A Living Alternative

In this final part of the review, I will explore the final chapter (The Way Of Christ: The Way Of Compassion) and the Epilogue (The Waitors Union). I will also share some final thoughts on the book.

Chapter 4 - The Way Of Christ: The Way Of Compassion

In this chapter, Andrews challenges us to abandon a religion of self-service and comfort to a living faith willing to face suffering in our pursuit of loving, compassionate Christ-likeness. Jesus is the ultimate archetype of compassion, a radical example of non-violent love. While Jesus is the central example, he cites several others who point to Christ in their own way- the Maladikarra of aboriginal Australia, the Bodhisattva of Buddhism and others. None replace or equal Jesus, but are important in Centred Set perspective in that they point towards Christ-likeness.

Jesus recognized that, while the rule and abuse of the empire made His people suffer, unless they were free from their own systems and illusions, political freedom would ultimately not liberate them. By focusing on how to live in grass-roots communities of faith, not only did Jesus transform Israel, but the world. It was in true community that the individual had value, and only in valuing every individual are genuine relationships possible.

However, in turning Jesus into an idol who we would like to be like, but deny it being possible, rather than a model to emulate, we lose sight of what it means to be "Christ-ians". We can be Christ-like in ability, but must be in sensibility. It is not just the words of Christ, but most importantly the living example of Jesus that we must follow. He IS Truth. We must resist the temptation to perform and change the whole world, but rather to be faithful in the little things within our communities.

Using poetry and stories, Andrews demonstrates the necessity for a life of compassion, not self-conscious, not popularized, not violent. It must selflessly be directed at compassionate love and just advocacy to the marginalized and suffer in the world. He cuts through the romantic notions many have when they consider community and service to the poor, share personal stories of frustration. Yet, he shows the powerful value of such a life, not by the measure of the world, but in respect to Christ and His calling on us, even unto suffering.

This is the books longest and strongest section. Through proven personal example and creatively-presented, quality theology, Andrews call us to a living faith of compassionate embrace, not of narrow exclusion. The chapter closes with this encouragement:

"Christ knows we disagree about many things, if not most things, but he wants us to agree at least on one thing: the need for us to join together to develop communities in our localities that reflect his compassion by being more devoted, more inclusive, and more non-violent."

Epilogue - The Waiters Union

Again speaking through his own tested experience, Andrews calls us to relate to every one through the person of Christ, indirectly as it would. Directly, we act carelessly, selfishly. It is truly difficult for many to understand that we are called to Christ-like acceptance, in fear that it be construed as agreement. However, it is far too important to risk misunderstanding than to deny love and compassion. The book closes with this definition:

"Christi-Anarchy /kristiaeneki/n. Christlike life; lifestyle characterised by the radical non-violent sacraficial compassion of Jesus the Christ; way of life distinguished by commitment to love and to justice; working from the bottom up to empower people, particularly the marginalised and disadvantaged, so as to enable them to realise their potential, as men and women, made in the image of God, through self-directed, other-orientated intentional community groups and organisations; from 'Christi'-'for Christ', and 'anarche'-'against the powers', as in 'the principalities and powers'.

Final Thoughts

Let me get my critiques out of the way first. This book could have deeply benefited from being a bit longer, allowing some of the history to be further developed and given greater qualification. As it stands, it is over simplified to a fault. Besides his treatment of YWAM lacking qualification (perhaps even integrity), he offers caricatures as examples, thus undermining his credibility. I fear that he overstates the his points with little acknowledgment for the good (even necessity) within exsisting Christianity. It often left me frustrated.

That being said, I think this book is an important reminder of the heart of Christianity- at the heart of Jesus Christ. Compassion, justice and peace have too easily been compromised and outright rejected throughout our faith's history. Dave Andrews has an authority based on a life of selfless service to others. He has proven himself in such a way that his message deserves a hearing. I am glad I read the book and would recommend it to many (though perhaps not all).


Christi-Anarchy Book Review Dave Andrews YWAM History Christianity