Reviews (51)

Interesting little book
This is far from a groundbreaking work on religion, to put it mildly, but it does provide an interesting, and, for the most part, a surprisingly valid way of looking at the pop culture phenomenon that is "The Simpsons." And this book has the notable quality, compared with most takes on theology, of being a fairly funny book (not so much because Pinsky is a wildly amusing writer, but because he quotes from some quite hilarious "Simpons" episodes). One unavoidable shortcoming is that this book might feel a little outdated because there have already been a number of "Simpsons" episodes touching on religion that have aired since this book was published (a fact that does support the author's contention that religion is quite central to the show).

Am I the Only One Who Read the Book?
Okay, why do I not write a manifesto on women's emotions? Because I am not a woman. Sure, I may be married and have a wife, but do I understand the first thing there is to know about a woman's mind? It is impossible. In fact, it is impossible to understand one's self, let alone another. However, it makes more sense to talk about something you know about, instead of something that you do not intimately know.
GREAT BOOK
for any true child of God who is a simpson fan.it shows there are secular shows to be enjoyed in a Christian way. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible - Topical Studies    2. Christianity - Christian Life - Pop Culture Issues    3. Religion    4. Religion - Christian Life    5. Religious aspects    6. Simpsons (Television program)    7. Spirituality - General    8. Television - General    9. Television broadcasting    10. Spirituality    11. TV tie-in humour    12. Television   

Reviews (20)

A good primer
These guys seemed to have to work at disagreeing.But they covered the topic the church finds herself wrestling with quite well.If you want an overview of how the gospel message speaks to a rapidly changing time, this is a good start.Also this books will introduce you to two truly compassionate, thoughtful men who take some of the tarnish off the gospel, put there by many of their bigotted norrow minded contemporaries. Read it with an open mind, for that is the point.

Challenging Discussion on the Chrisitan Life
Mclaren and Compolo team up to provide insights and questions into a wide array of topics and their relation to Christians in today's culture.
Challenging & Thought-Provoking
"Adventures in Missing the Point" is one of my favorite books.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Christian Life - General    2. Christianity - Christian Life - Social Issues    3. Christianity - Theology - Ecclesiology    4. Institutions & Organizations    5. Popular works    6. Religion    7. Religion - Church Life & Growth    8. Theology, Doctrinal    9. Christian Interest    10. Christian theology    11. Religion / Christian Life   

Reviews (15)

When Campolo speaks his mind, Christians should listen
I recommendSpeaking My Mindfor all evangelicals.It is evident that this book is labor of love about things that are on Tony Campolo's heart.Each chapter title (except the last) asks a question, and in each chapter Campolo takes us through his process of attempting to answer the question. In many cases, it is evident that he is still wrestling with the issue at hand.
Campolo delivers
Tony does it again! In ths book he has succeeded in inspiring, offending and educating. If you are a die hard evangelical you should read 1 Tony Campolo book a year just to give you some balance from the ultra right wing Christian media you normally subscribe to. Toney is a prophetic voice in a very sterile Christian community
Tony Talks Tough
This book solidifies Tony's role as a speaker who pulls no punches when preaching Christ. He takes apart the "evangelically correct" responses to some of contemporary societies thornier issues by assessing WWJD? The answers may surprise, infuriate and delight but he definitely starts the discussion in an insightful and biblically based fashion. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christian fundamentalism    2. Christianity - Christian Life - General    3. Christianity - Christian Life - Political Issues    4. Christianity - Christian Life - Pop Culture Issues    5. Christianity - Christian Life - Social Issues    6. Evangelicalism    7. Religion    8. Religion - Christian Life    9. United States    10. Christian Living    11. General    12. Religion / Christian Life   

Reviews (7)

Interesting thoughts on accepted behaviors
Mr. Campolo did a decent job with this book.It is a generally thought-provoking and insightful look into accepted Christian behaviors and attitudes.Perfect for book studies, the chapters are easy to discuss out of sequence and are great for one-hour sessions!

