Book Review

The Irresistible Revolution

Do you have a desire to follow the calling of God? Is there a deep yearning inside you that cannot be filled only with faith, but must have action as well? The Irresistible Revolution is a novel that searches for real and true Christians. Set in Wall Street to the ghettos in America, to the slums in Iraq and the orphanages in Calcutta, the author Shane Claiborne takes the reader on a journey though the social injustices and ungodly principles of the world and the Christian church today. Convinced that the Church is not doing enough, Claiborne spends his days fulfilling the commandment of Jesus; ‘Go into the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation’ (Mark 16:15). His great passion for Christ and dedicated study of our Lord brings him to the realisation that the world can be overcome with love for God with one small act of kindness at a time. Political scenarios and protests for human rights fill each page, covering relevant topics such as war in Iraq, poverty, politics mixing with religion, social injustices, terrorism and consumerism. 

This account of one man’s experiences and vision for the world sets the readers’ heart on fire and urges them to share the word of God with great love, standing up for what’s right in the eyes of God. Claiborne outlines the “Irresistible Revolution” as a Jesus revolution that is slowly creeping over the world like a vine, growing more each day. We, as followers of Christ and as God’s ambassadors must take action to further the spreading of this message of love and hope! Are we supporting the greed and money making schemes of many companies and churches of this world? Or are we giving all that we have to the poor, demonstrating the extent of God’s love? Shane examines the world that we live in, unfolding a great spiritual sickness, but through the smog and pollution, a light shines true.  God promises a place of warmth and love, but never safety. Although many Christians cling to security and comfort, Claiborne proclaims that Jesus is constantly getting him into trouble, daring him to take on new challenges and to fight again the powers and principalities of this world. After all, Jesus preaches that we should not be afraid of things that destroy the body, but of things that destroy the soul (Matt 10:28). Finishing on a triumphant note of love and mercy, this book encourages the followers of Christ to hear the call and continue the work of Christ, planting the hope of the Kingdom of God like the planting of a small mustard seed.