Red Letter Revolution: A Review

You should be familiar with the words written in red in the New Testament of the Holy Bible. They are the words of Jesus Christ. But did Jesus really mean what he said? Best-selling authors Shane Claiborne and Tony Campolo believe so. They make their strong case in a new book, Red Letter Revolution, What If Jesus Really Meant What He Said.

THE RED LETTERS: AN AUTHENTIC LIFESTYLE

This book is about a discussion between its two authors attempting to present an achievable authentic lifestyle that personifies the teachings of Jesus Christ. Shane Claiborne and Tony Campolo share their thoughts concerning a myriad of topics, many quite controversial and hot-bed political issues. They apply the red-letter words of Jesus to issues such as family, abortion, women, racism, immigration, giving, politics, war and violence, even national debt. Hence the title, Red Letter Revolution, What If Jesus Really Meant What He Said.

GETTING YANKED OUT OF THE COMFORT ZONE

The material is presented as a conversation between Shane Claiborne and Tony Campolo. At some points the text appears to be conversational and at others it appears to be rather wordy for a normal face-to-face conversation. It reads more like a series of letters the authors wrote to each other. However the style is easy to read and their thoughts are easy to understand. I must offer a word of warning. If these guys are telling the truth then we may be in a bit trouble. It could also explain why we've lost our status as a Christian nation here in America.

Many areas of discussion in Red Letter Revolution, What If Jesus Really Meant What He Said disturb me. While I may not totally agree with the theology or the politics of the authors, they present a discussion that will move you out of your comfort zone quickly.

This book will aggravate you, poke and prod you, challenge you, make you think, and maybe even inspire you to move beyond what has become stereotyped as normal Christianity. It can humble you, convict you, and maybe send you to your knees seeking forgiveness for not taking the red-letter words of Jesus for what they might really mean.

DID JESUS REALLY MEAN WHAT HE SAID?

"Lay not up for yourself treasure upon the earth (Matthew 6:19)."

"Take no thought for the morrow (Matthew 6:34)."

"If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily (Luke 9:23)"

We have savings accounts,stocks, bonds, retirement accounts, all put away in preparation for tomorrow, next week, next month, next year, and more. Yet there are people in our own church congregations who could use some help from our laid-up treasures by which we make our plans for the future. Jesus really didn't mean we are supposed to deny our own self and our own desires, did he? He really didn't mean we need to take up our cross daily, did he?

First, read the actual words written in red in the Bible. Then I recommend reading Red Letter Revolution, What If Jesus Really Meant What He Said. Finally, go back and read the red-letter words in the Bible again. Then think about making a decision to do them...

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."