Jul
28
2008
28
2008
Jesus For President
Filed under: Activism, Books, Following Jesus
If you’ve read through my blog at all, you know that I’m a big fan of Shane Claiborne. Huge. His book, “Irresistible Revolution” was a major catalyst in our decision to sell our house, downsize, and spread the love. You can imagine my excitement when his second book came out. Oh yes. He’s back at it! This one is called “Jesus For President: Politics for Ordinary Radicals“. Here is a little amazon.com review snippet for ya:
Here is the must-read election-year book for Christian Americans. What should Christians do when allegiances to the state clash with personal faith? Haw and Claiborne (The Irresistible Revolution) slice through politics as usual and well past the superficial layers of the culture wars with their lucid exploration of how Christians can and should relate to presidents and kings, empire and government. Their entertaining yet provocative tour of the Bible’s social and economic order makes even the most abstruse Levitical laws come alive for our era. They also provide a valuable political context for Christ’s life, reminding readers that Jesus did not preach the need to put God back into government—he urged his followers to live by a different set of rules altogether, to hold themselves apart as peculiar people. The compelling writing is enhanced by a lavish, eye-popping layout. The pages are a riot of textured callouts, colors, photos and fonts—the perfect packaging for a message that must compete in a world of sound bites. With this second book, Claiborne emerges as an affable, intelligent, humorous prophet of his generation, calling people out of business-as-usual in a corrupt world and back to the radically different social order of the biblical God.
You can read about the book tour here and read the main website here (the tour is over now…but they drove a veggie bus!). I haven’t read all of the book yet…but I am loving it so far. Even the formatting and layout is cool. I’ll be back to discuss my favorite parts 
Now go get yourself a great new book!
Posted by Sara @ 1:40 am | Leave a Comment
28
2008
I got to see the tour when it came to Indianapolis- and made sure to get pictures of the veggie bus! http://picasaweb.google.com/JoshAndJoanna/JesusForPresident
Haven’t read the book yet, but it’s on a list. The presentation on the tour was really creatively done.
28
2008
Oooh, I LOVE the ordinary radicals!!
(And Shane, who came to my college to speak)
I might see if the library has that. Hmmm…
28
2008
I just finished that book….definitely changed my perspective. Shane’s an amazing guy….it’s a must-read for all Christians
28
2008
Hi Sara,
Luke & I went to the Jesus for President tour last week here in Raleigh & it was great! I’ve been reading the book, too. Most of it is the same as what was in the tour talk, but in more detail, so it’s helpful. The Psalters were there playing with them – THAT was some powerful music!
We’re off to Oregon in two weeks, so you need to update your Tour blog, OK?
Hope y’all are doing great!
28
2008
Thanks Sara, Jeff and I are now reading this too, very heavy stuff. Also, check out The Psalters, http://www.psalters.com/,
this was the band that toured with Shane and Chris. They were so cool, we kept comparing one of the singers to Tom Waits! We caught the tour last week in Dallas,and it was extremely moving,thought provoking, and I could have just balled through a couple of sections. We got to meet Shane and Chris and found out they’ve had great luck w/getting their tour stops to help them out finding oil. Of course, I was a little “starstruck” and probably said something stupid, and never what I intend to say to people who have given us so much inspiration!!! I’ve got to go back and read his first book again……………
28
2008
Ooooo- “The Irresistible Revolution” gave me LOTS to think about; Can’t wait to get this one too! Thanks for posting this!
28
2008
Thanks for the recommendation. I was just talking with my husband yesterday about how I was a bit uncomfortable with Christians spending so much time trying to preserve God in government or fighting for what is considered lost ground. Shouldn’t our energies be focused elsewhere? It seems to me that if we can’t have a completely Christian government with all Christian officials, etc. (and we obviously can’t) that fighting for bits and pieces becomes a wearying and destracting pursuit. Anyway, sounds like a good book for me to read.
28
2008
Ooh- another book to add to my reading list!
I just checked out “Irresistible Revolution” from the library, and am looking forward to reading it.
Thanks!
