Carpe Diem: Seize the Day

by Tony Campolo

Offers advice on rediscovering the joy of life and explains how exploring one's faith in God will lead to fulfillment

Genres: Christian Living, Christian, Religion, Faith, Nonfiction, Christianity

234 pages, Hardcover

First published April 27, 1993

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

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. I probably enjoyed it most because I felt like I understood and agreed with much of what Campolo discussed.

He approaches all the topics that have been floating in my middle-aged head for the past couple of years like living out dreams and helping the world I live in and living a life of meaning...all requiring action on my part. He discusses touchy issues like living a "green" life and how Christians and "tree huggers" could and should be on the same sheet of music with regards to taking care of God's creations and uniquely uses Psalm 42 to offer help to those who are living in or leaning towards depression.

I imagine it would depend on your interests, your spiritual beliefs and where you are in your own life emotionally as to whether this book will be of interest to you or not.

I felt every chapter was full and truthful and worth reading.

[Joe Cassada · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tony Campolo was not an author I ever intended on reading, but I was on vacation and his book was on the cheap in a discount warehouse. And for whatever reason, I was more interested in reading this than the book I had brought with me on vacation - that, and I'm a sucker for Latin titles and productivity blather.

Campolo's book was an enjoyable read - and his passion for Christ is undeniable. How he and I choose to live out our Christianity is worlds apart, but I can see Christ in him, and I glorify God for that. I also readily acknowledge that he challenged my zest for Christian service - something I didn't think a sociology professor could do.

The first half of the book was excellent, especially the chapters that discussed coming alive to nature and enjoying the sacramental element of God's world. But the second half of the book digresses to common sense lessons in life that we've all heard before. His chapter on marriage was a let down. Basically, attend a Marriage Encounter Weekend. As sound as the advice maybe, I wasn't wanting to read an infomercial for another ministry.

It's a quick, enjoyable read. He writes in a way to keep you interested (usually). Buy it on sale; it's been out for awhile.

[Kirk Weikart · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like Tony Campolo, you will like this book. If you need some grounding in your search for meaning in your life, you will like this book. Campolo has a smooth entertaining writing style that is packed with information and spirituality. The author sums up the book at the end: "It is nothing more than a collection of tips on spirituality for people who want to stay alive until they die and who want to seize the only lives they have to live and fill them with passion."

[Brenda Seefeldt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A flashback to the great Tony Campolo. He was radical back in the 1980s and 1990s.

Interesting to read about Bryan Stevenson 25 years before the book and movie "Just Mercy."

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great reminder that life is meant to be lived with purpose. Easy style to read & pick up anytime...