The New Friars
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Bessenecker has written a challenging book which will appeal to readers of Shane Claiborne and Jim Wallis. Bessenecker brings us true life stories of young people who have decided to live with the poor in the slums and 'rubbish mountains' around the world comparing them to the example of Francis of Assissi hence the title. In addition to these accounts the book also examines the reasons for poverty and how hard it is for people to improve their quality of life. The system in place can make it hard for the poor to get richer but at the same time it can enable the well off to maintain their wealth. This is then examined theologically and explores how people have decided to help by becoming servants and living in the conditions of real poverty - modelling Christ. It is a thought provoking, intelligent and challenging read - at times inspiring. It is certainly not a comforting read and challenges all to be more like Christ. Highly recommended.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
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15 reviews
26 of 28 people found the following review helpful
Compelling, Informative and Challenging...
30 Oct 2006
Format:Paperback
Scott Bessenecker shines a light on a movement of Christian young people who are sacrificing the "American Dream" and giving up their rights to not only serve the world's poorest in the name of Christ but to live as they live, in poverty, in the name of Christ. The New Friars begins to chronicle this movement with compelling stories of young people who choose to join in the suffering of people in the world's largest urban slum communities. These stories were both shocking and refreshing. Bessenecker does a great job informing the reader of the links between this current movement and that of the past. God has always called people to the "margins" for His sake. And no doubt our greatest model of this will always be Christ as the author so states. As someone who likes to think of himself as a "serious Christian" I was deeply challenged by this book and it led me into thoughtful and prayerful dialogue with God about His heart for those on the fringe and, more importantly, what God might be saying to me about my current life-style and vocation. I whole-heartedly recommend this book and really appreciate the fact it was written.
19 of 22 people found the following review helpful
I was amazed and encouraged by this book
30 Oct 2006
Format:Paperback
This was one of the most encouraging books I have read in years. Bessenecker establishes a connection between young leaders that emerged in the history of the church at strategic, divine moments -- whose ministries had a profound influence among the world's poor -- and contemporary movements of young leaders who are having a transformational effect among squatter setlements in today's world. I was transfixed by the very real, unsanitized examples of young people following Christ in ways that go beyond talk, and finding joy as a result.
12 of 13 people found the following review helpful
A Challenge to Care for the Poor: No Matter Who You Are
25 July 2007
Format:Paperback
As someone who's read many books related to Christian concern for social justice, I found this one particularly helpful in its international and historical perspective as well as addressing some U.S. domestic ministry. Personally, I found the book affirming in the ways that I can relate to "the new friars", but also found in the book an exhortation for me to continue to grow my own life of understanding and caring for the poor.
However, I also thought that the book would be helpful for Christians with some interest and concern for social justice who have had less experience. Just as Hebrews recommends that we find encouragement, strength, and challenge in others who have gone before us, the stories and examples in this book provide a good picture of what a serious commitment to Christian social justice can mean for others.
Finally, I think that this book is a good resource for anyone with concerns about international poverty regardless of their faith. The examples that Bessenecker gives us in this book raise two questions for anyone who would say that they care about the poor, "what does it mean for me to live in integrity in light of global poverty? And what will I need to be able to live that way?"
However, I also thought that the book would be helpful for Christians with some interest and concern for social justice who have had less experience. Just as Hebrews recommends that we find encouragement, strength, and challenge in others who have gone before us, the stories and examples in this book provide a good picture of what a serious commitment to Christian social justice can mean for others.
Finally, I think that this book is a good resource for anyone with concerns about international poverty regardless of their faith. The examples that Bessenecker gives us in this book raise two questions for anyone who would say that they care about the poor, "what does it mean for me to live in integrity in light of global poverty? And what will I need to be able to live that way?"
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