Comments on: Jesus For President

By: Buffy

Buffy — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:23:08 +0000

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.

By: jenna

jenna — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 04:19:05 +0000

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

By: Amelia

Amelia — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 18:46:06 +0000

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

By: L.L. Barkat

L.L. Barkat — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:32:33 +0000

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. : )

By: Tanya

Tanya — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 03:11:47 +0000

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.

By: julie

julie — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 05:46:15 +0000

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

By: JoEllyn Steele

JoEllyn Steele — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 00:39:00 +0000

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!!!

By: mamakim

mamakim — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 21:16:43 +0000

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.

By: Sara

Sara — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 14:33:17 +0000

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.

“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.”

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 shudder to think what will happen if the social gospel again takes over the country.”

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.

“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.”

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.

By: Lori

Lori — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 04:17:08 +0000

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!