Tony
This guy seems to have implied that he authored the Shel Silverstein poem "Listen to the Musn'ts" in one of his lectures to a youth event.That's the way it seemed to me. A Must Read for Christians
I can't imagine any Christian reading this book and not feelingchallenged.Campolo does a great job of pointing out the many things thatChristians do that almost certainly embarrass God, but he doesn't stopthere.Along with showing some ways Christians probably shouldn't act, hegives some very practical guidelines for how we should act.It hits alittle close to home sometimes, but who said we're supposed to becomfortable all the time? ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christian life    2. Christianity - Christian Life - General    3. Christianity - Discipleship    4. Inspirational - Protestant    5. Religion    6. Religion - Christian Life    7. Religion - Christian Living    8. Witness-bearing (Christianity)    9. Religion / Christian Life   

Reviews (7)

grubedoo
A very inspiring book that doesn't give any step-by-step, how to instructions to bettering one's religion, nor make harsh judgements of right and wrong.It is one man's stories and experiences that shape a unique and beautiful spirituality.There are lessons to be learned between the lines and insightfulness and challenges on every page but they come in the form of stories which make them delectably palatable.

Wonderful book great messages
Tony Campolo is a minister of great note and his book brings across the message so very well. Thank you Tony for this wonderful book

Pure Campolo....but with an error
This book is fun, but as another said--not as good as hearing him in person.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Christian Life - General    2. Homiletical illustrations    3. Inspirational - General    4. Preaching    5. Religion    6. Religion - Christian Life    7. Christian Living    8. Personal Christian testimony & popular inspirational works    9. Religion / Inspirational   

Reviews (5)

Kingdom of God is a Party.
This is one great book about an Awesome God, and how the concept of celebrating at God's all inclusive party, which can be wherever we are in any situation!Some new ideas that make sense.Praise the Lord!!

quick easy inspirational read
Some religious folks are so serious, humorless, uptight, and narrow-minded. It doesn't have to be that way. The wonderful quality of this book is that it makes God and faith exciting! In an inspiring, informative, and Biblically sound way, the author shows how living the Word of God can and should be a joyous and spiritually rejuvinating and uplifting (and FUN!) thing and that many of us believers need to re-capture that same spirit and verve. It shows how doing good, living through positivity and love, and leading the lonely, the oppressed, etc to their loving Heavenly Father can be a deeply enriching experience both personally and spiritually. There are better books by Campolo
I think Tony fails to get over the main message of his book, values, values and values, through trying to be clever and presenting the Kingdom as a party. The reader is left sruggling with the novelty when getting the message over could be better achieved by not forcing the word party over the top of more appropriate words. Having said that, the message of relationship, joy, living life to the full and living Christianity is there in typical Compolo style for those who can overcome the language. Normaly I think Campolo is an excellent communicator but communicates batter in other books he has written. Choose another Campolo book if you are unfamiliar with the authors beleifs and values, you'll prefer it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Baptist authors    2. Christian life    3. Christianity - Theology - General    4. Kingdom of God    5. Religion    6. Religion - Theology    7. Theology   

Reviews (12)

Okay, a little out of date
This book was insightful, but most of it was just Campolo's opinions with very little evidence to back his claims. It is very thought provoking, and I would recommend it as he has some interesting logic applied to many subjects that are ignored in the Christian community. While I agree with most of it, there are a couple areas I have that are of some concern.
A gree with most of which Dr Compolo says
Tony Campolo is right on the money. People who criticize him do not want to hear that their sins are just as repulsive to God as homosexuality. Dr. Campolo talks about other subjects such as women ministers,public schools, should Christians kill, and is it OK to be rich?
Will Spark Debate If Nothing Else
Regardless of one's opinion of Tony Campolo, one has to admit Campolo is not afraid to speak his mind.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Baptist authors    2. Christian ethics    3. Christianity - General    4. Inspirational - Protestant    5. Religion    6. Religion - Socialissues    7. Social ethics    8. Religion / Christian Life    9. Social Issues   

Reviews (5)

