Soul Graffiti: Making a Life in the Way of Jesus [Paperback]

Mark Scandrette (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 27, 2008

In Soul Graffiti ? Mark Scandrette—writer, poet, and leader in the Emergent church movement—uses vivid stories of his own life and the lives of the many people he has encountered in his home in the Mission District of San Francisco to explore what "good news of God" might mean for our particular time and place. He seeks to answer the central question:

"How can we be about making a life in the way of Jesus?" Soul Graffiti is a simple and lyrical exploration of the essential message of Jesus as it relates to the experiences of contemporary spiritual seekers. He integrates theological insight with awareness of human psychology, culture, and daily life. Written to appeal to the sensibilities of those who inhabit a post-Christendom milieu, Mark Scandrette's deepest hope is to give readers greater motivation for, and a fuller sense of what it means to make a life in, the way of Jesus.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Scandrette, a pastor who is president and co-founder of ReIMAGINE!, a Bay Area center for spiritual formation, believes that "we were made to orient our entire beings to the good dreams of our maker." We do that by imitating Jesus, the radical messenger of the good news (gospel) of God rather than the saccharine or sentimental Jesus often marketed to us. Dividing his book into four sections, Scandrette explores Jesus as companion, artist, healer and mystic, inviting readers to become apprentices of Jesus. Scandrette provides stories of ordinary people struggling to follow Jesus, and offers spiritual practices for those who want to do likewise. The book's focus on the responsibility of each Christian to be part of the "genesis-vision" of God—in other words, to be a co-creator with God—will speak to contemporary readers who find Jesus more compelling than the institutional church. They will also appreciate its eclectic mix of ecology, social justice, biblical theology and a smattering of wisdom from other faith perspectives (e.g., the "Jesus Dojo"). This practical and down-to-earth book includes questions for contemplation and spiritual practices in each chapter, making it useful for group study. (May 4)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

“Through Mark’s rich insights and reflections, and especially through his stories … about Jack, Richard, Gary, Caroline, Emperor Arcadia (you’ll never forget him!), Michelle, Beryl, and many others, you’ll get an honest and inspiring view of what ‘the emergent conversation’ is really about, and what it’s for.”--Brian McLaren, author/activist (brianmclaren.net)

 

“Soul Graffiti is not so much a book as it is an encounter--a deadly serious encounter--with a Christianity that is urban, American, un-institutionalized, and now. If you truly like your own Christian walk just the way it is, you definitely should not read this book.”--Phyllis Tickle, religion analyst and compiler, The Divine Hours

 

“Mark Scandrette guides us in this beautifully written and brilliantly illustrated book along a path towards actualized spirituality in a postmodern world. The book provides new avenues to ancient truths.”--Tony Campolo, professor of sociology, Eastern University

 

“Scandrette guides us down a winding, beautiful path through an urban park of whole-life Jesus-y spirituality. It’s a story-weaver's bountiful spread--filled with chocolate and wine and artisan bread--of the present Kingdom of God.  See that the Lord is good, indeed.”--Mark Oestreicher, president, Youth Specialties

 

“Soul Graffiti chronicles Mark Scandrette's brave exploration into an intentional, lived Christianity. In a world numb to religion, inhabiting the way of love may be the only apologetic left.”--Sally Morgenthaler, www.trueconversations.com

 

“In Soul Graffiti, Mark Scandrette strips away the religious traditions that cloud our view of Jesus and gives us the courage to investigate the transformational message.  If the challenge for churches and for individual followers of Christ is to live out the gospel, this is the help we need.”--Nancy Ortberg, founding partner, Teamworx2

  --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass; 1 edition (May 27, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0470276622
• ISBN-13: 978-0470276624
• Product Dimensions: 0.8 x 6 x 8.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,211,284 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Following Jesus in Post-Christian America April 18, 2007

