Jesus Made Me Do It

"Some Christians take so few risks, it's no wonder folks have a hard time believing in heaven. Most of us live in such fear of death that it's as if no one really believes in resurrection anymore."

Shane Claiborne is definitely at the other end of the spectrum - if Chapter 8 of Irresistible Revolution is any guide. He lived in Iraq during the war, was arrested for helping the homeless, and was taken to court (where he wore his "Jesus was Homeless" t-shirt - see Matthew 8:20 and Luke 9:58).

It sounds a bit scary, but Shane quotes Jesus's words that we should not fear things that can destroy the body, but those that destroy the soul. (Matthew 10:28)

Conversely, churches teach kids to "tiptoe through life so they can arrive safely at death." Such a timid mindset (apart from being unJesus-like) is part of why we "lose kids", according to Shane. "Kids want to do something heroic with their lives". The gospel provides that opportunity but often we hide it. Shane asks for God to "forgive us for all those we have lost because we made the gospel too boring."