An Enthusiastic Pep Talk
Not my favorite Campolo book, but worth a re-read. Short chapters lead to a lot of topic introduction...but not much development. This leads to a fever pitch pacing: the book's intent is to get you excited. Seize life! Do something! Experience things more fully! A good reminder to shake you out of the doldrums. Solid book
This is a solid book with lots of good insight from Campolo.My complaint would be that Campolo is such a great speaker, one that pours out emotion and feeling, and his writing falls short of that same intensity.I wouldn't recommend this book to someone that is advanced in their Christian reading, reading such books like 'The Divine Conspiracy', but for the less intense it is probably a good choice for "How such I live?" kind of reading.I'd also recommend Yancy and Manning. A compelling topic addressed by a compelling author
Campolo has dozens of books out there; his writing style appeals to lots of readers. This one focuses on passionate enjoyment of life. After discussing the problems of materialism and life disillusionment that are predominant in our culture, Campolo unpacks the solution: living as God created us to. He challenges his readers to dream dreams and dare to live them out, embracing the fullness of life, including God, nature, work, and all the things around us.Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Christian Life - General    2. Christianity - General    3. Inspirational - Protestant Self Help    4. Religion    5. Religion - Christian Life    6. Christian Living    7. Religion / Inspirational   

Reviews (2)

Still making a difference
This is still a great book for highschool D-groups or small groups. It is easy to read and hard to put down. The topics are perfect for discussion. My youth have commented, "its the only book that made me laugh out loud," and "this book is too dangerous to read!"

This book made a difference!
I am 13, and my father gave me this book, and asked me to read it.At first glance, I wasn't interested; it looked boaring, something for adults.I put it off for a couple of weeks, and then one day decided to give it a try.Starting on the first page, Tony Campolo, author of this book, put humor in.I loved it.I couldn't stop reading the book!I have now finished it, and definately recommend you reading it!It may look boaring, but just read the first few pages, and you will change your mind.On top of being funny, he also gets his point about dating, loving christ, and more. This is an A+++++++Read more

Subjects:  1. Campolo, Anthony    2. Children's 12-Up - Religion - Christian Living    3. Children's Books/Young Adult Religion    4. Christian life    5. Christianity - Christian Life - General    6. Juvenile literature    7. Religion    8. Religion - Christianity - General    9. Religious life    10. Youth    11. General Studies    12. Graduation    13. Juvenile Nonfiction / Religion / Christianity    14. Seasonal   

Reviews (2)

Near Letter-Perfect
This book, ostensibly a collection of letters between Tony Campolo and his adult son, Bart, has a lot going for it. At times it's funny, at times sad, but it's always honest in its portrayal of the challenges of growing up and parenting in the latter half of the Twentieth Century (I expect things are not so different here at the beginning of the Twenty-First). Great book on relationships between fathers and sons
This book really crystalized for me some of the values that I want to instill in my sons as they grow.I recommend it to anyone with a father or a son. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Campolo, Anthony    2. Campolo, Bart    3. Child Care/Parenting    4. Christian biography    5. Christianity - Christian Life    6. Fathers and sons    7. Religion - Marriage & Family/Singles    8. United States   

Reviews (6)

Proclaiming the Gospel is not an American political statement
Love him or hate him Dr. Tony Campolo is not afraid to speak his mind.In Is Jesus a Republican or a Democrat?: And 14 Other Polarizing Issues Tony Campolo shows how many Christians in America identify their Christian beliefs with the political party they have individually embraced.This book covers everything from homosexual rights, to abortion, and how Christians view the poor and what should be done by Christians for the poor.If I have a criticism it is not my disagreement with Dr. Campolo on the issues he addresses, but I think he is predisposed to a certain kind of naivity in what he sometimes professes to believe.This was the same complaint I expressed in my review of another of Dr. Campolo's books Speaking My Mind : The Radical Evangelical Prophet Tackles the Tough Issues Christians Are Afraid to Face.This book is a good read and certainly worthy of discussion.
Who reads this stuff?
Who would read this stupid book? Jesus is a deity. He isn't registered for any political party, and if he was you could just look him up and find out, and what about all of the other political parties, like socialist, Fascist, Communist, Liberal, Whig, Federalist, Nazi, Libertarian, and countless others. However he isn't registered for any of them either. I guess you could say that he's independent. However everyone knows that his ideals are more along the line of the extreme right wing.

