Tonight, it’s Wednesday again, and for the past many weeks we are supposed to have a Book Study on the book by Shane Claiborne called the The Irresistible Revolution: Living as an Ordinary Radical. It’s a great book, and it was instrumental in three of our community (meaning the people I live with: Daniel, Josh and Chris specifically) members decision to radically change their life and join our little community venture in Christ-like living.
Anyways, back to the book study. The book study is part of Josh and Daniel’s church, it was one of many community group options this fall at their rather large church. It started off great, with about 8-10 folks signed up to come (plus those already at our house), and for the first night most showed up. Some even showed up for the second night and a few stayed around to the third or fourth. But then things seemed to drastically drop off.
Maybe it was the decision’s to put down our books for a couple Wednesday evenings and help a women in the church’s neighborhood fix up her house that had been ransacked by area drug dealers. Maybe it was conversation about giving up your stuff, stopping our rampant consumerism, or loving Jesus by loving others to the point of real sacrifice. Maybe it was when Shane’s book started talking about war, or hanging out on the streets with homeless folks, or throwing money out on Wall Street to declare a jubilee.
Whatever it was, it’s caused us in the community to think a little about the decisions we’ve made. We’ve realized the revolution is extremely resistible. Not many people want to talk about a faith that requires more of us then we are willing to give. That includes me. It’s a lot easier for me to resist the revolution when I surround myself with others who will acknowledge with me that there is no revolution, or if there is we are already a part of it, without making much change in our lives.
All that to say, I’m quite thankful for my community, they are leading me into the revolution whether I try to resist or not. Is your community doing that for you?
I read this book as well and didn’t want to finish it. You see, if I don’t finish the book I am not responsible to live out the radical things the book asks of me. It is basically the same as the Bible…if I pretend I do not understand what Jesus says, then I’m off the hook for having to actually feed the poor, clothe the naked and free the imprisoned. It’s amazing how I can justify my lack of doing anything.
I desire to live in the “revolution” but I don’t know where to start. I loved the idea of having money ready with a note…and think I will start there.
Heidi,
Find a community that will challenge you toward that revolution. Settle for nothing less.
And starting with the notes is a great idea.
Ok. So you’ve finally motivated me to put this book on my reading list. I’d love to hear more about your community.
Ariah,
Let me start by saying you have no idea who I am. Let me fix that, I work at Master’s with Zach Swee and found your site through him. That being said, I must say, I find your posts so thought provoking! This book that you are talking about is evidently a must read. This whole “community living” thing is a relatively new idea to me. A few weeks ago, Zach and I have talked about this, and then a few days later I saw Keane reading this book and then I read your entry about this book and how resistible the revolution is and let’s just say it’s given me a lot to think about. What you say is true, it’s so easy to resist this “revolutionary Christ-like living” when you surround yourself with people who think we are living in the revolution, yet we arent’ willing to FULLY surrender. This is an interesting idea and I’m curious as to what other thoughts you have on the book and this whole concept of true radical living. But, seeing as i haven’t read the book yet, that’s probably the place to start!
Sorry this was a bit lengthy, but now you know you have another reader!
Like your first commentor, I have not finished reading this book, but I am so challenged to try to change my life completely around for the sake of others, the environment, God’s purposes, and my own well-being. I totally encourage your community: grow, grow and don’t give up!!
Thanks for all the comments everyone! It really is encouraging to hear such positive words, especially because this post was born out of the frustration of folks so easily turning their back on this “revolution” we are a part of.
That being said, I’d love to hear more about how your taking baby steps to joining the revolution, and what tips and ideas you have for me to continue to grow in it.
I personally LOVE this book. 🙂 It’s definately paradigm shifting and life altering, but I’m sooo glad I read it. It’s my favorite “Christian” book of all time, by far.
I would really love to see the study you guys took part in, if you have access to it on the computer or online in any way. I’m getting ready to lead a similar study in one of my mothering groups and could really use some extra ideas or notes if you’ve got them…
THANKS.