Revolution, by George Barna is a very small book, but it packs a big punch. As usual, I come late to the party. It was written in 2005 - but I just found it - go figure.
The book is a bit controversial. I think Barna offended much of his readership with this book - that is, if you assume most of his readership to be the Christian community and ministers. The reason for the offense is that in Revolution, Barna is arguing that there are many people who are choosing to follow Christ outside the walls of the church. He's arguing that its okay... Which, even he admits, is a dangerous thing for Churches.
Personally, I found this book very refreshing. I think its one of Barna's best in fact. Most of his books, I don't end up finishing - but this book resonated with my soul.
I have felt for a long time that the Church (big C) is broken. Its attempts at producing disciples are falling far short of successful. Churches choose to focus on all kinds of things to compensate: Attendance, Buildings, and Cash - but in our current state of affairs those markers are revealing weaknesses too.
For me though, the real questions this book addresses, have very little to do with the Church and everything to do with one's personal decision to be a fully devoted follower of Christ. The Revolutionary is one that is willing to sell out - become a slave of - Jesus Christ - whatever the costs. I see this book as helpful... It points to the qualities, habits, and passions that help one grow to be a disciple - and it argues that those pursuits are far more important than one's church attendance.
In typical Barna fashion, the book is very systematic. Its easy to read and very linear. I wish he would have given us more examples of real life Revolutionaries. The opening illustration is helpful, but I think he could have easily mixed in some case studies - even anecdotal ones.
If you are considering reading it, I would recommend you do - for at least two reasons (for me there are actually quite many more).
- His chapter on the 7 passions of a Christ follower is definitely worth the read. He really does a good job of helping a person understand the difference between a "typical American Christian" and a radical, sold out Christ follower - or revolutionary!
- His chapter(s) on Jesus as a revolutionary are quite good. I found his understanding and explanations of Jesus to be very profound.
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