By Mark Van Steenwyk

Format:Hardcover

If one were to take the mind of Dallas Willard, the tongue of a beat poet, and the heart of a Franciscan brother, put them in a blender, and pour them into a book, you might end up with Soul Graffiti. Soul Graffiti is a poetic, prophetic, call to follow the radical Way of Jesus. Mark Scandrette rips off the scab of encrusted, safe, sentimental American Christianity and invites the reader into the provocative, fresh, improvisational riff of discipleship with Christ. The book is a call to imagine the Way of Christ for the Post-Christian West.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars An Epic - Emerging Way Contribution May 1, 2007

By William Dahl VINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover

One of my difficulties with the emerging church movement is that I can't find enough stories about people who are actually living what they say they yearn for. The "conversation" and the "dialogue" seemingly take precedence with many who yearn for a way of life with Jesus on this planet, in this lifetime that is somehow more meaningful than their former spiritual practices, relationships, affiliations and beliefs have delivered.

Mark Scandrette's book, SOUL GRAFFITI - Making A Life In The Way Of Jesus is a first, hopefully not last, model of what's been missing, addressing the fundamental concern I expressed above. Jossey-Bass should be congratulated for their foresight in producing this work as part of A Living Way: Emergent Visions Series. Soul Grafitti is a superbly crafted work that profiles what it really means to live the emergent way...this is footprints in the sand with a real live human being attached to those feet, holding your hand, stirring your soul, tugging at your heart --- walking you through life today, the emergent way --- Making A Life in The Way of Jesus. As Mark says, "As important as conversation is, it is stillborn if it doesn't eventually lead to common action. In our fragmented society it is too easy to have discussions about problems and how we wish things could be different without making a commitment to work together to see change occur" (p. 56).

The term `vision' typically contains a dimension that allows one to do, feel and believe that which you had heretofore been unable to experience on your own. `Vision' provides elements of power, persuasion, passion and permission to move beyond where you presently find yourself in your spiritual journey.... Mark Scandrette unselfishly shares his journey with us, weaving the `vision' so many in the emergent movement have been so desperately yearning to visualize. I am humbled, grateful and awed by the bountiful, multi-dimensional contribution of this work. - it is unequivocally bountimensional.

From a critical standpoint, the first 100 pages were a bit slow and somewhat redundant for me. Don't skip the first hundred pages. After that, the book increasingly picked up momentum. That was my only complaint. The contemplation/action sections at the end of each chapter provide individuals and groups a superb resource for practical experimentation with growing into a life in the way of Jesus. (I hope Jossey-Bass will consider a separate `journey book supplement' to the actual book that people can take with them during the week to ponder, relish and act upon). The psalms, Scripture, poems and people that Mark shares are precious. He is truly a companion, artist, healer and mystic led by Jesus today.

This book will not be without the anticipated critical backlash from those threatened by the emergent movement. However, one of the blessings of this book is the `Jesus dojo'defined by Mark in the final pages of the book. Wondering what the "theology" of `this (Mark) emergent' is, read Chapter 15 in Soul Graffiti. Of course, there is discussion of a number of theological constructs that are bound to elicit howls from those who really don't understand the emerging church. There is the "opt-in/opt-out" stuff (p.87) that Spencer Burke and Barry Taylor illuminated in their recent book. There are distinctions about doing v. believing, good news vs. the gospel, doing v. being, intellectual assent v. actual behavior, and a myriad of other issues that will provide fodder for the cannons of the critics. However, in my opinion, all the controversy is overshadowed by the overpowering truth of a boundless love and endless compassion, as evidenced by Mark's life...a life we must admire...a Christ centered life available to all.

One of the most common criticism's of George Barna's book entitled `Revolution,' (Tyndale House, Fall 2005) was from people wondering "where are they, these revolutionaries Barna is speaking about?" Well, read Mark Scandrette's book, SOUL GRAFFITI - Making A Life In The Way Of Jesus - you'll meet one. Learn to reimagine making your life in the way of Jesus. The choice is yours. Indispensable fare. Buy the book. You'll be indelibly infected for the better. I have been.

