Ministry Journey Blog

Thoughts on Ministry

05 Nov

Review: Red Letter Christians

Posted in Uncategorized on 05.11.12 by Merlyn

Book Review

Published on Book Sneeze & Amazon

Review: Red Letter Christians

Red Letter Christians by Shane Claiborne and Tony Campolo

In this book Claiborne and Campolo engage in a dialogue covering a wide array of issues that we face in the world today. From the social, fiscal, theological and more Shane and Tony seek to discern what the words of Jesus really mean for followers of Christ today as we seek to find the abundant life Christ desires for us in a world filled with conflict and chaos. While not every topic that one could imagine is covered in this book, the most controversial and significant topics raised in the church and in culture in the past decade are addressed.

Having been able to interact with both Shane and Tony, as well as take a class from Tony at Eastern, I admit a personal bias towards this book at the outset. That said, I wanted to review this book carefully and critically. I do not agree with everything in this book. There are parts of this book that made me angry, others that created confusion and some that created discomfort. In this way, this book is very engaging. It is simple to read and understand. Shane and Tony give enough information to leave the reader satisfied, yet their dialogue also creates a desire for more thoughtful dialogue. While I did not agree with every perspective shared in this book, this is the book I have been waiting for. The church and our culture today is in desperate need of a book like this one, a book that is willing to tackle difficult issues through thoughtful, gracious dialogue. It reminded me of many conversations from my college years as well as conversations I continue to have today over coffee with those of a different or like mind. Jesus’ words are not intended to be a weapon, rather they are meant to be an example of how his followers are intended to live and exist in relationship with God, each other, and the world. This is a great read and I strongly urge every thoughtful follower of Christ to take the time to read it.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Rev. Marcus J Carlson

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