might more directly serve the poor and the marginalized. God has answered that prayer in ways that are absolutely powerful. I cannot write about it here because of some privacy issues involving those with whom I am working, but, let’s just say that God has taken me where God has called me.
Would love to hear from those who have read this book! Check out my brief book review…..
Hey if you’re a fan of Shane Claiborne and his book, then you should really check out the Another World is Possible DVD series. It’s a multimedia project by Shane Claiborne and Jamie Moffett (co-founders of the Simple Way) that emerged in response to their belief that things are not right in the world, and that they don’t have to stay that way. There are three DVD’s, one on war, one on poverty, and one on creation. You can find out more about them at www.awip.us.