Irresistible Revolution

Living as an Ordinary Radical

By: Shane Claiborne

Narrated by: Shane Claiborne

Length: 7 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's summary

Many of us find ourselves caught somewhere between unbelieving activists and inactive believers. We can write a check to feed starving children or hold signs in the streets and feel like we've made a difference without ever encountering the faces of the suffering masses. In this book, Shane Claiborne describes an authentic faith rooted in belief, action, and love, inviting us into a movement of the Spirit that begins inside each of us and extends into a broken world.

Shane's faith led him to dress the wounds of lepers with Mother Teresa, visit families in Iraq amidst bombings, and dump $10,000 in coins and bills on Wall Street to redistribute wealth. Shane lives out this revolution each day in his local neighborhood, an impoverished community in North Philadelphia, by living among the homeless, helping local kids with homework, and "practicing resurrection" in the forgotten places of our world.

Shane's message will comfort the disturbed, and disturb the comfortable...but will also invite us into an irresistible revolution. His is a vision for ordinary radicals ready to change the world with little acts of love.

©2006 Shane Claiborne (P)2006 Zondervan

Critic reviews

"A moving, often humorous account of a life of faith lived to the fullest." (Booklist)

Forever Changed

This book brings me to my knees in the best way possible. It is a life changer.

great book

Loved it. have listened to it several times and bought a few books to share.

Beautiful Wake Up Call

I was teary several times as I was reminded of the joy in truly following Jesus.

Life Changing

This book was so convicting. It made me look at so many things in a different light...the light of Jesus. I totally recommend reading it. We can't all be as radical as Shane is but we can definitely benefit from this perspective in carrying out the lives God has us in.

Must read

This is one of the most convicting and yet inspiring books I’ve ever read. Shane speaks truth in a way that has held me accountable while still giving me hope.

Unconventional perspective

What did you like about this audiobook?

Find yourself as fascinated as I did, and you'll want to write a review for this book as well. As a testament of this books content and character, I'm writing a review for the first time for audible even though I've read (or listened to) hundreds of books and haven't ever before. I liked the authors self-disclosure in regards to aspects of the topic's raw nature.

How has the book increased your interest in the subject matter?

Speaking professionally, this book had an organized though presentation. It also completely shocked me into truths on topics I didn't previously have any knowledge.

Does the author present information in a way that is interesting and insightful, and if so, how does he achieve this?

Without just saying "read this" which is what I was told when introduced to this book, I'd have to say his validity through personal experiences shared copiously throughout the book.

What did you find wrong about the narrator's performance?

His yearning for change in the main subject of reforming the readers faith was overly apparent in some parts of the book. If anything is negative, it's the depressing nature of the subject which should not default the author nor this book; only the simple minded entertainment value merely for the duration of a few minutes in one or two chapter beginnings.

Do you have any additional comments?

Most important to note was the experience of the author for the purposes of this book. His experience is unparalleled when it comes to the true meaning of having faith.

Eye-opening & convicting message

Eye-opening & convicting message that is a must read especially for believers who may feel closed off to what is really happening in the world.

Life changing, beautiful, loved it!

I have heard about this book from a couple authors I really enjoy and respect; namely Jen Hatmaker and Brené Brown. So after hearing them quote Shane on this book, I decided to get the audible. I absolutely LOVED that this book is read by the author, this book made me cry, laugh out loud, put my hands over my heart, and do a heckuva lot of thinking. I ended up buying the paper copy too because I wanted to be able to highlight stuff and perhaps dig deeper and journal my thoughts. You know?... I had been warned that this book would change my view of the world, and it did.
Unlike other reviewers, I won’t go on to say what % of Shane’s views I agree with or go on to defend my opposing views. This book is perfect, just the way it is. If you find something you don’t agree with, then let it float passed your mind. I found myself disagreeing to some of Shane’s views and then realized I was just clinging to my desire for a large house and a nice car; desiring a nice house and car for you and your family is not wrong, but neither is wanting to live like the folks at The Simple Way. So let’s just nod and respect them for their boldness and courage; we can share our own opinions and views when we write our own book… anyway… I guarantee a much larger chunk of this book will ring true in your heart and will provoke much reflection in your part… because that is exactly what this book did for me. Thank you for sharing this book with us, Shane.

Cardboard Cover Classic

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I cannot think of a soul who would not be encouraged or challenged by this title. Having both read and listened to Irresistible Revolution, both formats are worthy. Shane Claiborne speaks with passion about Christ, and the poor, and what a true follower must confront. As time passes, this volume still speaks to us and offers insight into the world Christ said we can have now.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Irresistible Revolution?

Shane talks about being at Eastern, and how he first started to go out at night to be with the poor in Philly. It is balanced, honest, and completely wonderful, largely because he doesn't lead them story with it.

What about Shane Claiborne’s performance did you like?

It was authentic. Believable. Clear.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Several times both taking on Scripture and our world today.

Any additional comments?

It can not be read without challenging. Part of Shane's charm is his Southern pride, worn well, but maybe a bit thick. Peace. Also he has a tendency to be a bit goofy when he presents barbs about things that conflict him. Zondervon presents some true conflict and he throws Somers cute jabs that sound bashful. Slight distractions that's add to something as earnest as it is powerful.

Clarity of Vision

A truly inspiring book. this perspective really opened my eyes to a way of life in the rest of Jesus. I had decided that the way modern church was being done was hurting more than helping and then this book found me. Highly recommend it for a refined foundation of the gospel.