Michele
28
2008
Shane is the man. IR changed my life. He truly is revolutionary. I’ve been having discussions lately with my accountability partner about the need for some Jesus style revolution in the modern church. We’ve missed the point on many issues, especially political. I will definitely be reading this book.
28
2008
No, do the environmentally responsible thing and get it from the library!
28
2008
I’m reading that book right now. I’m about half way through it. Love it! The layout…superfly!
28
2008
I’m so glad you mentioned this book! I read it several months ago and it is just great. So thought-provoking and definitely not what most Christians here in mainstream churches (but should). Thanks for spreading the word about it!
28
2008
Sara-I just ordered his first book. I am anxious to read it. Also have you read The Shack? I just ordered it also. How is the new RV coming along? pics soon please.
29
2008
Sounds great! I’ve just finished reading Simple Spirituality by Christopher L Heuertz which is similar in theme I’d imagine.
I love the true, back to basics Christian message in them.
By the way I’m hosting a giveaway over at my place, at the moment
Have a great week!
29
2008
Went to Papa Fest in June and had a great time hearing Shane and listening to the Psalters. Shane is a unique and humble man. And he can perform some pretty funny circus acts.
29
2008
I’m off to the library site to reserve his books.
29
2008
It’s on my “Oooooo! Me wants it!” list
)
29
2008
chickadee-obviously you’ve never been to central missouri libraries lol! I will donate it to them and hope they will actually put it on the shelf.
30
2008
Awesome. I too am ever-inspired to action by Shane’s words. I’m gonna plug a friend ours, Paul Soupiset, whose incredible illustrations grace many pages of the book. Check out his blog to see more of his watercolor moleskin art!
http://soupiset.typepad.com/soupablog/
30
2008
This is a great book! It reiterated a lot of what was said in Irresistible Revolution but still gives so much to think about. I love the concept of the entire book, and recommend it to everyone especially non-Christians. I have found that it gives them some faith in Christianity and shows them that not every one is bent on the “prosperity of america” message.
A few posts up someone mentioned “The Shack” this is also a book that I recommend to everyone!! I have a copy if anyone wants it..just email me @ princess.sonflower [at] yahoo.com.
4
2008
Hi Sarah,
I was surprised to see you recommend this book/author. While I know Shane is doing great things for the commmunity, his message is the social gosepel, not the Gospel that I follow & believe. It hints of the social gospel movement of the 50′s when the Church became more preoccupied with helping the poor & needy than they were with sharing the gospel. While I am certainly an advocate of serving others, and I do feel he had some very good points, I am uneasy with the current movement. His mission statement on his website does not even mention the name of Jesus, God, or the Bible. I shudder to think what will happen if the social gospel again takes over the country. How easily we lose sight of the true Gospel, the great Commission. Jesus did not come to earth to serve the homeless, he came to earth to die for their sins. If we are serving the needy, giving up our possessions, taking in the poor, but we aren’t bringing them to a saving relationship with Jesus Christ, then our efforts are in vain.
I love your blog and many things that you stand for, but I could not let this post go without expressing my concern. All the best to you…
Hugs,
S
5
2008
We’re huge Claiborne fans here, too, living ON PURPOSE in lower income Nashville and LOVING IT! We just delivered an extra CSA share to a widow on the next street over. Spreading the love is so fun! Knowing where to spread it is half the battle!
6
2008
Summer…thank you for your thoughts on Shane’s ministry. I respect your opinion, but have to wholeheartedly disagree with much of what you said.
How can we share the gospel and care for another’s soul if their bodily meets are not met first? In fact, the ACT of helping the poor & needy IS sharing the gospel. With actions.
I would be THRILLED if the social gospel would take over the country. I can only see good come out of helping others…instead of constantly helping ourselves.
In my Bible, it seems that Jesus did both. I don’t think it’s possible to be doing all of those things you mentioned, and NOT share Jesus with them. If you are showing them the LOVE of Christ, you are showing them Christ. Being “saved” … that will come naturally as you are forming relationships and sharing what Jesus has done for you.
