The Inconvenient Gospel

"The Inconvenient Gospel" is a selection of the talks and writings of Clarence Jordan, a farmer, preacher, and Bible scholar, who founded Koinonia Farm, a pacifist interracial Christian community in Georgia, USA. It consisted of 440 depleted acres, where Christians of different races pooled land and money to create “a demonstration plot for the kingdom of God. Like the first century Christians, they shared everything they possessed, working together to rejuvenate the soil and revive the local economy. In doing so, they would demonstrate racial and social justice with their lives. Clarence Jordan spoke with a crystal-clear prophetic voice. He was unwavering and relentless in his pursuit of God. He unequivocally rejected materialism, militarism, and racism as obstacles to the authentic faith of Jesus Christ. He fearlessly believed that greater change can happen in this world by living an authentic Christian life. Clarence Jordan bravely lived out the Gospel that he so fearlessly preached with exemplary courage and a highly contagious sense of humor. I am deeply honored to review "The Inconvenient Gospel" by Clarence Jordan. He did not hesitate to embrace Christ’s suffering, at any cost. As part of a community of Christ in this world, it helps us to see our own unique place in history. The vision of Clarence Jordan will survive for eternity. I am grateful to God that such a man lived and left such an enduring legacy for others to follow in his daring footsteps. Clarence Jordan embodied the cross and walked the talk. His bold experiment in nonviolence, economic justice, and sustainable agriculture was deeply rooted in his understanding of the Person and teachings of Jesus. “You can’t put Christianity into practice,” Clarence Jordan wrote, “Christianity is not a philosophy of life to be ‘tried.’ Christianity is not a system you work – it is a Person who works you.” I highly recommend this deeply inspiring book to teach Clarence Jordan’s radically biblical vision to a new generation of peacemakers, community builders, and social activists. United as one in Christ, we can strive to make a difference in this world in which we live. Let us not underestimate the powerful fact that "one with Christ is a majority."

I was not familiar with Jordan's life or legacy, and was left hungry for more after reading this sample of his work. Even at the moments I thought he was stretching a Gospel story's application (connecting the Gadarenes demoniac to the prodigal son, downplaying the supernatural element), the piece made its point clearly. I also appreciated how his points usually circle back to recognizing the Gospel is countercultural, counterintuitive, and yet vital.
He also has with a straightforward style that makes it easy to read the work in any sitting. That's not to say you won't be thinking about the implications for a long time.

This book details the life of Clarence Jordan and samples 13 of his sermons and speeches. I loved learning about him and found a soul similar to mine. At a time when it was dangerous to include black congregants, Jordan invited them in and showed them the love of Jesus. His speeches about progressive Christianity made him a target while treating those at his commune with love. No crazy cult stuff here. I enjoyed reading the peaches and was very glad to learn about Jordan.

Clarence Jordan is a young Baptist preacher and farmer. He has decided to take a few families to show that Christianity is more than “spiritual fellowship.” He has decided that they will live as the first Christians did — they would share land, money and possessions. Unfortunately the local Christians could not abide seeing black and white peoples it ting down and eating at the same table. It irked the KkK clan leading to drive-by shootings and more. They were financially boycotted through the local economy. This experiment showed the hypocrisy of churches that blessed wars, justified wealth disparity, and enforced racial segregation. However Clarence felt that from his writings and talks would cause a new generation of peacemakers and antiracist activists. While I appreciate this nonfiction book about Clarence Jordan, it does make me wonder if he would appreciate today’s antiracist activists.

The Inconvenient Gospel by Clarence Jordan
There are many well-thought responses to Clarence Jordan’s collected words in The Inconvenient Gospel, including essential introductions by Editor Frederick L. Downing and Reverend Starlette Thomas. It seems that all that can be said has been said of Clarence Jordan’s revolutionary work and prophetic words about the scandal of racial injustice, wealth disparity, and hatred that seems to loom both in our history and in the daily news.
For me, Jordan’s juxtapositions between Jesus’ parables and his own prescience about race and wealth and war in mid-century Georgia that still have us in their grip seem encapsulated in Luke 15:18: I will get up and go to my father and will tell him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight.” Whether one is a believer or non-believer, Jordan’s connection of Jesus’ parable of the Prodigal Son and Jesus’ healing of the tormented and demoniac young man hiding in the tombs struck me as a message for our time.
Surely much of our nation seems like an asylum that needs radical healing. Jordan asserts that reconciliation is key. It was a tall order then, and so it is now. Jordan’s voice comes to us across decades of the effects of inequality, abuse of power, and self-righteousness where many have attempted to tame, as Jordan said, God for their own purposes. This poses questions of what it will take for healing.
I think the prophet Clarence Jordan would still affirm that every action, no matter how small, to make things right is right. There is no blueprint, only the Spirit of God to help us treat each other with love. This must not be just a nice thought but a radical communal redirection for the powerful and a radical confirmation for those who feel powerless to make a difference but want to do so.
I recommend this book wholeheartedly. (Judith r.)

As always, Clarence Jordan is relatable, incisive, and inspiring. What's more, he didn't write for fame or out of convenience but as a pilgrim on the way that we find inconvenient. In this collection of his writing, we get a sampling of topics that he cared about—which all boils down to this one question: What does it mean to follow Jesus?

This is such an amazing book. Clarence Jordan's words and life are inspiring, uplifting and wonderfully timely reminders of how to live a Christian life. His voice is authentic and relatable.. I've already re-read passages and keep it on my nightstand for times I need to be inspired in my Christian life.

I received an ARC copy of this book, and am posting this review freely and on my own.

Extremely well collection of audio snippets from Clarence Jordan that are organized, dated and commented on. Even though these are comments that originated approximated 60 years ago, I am stunned by how they are still very relevant today. I recommend all read this and reflect on our current culture.

I remember reading "The Cotton Patch Gospel" when I was in college. Growing up in Colorado, I didn't relate to the Southern setting, but I did appreciate Jordan's ability to make familiar words fresh. Reading this collection of his writings and speeches, along with the introduction written by Frederick L. Downing, gave much more depth to Jordan and how he lived out his faith in Jesus. He takes on a homespun tone while presenting radical gospel wisdom. This book is an excellent introduction to Clarence Jordan for a new generation.

This is a powerful work by Clarence Jordan. In this one book he talks about how we can face race, religion, and war while still remaining Christians. This book talked to my heart about the way I should face the world and what it has for me.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who struggles with facing these things and more.
Excellent!!!
I was given this book by Plough Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.