Advertising that Ignites Action

Shane Claiborne is one of my favorite authors. He’s straightforwardness is always heightened by compassion and action. By far, Shane is one of the most prophetic voices in our generation and I pray God continues to use him to stir a passion for Christians to actually live by the words of Christ.

In his new book, Red Letter Revolution: What If Jesus Really Meant What He Said?, Shane with his long time mentor, and bestselling pot-stirrer (I mean that in a good way), Tony Campolo offer their take on Jesus words from the New Testament. The two socially conscious and biblical convicting Christian writers discuss many of the hot button issues facing the Church and our world as they present Scriptural principles for navigating through globalization, postmodernism, and religious extremism among other topics.

The book is broken into three sections and reads as a dialogue between Claiborne and Campolo. This is a similar format to Shane’s book, “Follow Me to Freedom” of which he coauthored with legendary Civil Rights leader, John Perkins. I actually enjoy this type of book presentation because the reader can follow the conversation and see how each author presents his ideas in a comprehensive and thought out response.

The three sections are: Part I: Red Letter Theology which addresses the Church, hell, economics, and Islam for starters. Part II: Red Letter Living tackles family matters, racism, immigration, and homosexuality. And finally Part III: Red Letter World speaks to politics, war and violence, the empire and missions as well as reconciliation.

The thing that I love most about Shane’s books, which is also present here, is that he and Tony are not afraid to ask questions and go to Scripture, looking for a biblical response. Both authors are also leaders and have done incredible work for the Kingdom. We read in the epistle of James that faith without works is dead. So also then, Jesus’ words aren’t meant to be static for His followers. Instead, we are to live out our faith by walking the walk and not leaving it at just talk. God’s incarnation through Christ sets the example for words to always take on flesh and be put into action.

While not every believer will agree with the stances taken, they will nonetheless be challenged to reexamine the Bible and see what Jesus really said and decide if it matters.

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.”