I needed this book. Jesus tattooed my soul with this book. May Christ continue to change my life as Mark has modeled. The milepost literary work I have been looking for in the emergent way.

Thank you Mark (and Sheryl)

Bill Dahl Read more ›

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Soul Graffiti - an emerging church must read May 10, 2007

By William Samson

Format:Hardcover

Mark Scandrette is an artist with his life. And his life is painted throughout his first book, Soul Graffiti, which released last week from Jossey-Bass. Mark is one of those people willing to get his hands dirty as he seeks to depict a more authentic and more organic way of "making a life in the way of Jesus," the tagline of this great book.

But perhaps Mark is more of an actor. Throughout Soul Graffiti he interacts with a wild cast of characters who, like him, want to know God but are filled with fear, misgivings and hurts. Mark's loving engagement with these folks on the stage of life will inspire you and fill you with hope.

Or maybe Mark is a poet. His words weave the stories of his life throughout Soul Graffiti, providing lyrics for the songs sung by the crazy, the disenfranchised and the wounded, people that too many of us pass by without a word or a thought.

Artist. Actor. Poet. Soul Graffiti is the event that is Mark Scandrette. This should be reason enough to purchase this book. But if you don't know Mark, buy this book because it is an honest depiction of someone who takes seriously the command of Christ to sell everything and become a radical disciple, and that is sadly lacking in today's Church. Buy Soul Graffiti and let Mark Scandrette help you reimagine what it means to follow Jesus.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Soul Graffiti is a gentle book, one that I was sad to finish. July 6, 2007

By Bob C. Carlton

Format:Hardcover

There is a word that you rarely hear nowadays - gentle. Our times seem to call out people & things that are bold, that are fierce, that can do things that get noticed. You can see this fierce world raging in urban streets, in popular media and (sadly) in many communities of faith.

Mark Scandrette is gentle - in a way that pulls people into his story and in the process a much bigger story. FMark, his wife Lisa and their kids Hailey, Noah or Isaiah live in the Mission District of San Francisco. To say they live there is not enough - they inhale all that this area has to offer, they are colorful portraits in the multi-color mural that is constantly being painted in the Mission. Mark has helped foster seven, a community of people, living in SF, aiming to "collaborate with the Creator in bringing about greater wholeness and love into the world". As a community they have committed to 7 vows: Creativity, Prayer, Community, Service, Obedience, Simplicity and Love.

Of Mark's many gifts, hospitality is a strong strand. His life/work seems like one grand, floating party - shifting from locale to locale, with celebrants weaving in and out. In the hospitality that the Scandrettes embody, drag queens sip red wine with Fuller grads, gallery owners bunk up in the small but warm Scandrette living room with recovering pastors. In the '30s & '40s in NYC, they'd call these floating crap games: dice games which is moved from place to place to evade the authorities. Mark uses art & conversation, rather than dice, but the vibe is the same: if this is not what heaven is like, it will do until we get there....

For me, much of the emerging church phenomenon fits a bus terminal metaphor - a passing point where all types of people wait for their next connection, finding safety & solace from fellow travellers. Some times the bus terminal is noisy & chaotic, other times it is as quiet as a convent. In my experience of this phenomenon, Mark mans the Traveller's Aid table, with his lovable grin & hipster hat or hair do. The table is usually a card table that Mark found discarded some where on Valencia, there are scraps of food from meals in progress, music and art scattered all about.

Images Mark wrote Soul Graffiti from his experiences at that rickety old table. It is brimming with stories of people who float in and out of life. It's rare that someone can capture their essence in a book - even more rare when at the end of 272 pages, you find that you've fallen deeper in love with that person, more in love with the you you've re-discovered, even more in love with God & Jesus and (even) church.

Soul Graffiti is a gentle book, one that I was sad to finish. Mark Scandrette is a gentle presence in my life & thousands of other folks - I can't wait for next walk we have & the next chapters he writes. Read more ›