I do feel that the current church of today looks upon the things Shane is saying as “out there” or wrong because the church has become so far removed from the real needs of their community. As Shane would say, “it becomes scandalous for the church to spend money on windows and buildings when some family members (in the body of Christ) don’t even have water”.
We can be preaching the gospel with words all day, but if we don’t DO what it says, our faith is dead.
Shane Claiborne is a revolutionary…one who is not afraid to live a radical and vibrant life for Christ, even that makes people uncomfortable.
6
2008
shane claiborne loves Jesus,shares Jesus and lives Jesus.
It is far easier to reach the world with loving deeds and actions in the name of LOVE than in the name of a religion.
Shane Claiborne does just that.
7
2008
I just stumbled on your blog when I was looking up stuff on Emily Falconbridge’s camera straps–I hit “home” and almost FELL OVER!!!!! I am a HUGE fan of Shane Claiborne!!!! I’ve read irresistible revolution and I’m reading Jesus for President!!!! I can’t wait to dig more into your blog because I think that Shane really nails it on the head with the state of the church!!!
9
2008
you know, i think i understand what the previous commenter, summer, was saying. i can appreciate the concern that we only take care of the outward needs of people without explicitly pointing these folks to the only One who can take care of ALL of their (ours too )needs, including forgiveness of sin. BUT…. though i haven’t read shane’s book Jesus for president, i have read irrisitable revolution and i encourage summer to read it as well and see if she still feels the same way about mr. claiborne. i was blown away by the deep committment he has to Jesus and his radical obedience to our Savior. i don’t know the guy, only read the book, but i found myself nodding and inwardly screaming YES to so many sections of this book. i have seen so many “church movements” in my 44 years. much of it nonsense and only glorifying man in the end. now, having just come from 10 years in the homeschooling movement and seeing many of its legalistic “side shoots” destroy the joy, faith and committment of many to Christ, it is with gratitude i read about someone such as mr. claiborne. i love his challenging the pastors out there who tell you that you should “live your best life now!” (really?)or pray for prosperity, success and achievement (again, is that what the Bible says?)no, it is being a SERVANT! simply put, that isn’t a popular answer in the world today, particularly in the usa. mr. claiborne’s book has challenged me to be authentic in my relationships and to seek to glorify on Christ. (sorry such a long post)
God bless,
julie
18
2008
I borrowed this book from my library and it has rocked my political world. It’s been a couple of months and I’m still mulling it over.
19
2008
Drove a veggie bus! That must have totally warmed your heart. (Hey, speaking of veggie buses, Andrea and I were, just today, fondly remembering your visit here. : )
20
2008
I read the IR and I really liked it but I felt Shaine was to harsh on the Christian church as a whole. For instance we live a conservative life, have adopted a child from foster care and go to a great church with expansive missions and outreach. Our church has about 1200 members and just built a new building. I feel Shaine did skip parts of the Bible he didn’t like. For instance when God the Father (just as much God as Jesus the Son)said in the Old Testament to go to war he wasn’t evil! Here are some verses that came to mind while discussing this book:
I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.
- 1 Corinthians 1:10
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit- just as you were called to one hope when you were called- one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
-Ephesians 4: 1-6
Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made man.
-Genesis 9:6
Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. So you must obey them and do everything they tell you but do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.”
-Matthew 23:1-3
I did feel that he boldly called out the sins of the Church but I felt he threw out the baby with the bathwater. Christ told us to love all and that includes the church no matter how flawed. I did feel inspired to reach out and live on fire for God. I really would recommend “2 Live 4″ by Ryan Dobson–same fire but with a bit more warmth.
Amelia
24
2008
I need to read this book! Thanks for reminding me
My husband writes for our local paper and is now an editor at Relevant… he wrote about the book in the paper you can read it here… http://www.middletownjournal.com/l/content/oh/story/living/religion-faith/2008/04/25/ddn042608lifebrian.html
11
2008
The “Irresistible Revolution” looks like a most interesting read. Clearly the ideas of resisting the lure of possessions and working amongst the most needy (and let’s face it, often repellent) members of society were central to the Gospel but these days they are often overlooked in the rush for salvation.