Compassion and Truth
Tony Campolo is a compassionate, thinking Christian, who has the Lewisian knack of communicating with the average guy on the street.Repeatedly he directs his thoughts to what the Bible says, and what he thinks Jesus would have done- irrespective of what his culture, or any other culture, might say.He may not always get it right- but that's what is so great about Tony- he in all humility admits that- but he truly tries to get to the center of the issues.I particularly enjoyed the last two essays on the situation of the poor, and the Christian response to both the poor, and Poverty.Other great essays on this cassette are Read more

Subjects:  1. Christian ethics    2. Christianity - Christian Life    3. Christianity and politics    4. Church and social problems    5. Ethical problems    6. Moral Theology    7. Religion    8. Religion - Christian Living    9. Social Theology    10. United States   

Reviews (1)

A powerful message for modern, university based Christians
Written especially for college-age Christian young adults, The Survival Guide For Christians On Campus by Tony Campolo (Founder, Evangelical Association for the Promotion of Education) and William Willimon (Dean of the Chapel and Professor of Christian Ministry, Duke University) deftly explains how to keep religious faith a central priority in spite of the strenuous demands of secular college studies. Individual chapters address such topics as close reading the bible, better understanding of sermons, evangelization as the simple and open spreading of God's good news, Pentecostalism ("Don't fear encounters with Christians who seem to be different from you"), and the hot-button issue of sex. The Survival Guide For Christians On Campus is recommended as a powerful message for modern, university based Christians seeking to better understand and exemplify their faith in an academic setting. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Christian Life - General    2. Christianity - Education - Children & Youth    3. Religion    4. Religion - Christian Life    5. Religion / Christian Life   

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Christian Life - Social Issues    2. Christianity - Evangelism    3. Christianity and the arts    4. City churches    5. Missions & Missionary Work    6. Philosophy    7. Religion    8. Religion - Christian Life    9. United States    10. Missions/Evangelism    11. Religion / Evangelism   

Reviews (1)

Important topic
Well written.Thought-provoking. But, for a historical and honest look a this topic try "Winning the Race to Unity - Is racial reconciliation really working" by Clarence Shuler.Shuler deals with the falacy appearing in the Campolo subtitle "Racial Reconciliation" arguing that you can only be reconciled to someone with whom you have had a relationship.The real problem in the Church is that we have not gone out of our way to develop relationships cross-culturally, we are trying to rebuild a bridge that never existed. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity    2. Christianity - Christian Life - Social Issues    3. Christianity - History - Social Issues    4. Church    5. Ethics    6. Minority Studies - Race Relations    7. Race relations    8. Reconciliation    9. Religion    10. Religion - Christian Life    11. Religious aspects    12. Sociology of Religion   

Reviews (4)

Hopeful and Helpful
For those who really want to do something, or need to be encouraged to do something to help the Kingdom of God be manifest in the city, this book is for you.It is practical, and most importantly, hopeful.Campolo uses his own ministry and experiences, as well as other unrelated ministries (for example, Minneapolis; Ripon, New York; Costa Mesa, CA; and the Dominican Republic) as prototypes for what can be done in inner cities.He is honest in not promising that every ministry he mentions can be replicated; but since Campolo gives so many specific, practical suggestions on how to carry out the ideas and programs presented, people will hopefully catch a vision and be encouraged to give some of them a try. From Excitement to Shocking Disappointment
Tony Campolo had a name that carried a lot of good will with me.I came to this book having long heard of Campolo.I had heard his sound bite wisdom flashed across my television over the years.I was excited to pick up this book and read it.It promised to be something interesting - and very likely useful to my ministry. Awesome Book
As someone who has heard Tony Campolo speak many times, and as someone who doesn't enjoy reading, this book opened my eyes.It only took me 2 days toread this book.I couldn't put it down. Tony Campolo obviously cares forthe inner city missions of Camden and Philadelphia.This book is a greatexample of how Christians need to respond to the poor and the inner citypeople.This book will touch your heart with the stories by Bruce Main ofhis experiences in Camden adn so forth.This is a must have book for anyperson entering the mission field.Eastern College is very lucky to have aman like Tony Campolo to teach there.As a student at Eastern, I amblessed to have heard this man encourage the students and faculty to reachout to the people of Camden and Philadelphia.This book makes you look indepth at your life and walk with Jesus Christ. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Camden    3. Camden (N.J.)    4. Christianity - Christian Life - Social Issues    5. Christianity - Church Administration - General    6. Christianity - Pastoral Ministry    7. Church And Social Problems    8. Church history    9. City churches    10. Missions & Missionary Work    11. New Jersey    12. Religion    13. Religion - Ministry & Pastoral Resources    14. Social Science    15. Sociology of Religion    16. Christian mission & evangelism    17. Religious groups    18. Social issues   

