What if Jesus REALLY meant what He said?
I had the privilege of listening to Campolo just recently as he addressed a group of college students. He’s got a gift. He reads the words of Christ in ways that a lot of us do not — in ways that a lot of us should. Scholars sit and stew over Jesus really said what is written in Scripture. Pastors (comfortably) apply what Jesus said into our own lives, into our work days and the details of our families and so forth. Campolo listens to Christ.
Now don’t get me wrong, I know most of us hear Christ when we read His words. But Campolo can go the extra step, he listens, because He has seen Christ firsthand. When Christ says that anyone who serves the poor serves Christ (Mt 25), Campolo gets that. He himself has both reached out and, shamefully, denied reaching out to those in need. He does not want to see anybody who calls themselves a follower of Christ refuse to humble themselves and live for this world opposed to the heavenly Kingdom.
So, in most circles, as you interpret Scripture you are taught to distinguish prescriptions from descriptions. In other words, does this particular biblical story prescribe how were are to live in the current day or does it merely a description of history events/theological ideas? The bottom line, Claiborne & Campolo view the words of Christ as they stand. Just as true for today as they were yesterday and they will be tomorrow. With that presupposition, what do we (the Western Church) do to learn and respond to that? To find out, grab his book.
GET THIS BOOK IF … you want to join the Red Letter Christian dialogue (redletterchristians.org) or if you feel that the Church is missing something (but you just can’t put your finger on what it is). It is not an academic study of Jesus’ culture and almost solely applicable, conversation style material.
Inside dustcover sleeve reads:
Since the days of the early church, the followers of Jesus have privileged his words above all others when determining how to navigate their lives faithfully. In our broken modern world, such a stance is increasingly rare, even among Christians. Nonetheless, a passionate group of Christians remains devoted to the notion that the words of Jesus direct us to a better way of living and looking at the world.
Red Letter Revolution is destined to become an authoritative classic for these radical believers. In this essential manifesto, best selling authors Shane Claiborne and Tony Campolo envision issue after contemporary issue in direct light of the Bible’s “red letters.” The result is a startling look at contemporary Christianity and an inspirational reawakening to the gravity of the words and deeds of Jesus.
Red Letter Revolution is more than an inspirational or academic diversion. It is an indispensable guidebook for anyone who has ever felt that their own lifestyle, or their own church, was at odds with the Jesus they find speaking to them in red in the pages of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Red Letter Revolution is a timely call back to the true, radical fundamentals of Christianity.
*This book was free with my promise to post an unbiased review.
