Not coming from a particularly strong Christian background, I have thoroughly enjoyed Shane's numerous scripture quotes and biblical stories. I especially like the one on page 273 about Dirk Willems fleeing from execution only to end up saving the guard's life that he was escaping from. Even though burned at the stake, he died in pursuit of love and I can dig that. We all should.
Shane cites Dorothy Day many times during the book. Does anyone know anything about Dorothy?
I thought it was cool that Shane's article in SPIN magazine made such a good impression among its staff and readers (at least in his words it did). Although one could argue that his interview was contradicting to his previous statements of how Jesus has become too commercialized, I think that many people who are readers of contemporary magazines such as SPIN are the same people that have become disillusioned with religion. I feel that other magazines should include positive messages such as Shane's as opposed to articles on how good Paris Hilton's butt looked at the club last Friday.
"The average American consumes as much as 520 Ethiopians do" (page 344). Interesting fact, but I'd like to know where he got this information. Although Shane cites a ton in the book, I feel like he has slipped many facts like this one into his book without citing where he found it.
The Irresistible Revolution was incredible. I have a lot more faith in religion and humanity after reading this book and I am very thankful that I read it.
dude i agree that this book gave me some hope for the christian faith. I kind of felt the same way about christians and thought a lot of them we're just hypocrites but he shows us that there although the church is getting smaller there are still some people who really know how to love out there. it's all about the little things and just sharing some love. As for some of the facts, I agree that some could be distorted, but I'd rather believe them if they can convince people to live better lives if you know what i mean.
ReplyDeleteI think that as we read this book it was hard to give Shane grace! At least it was for me! In some parts of this book I found myself saying why is he doing this (ex. The GOP stunt) when he previously said we are to see people as souls (ex. The concept of "namaste")? Then the voice reason would say Lauren, he is not Jesus!!! He is human just like you! And what a relief to take Shane down from the high pedestal I had placed him on! The thing to take away from this book is that Shane cannot do what he does without Christ and in his human, self-serving motives he may sometimes forget who really gets the glory! By the way, Dorthy Day was a Catholic social activist and we are actually going to read one of her books in the class called "The Long Loneliness".
ReplyDeleteI can really empathize with you Troy, on the subject of the hypocrisy that's involved with the church. I do think that Shane is a much easier person to respect, because he doesn't make the reader feel as though they have be knowledgable of scripture and the Biblical text to understand where he's coming from. Although my religious background has involved me attending church regularly, I really feel that Claiborne successfully reached his goal of touching a very diverse group of readers, and that makes a good writer in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteI understand where you are coming from with disappointment in christianity. There was one point in the book (I cannot find it) that Shane's friend tells Shane that he no longer considers himself to be a Christian. When Shane asks why, his friend replies something like, "Because I've decided to follow Jesus."
ReplyDeleteHis answer really struck me. It caused me to realize that we should not be following the "Christian norm", but instead we should be following Jesus. People so easily get caught in the habit of following "Christian" ways, that they fall into just doing the bare minimum in order to get by-- in order to appear as if they are doing good, but in reality they're acts are only shallow. For me, this friend's answer, summerized one of Shane's main points-- Follow Jesus, even if that requires you to do what seems radical by society's standards (or maybe even by your standards).
Any way, that quote just popped into my head when i read your post and I thought i'd share it... :)