Choose Love Not Power: How to Right the World's Wrongs from a Place of Weakness

by Tony Campolo

The God who set aside power in order to live out love—fully expressing that love on Calvary’s tree—is at the core of the Christian message to the world. Yet in the centuries since Christ’s refusal to yield to Satan’s temptation to establish His kingdom through economic, political and religious power, the Church has struggled to make the same refusal. In Choose Love Not Power, scholar, activist and modern-day prophet Tony Campolo explores the relationship between love and power, beginning with an examination of Jesus’ life and working toward a “theology of power” for Christians today. He surveys the implications of choosing love over power when it comes to the global community’s most pressing issues—environmental degradation, economic inequality and instability, and perpetual war. Dr. Campolo suggests that the choice between love and power begins close to home: Christ-followers who choose love over power in marriage and in parenting will likewise opt for love in their churches, communities and governments. The growing number of believers seeking a more authentically Christ-like way to be “Christian” in a diverse, pluralistic society will be challenged and encouraged by this unflinching look at Jesus’ example of love.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christianity, Justice, Christian Living, Christian Non Fiction, Love

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Anthony Campolo was an American sociologist, Baptist pastor, author, public speaker, and spiritual advisor to U.S. President Bill Clinton. Campolo was known as one of the most influential leaders in the evangelical left and was a major proponent of progressive thought and reform within the evangelical community. He also became a leader of the Red-Letter Christian movement, which aims to put emphasis on the teachings of Jesus. Campolo was a popular commentator on religious, political, and social issues, and had been a guest on programs such as The Colbert Report, The Charlie Rose Show, Larry King Live, Nightline, Crossfire, Politically Incorrect and The Hour.

Reviews

[Madison Boboltz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disagreed with a few things theologically, and I wish chapter 12 wasn't in here it all, but overall it was a great read and covered lots of stuff I've been talking about in my classes this semester. Also, I'm a big fan of Tony Campolo and the work he's doing. He takes the gospel very seriously and I appreciate his honesty in this book.

[Steven Fouse · Rating 2 out of 5]

Choose Love Not Power by Tony Campolo is an uneven examination of the relationship between love and power.

Campolo's thesis is as follows, borrowed from Max Weber's definitions of power and authority and applied to love: "Power is the prerogative to control what happens - it is to have the coercive force to make others yield to one's wishes, even against their will...On the other had, according to Weber, authority is established when someone is able to elicit compliance because others *want* to obey...Loving sacrifices always earn authority" (p. 16). Essentially, power equals control, while love earns authority. To simplify it even further: Power equals control; love does not equal control; therefore, power does not equal love, and love does not deal in power.

While I disagree that power equals control, I am comfortable using Campolo's preferred definition to read his work. However, Campolo does not stick to this definition of power = control. Instead, part of the time he speaks of power as simply the ability to affect change, and part of the time he speaks of power as control. This renders his arguments incoherent and at times contradictory.

While this is certainly a wonderful book for spurring discussion, the internal argument falls apart completely. The thesis (love does not use power/control) could be the foundation for a great book; however, this is not it.

I give this book 2 stars only because of the good conversations it generated. Based on internal consistency and integrity, it would get 1.

If you want to read this book and have your own great conversations about love and power, you can have my copy. For keeps.

[Andy · Rating 3 out of 5]

As ever with a Tony Campolo book, full of challenging stuff that calls for serious listening to and acting upon. God's way of life as expressed through Christ not grasping for power. This is not about sticking one's head in the sand, Tony Campolo applies his thoughts on choosing love rather than power into very real situations in family and wider society.
Did feel uncomfortable with comments in chapter 12 on obesity as it seemed to imply all with weight issues is because of sin. I don't think he could have meant that but it kind of came across that way.
I suspect those whose faith is wedded to a certain type of US politics might not like some of this book. But then maybe sadly they won't pick it up in the first place because TC maybe seen by them as too left on social issues or not 'sound enough'.
He actually challenges those on the religious left and those on the right. So not necessarily comfy reading for any. But definitely worth engaging with. Going to think on the book some more.

[Ulana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good Christian book about choosing love over power. We can accomplish more with love than power.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book with challenges and affirms. A must read for anyone wanting any kind of leadership role - secular or Christian

[Carlene Havel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this - best I've seen from Campolo, and he has written some pretty good books. What I liked about this one was the straightforward style. He made his points by down-to-earth examples and explanations. I didn't feel as if I were being lectured or preached to. Lots to think about in this volume, a different worldview, a challenge to accepted logic. That's what made it worth five stars to me.

[Gene Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book...it is refreshing to read those who advocate saying "no" to power and "yes" to sacrificial love. Tony Campolo highlights many ways in which we as individuals and as churches have tried to make things right through gaining power and offers the alternative of living a godly example of love. I definitely recommend reading this book.

[Rps2 Seawright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Campolo nails an issue dear to my heart - the Evangelicals' love-affair with politics that started in the 80's. He makes it very clear that God is not a Conservative Republican looking for a tea party. He makes a strong case for returning to Christ's dictum that we love rather than seek to force a political agenda on others.

[Dray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jesus is not a Republican! Whew.

Also I once heard Campolo speak and he started off with a joke about old people having sex. Good shock value.

[Wesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

[Roslyn Manns · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some absolute pearls of wisdom in this book. Loved it. At times I felt like there was extra, unnecessary information that drew attention away from the main point of the book.