The Revolution: A Field Manual for Changing Your World [Paperback]

Heather Zydek (Editor), Jim Wallis (Foreword), Dan Haseltine (Contributor), Rev. David Beckmann (Contributor), Marie Smith (Contributor), Joe Curnow (Contributor), Doak Bock (Contributor), Jena Lee (Contributor), Father Demetri Kantzavelos (Contributor), Rose Berger (Contributor), Reagan Demas (Contributor), Peter Illyn (Contributor), Penny Hunter (Contributor), Cranford Joseph Coulter (Contributor)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 2006

The Revolution: A Field Manual for Changing Your World

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The Revolution does not merely make the case for social justice, but offers practical steps Christians can put into practice." -- FREDERICA MATHEWES-GREEN, Beliefnet.com Columnist

"Become inspired and make history by putting your faith into radical, world-transforming action in the twelve areas the book addresses." -- BRIAN MCLAREN, author, activist (anewkindofchristian.com)

From the Publisher

Summary A revolution is happening in our generation. We see the strife in the world as generations before ours could not—whether a terrorist attack or a tsunami, we watch the devastation of such tragedies play-by-play, and it moves us. But how do we apply our energy to alleviate the suffering of those around us? Especially when we’re busier than ever and less able to give of our time to serve just causes at home and around the globe?

Revolution will equip socially conscious twentysomethings to fight against the world’s top 12 most pressing social justice issues. Twelve narrative articles written by experts in their respective fields will inspire young adults to take action on local, national and international levels—using heavenly, God-ordained weapons of charity, love, peace and willful self-sacrifice to serve others. Using the richness of our talents (knowing that only God can eradicate all the world’s ills in His time) while we’re here on this earth, we can each fulfill His ultimate command to love and serve our neighbors.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Relevant Books (April 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0976817527
• ISBN-13: 978-0976817529
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #665,241 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great enthusiasm, not very practical, August 29, 2006

By 

Steve Sjogren "Author-Serving Coach - Kindnes... (Tampa, FL, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Revolution: A Field Manual for Changing Your World (Paperback)

I'm all about the idea of "Let's change the world." I speak about that message incessantly. My audiences get tired of hearing me utter those words I suspect. But as communicators it is our job to provide practical, doable, ways that can be immediately walked out ways of doing what we are calling people to.

Absolutely love the attitude behind the editor and various writers of each chapter of this book and the bottom line of the book, which essentially calls people to live radically differently. The only problem is - with a couple of exceptions - in order to carry out the ideas taken on in each chapter one would have to fly to another part of the world to put the action plan into practice or have an enormous amount of money to commence with the change. Considering the reading audience (Relevant readers) I suspect most will be frustrated when it comes to applying the ideas here.

Mother Teresa said of the US, "There is plenty to do right around you... don't fly to Calcutta. Open your eyes and get to work!"

Read this book and allow your heart to be captured by the zeal of each author, then get to work in your own backyard / city. Yes, we can change the world right here, right now.

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars For want of works, June 13, 2006

By 

Maria Weir - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Revolution: A Field Manual for Changing Your World (Paperback)

Reading about social issues is like reading about physical fitness. I develop a tic, like restless leg syndrome. Don't get me wrong- collecting information and quotes is one of my favorite pastimes, but certain issues are a bugaboo to my conscience. When it comes to my top five- poverty, capital punishment, fair trade, peace, and hunger- I get impatient with sitting still, with learning. It's a good thing that The Revolution: A Field Manual for Changing your World is so easily digestible. Written and edited to answer the question "What can I do?" The Revolution is slickly edited for audiences disconnected from the problems addressed. It's four steps for action- donate, activate, educate and pray- belie the cushion that separates rich Christians from what Ron Sider calls "an age of hunger."
What troubles me is why we need slick editing to prompt us to action. The Revolution, with its motivating pull quotes, enervating sidebars and zine feel, is aimed at young Christians, and the niche market ensures that the book is sure to be noticed by those who are justice-minded. The essayists' anecdotes and research confirms our passion and the shame is that these may be lost to key audiences.
As I read I get a tic; I want to leap to action- to determine how this content may be used to educate and activate the Christians numbed by the ticker tape of human tragedy racing on the periphery of our consciousness. If only I could donate the book to educate campus-church Christians so they can study how to activate purposefully. But, until churches and small groups integrate action into their studies, I'm afraid that nothing will change. Small groups will wrap up with the only Christian work in which most are disciplined- prayer. What the book doesn't do is demonstrate that social justice involves other disciplines including inconvenience, long-term commitment and worn-out knees.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great little book, October 23, 2009

By 

A. Vacanti (Rockaway, NJ USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Revolution: A Field Manual for Changing Your World (Paperback)

This is a terrific, easy read. Inspiring chapters written by different people give practical ways to stand up and make a difference in the world. Perfect for small groups, discussions, or individuals. You won't be disappointed!