Reviews (2)

Hey, this stuff is on the exam!
There is only one negative thing that I could say about this book, and that is the sad fact that it is now out of print. Still, if you are at all interested in how the claims of Christianity can speak to the many counter-claims of our modern world, then please try locate this book somewhere. Social scientist Dr. Anthony Campolo here addresses four major areas of secular thought, and shows how Christians can respond to these in an impressive "reasonable" way. These four areas are: Probably Campolo's Most Important Book
Heavy-duty sociology meets fundamental Christian theology in a big way.While the early and middle sections of the book can be slow reading, they lay the foundation for an excellent finish.Read more

Subjects:  1. Apologetics    2. Christianity - History    3. Christianity - History - General    4. Religion    5. Religion - Theology    6. Secularism    7. Theology   

Subjects:  1. Christian life    2. Christianity - Christian Life - General    3. Jesus Christ    4. Person and offices    5. Religion    6. Religion - Christian Life    7. Religion - Christian Living    8. Christian Living    9. Religion / Christian Life   

Reviews (4)

Small book Big Message
This book is not large in size but the message is large and believe that it goes to the soul.

Dr. Campolo Hits Another Homerun
This little 80 page book will challenge and reinforce your faith at the same time.How do we apply the simplest principles of Jesus' teaching to our family, our politics, and our world-view?Should we try to apply "turn the other cheek" to the war on terror?Does the true strength of Christianity come from love or power?With beautiful examples throughout history of how love trumps power (eventually), Tony Campolo once again provides profound insights on how faith should shape and change our lives.

challenging, as always
Like every book Tony Campolo writes, this one will challenge you... and change you. "Which Jesus?" is an especially appropriate read these days, urging us to choose between the way of love and the way of power, and the Jesus which represents each.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity    2. Christianity - Christian Life - General    3. Christianity - Theology - Christology    4. Love    5. Religion    6. Religion - Theology    7. Religious aspects    8. Christian Living    9. General Interest    10. Religion / Theology    11. Spiritual Growth   

Reviews (2)

Makes Some Valid Points
As is true with his other writings, there are places where I totally disagree with Dr. Campolo in this book. Having said that I can say I am in agreement with the primary thesis of this book. He encourages the reader to risk more, try more, do more, love more, live more. Risk-taking and reflection are at the heart of what he is proposing. A self-sacrificing individual who gives to other people will find "fun" in living, not the one who lives to please self. It seems to me his proposition to live big, think big, take risks and love is right in keeping with the way Jesus taught.

Outstanding and challenging
This book challenges you to consider the priorities of your life. To value love, family and character more than achievement, wealth and status. To take more risks rather than the easy path. It was one of the foundations in my family's decision to uproot from a secure job in England and relocate to an unknown job in America. I have given away more copies than I care to remember; always to great effect. Enjoy it and learn from it. It might change the way you think about your life ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Religion - Christian Living    2. Christianity - Christian Life - General    3. Christianity - Theology - Ethics   

Subjects:  1. Christian Life    2. Christianity - Christian Life    3. Inspirational    4. Moral conditions    5. Religion    6. Religion - Christian Living    7. Religious life and customs    8. United States