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Drop the Stones: When Love Reaches the Unlovable
When a woman caught in the act of adultery was thrown down at Jesus’ feet, the bloodthirsty crowd filled their hands with rocks and demanded she be put to death. That confrontation still reverberates in our lives today. Surely we can relate with the shame of the woman and her exposed sin. Unfortunately, we can also relate with the hypocritical crowd, reveling in the rejection of “the other.” But can we fully relate with Christ, the God who intervened to save her? For those who’ve become wary of tired and sometimes even offensive Christian dogmatism, Carlos Rodríguez may be the spark that ignites the flames of faith in the true Jesus. He tells it like it is, with a desire to motivate those who feel ready to engage the world around them, not through political or religious agendas, but through grace and love. Drop the Stones invites followers of Jesus to drop their religious rocks, and, with open hands, engage in the rewarding lifestyle of a Jesus-styled love.
224 pages, Paperback
Published September 19, 2017
77 people are currently reading
586 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
July 11, 2017
Powerful, simple, free and costly. The gospel of love as demonstrated by Jesus calls us all to love, to receive love, to bear witness to love. Carlos draws us into his journey out of judgment and perfectionism and into love and humility, however messy and confusing it may be. I was impacted. You should read this book.
July 17, 2017
Drop the Stones is a fresh invitation for a generation hungry for authenticity and tired of droning religion. Inspired by Jesus's kindness toward a woman caught in adultery, Carlos challenges the reader to seek to understand and love and resist judgment. He earns the reader's trust by speaking openly and humbly about his own struggles, transformation, and relationships.
Carlos addresses all the topics Christians are either bickering about or fearfully ignoring all together: homosexuality, immigration, racial stereotypes, and adoption among others. And just when he stirs up enough compassion in you for the oppressed, he gently reminds you that throwing stones at the oppressor was not Jesus's solution. If read with an open mind, this book leaves the reader humbled, challenged, and seeking opportunities to love everyone. It reads like a series of short essays and doesn't ascribe to any particular denomination, age, or social status. Simply superb.
Carlos addresses all the topics Christians are either bickering about or fearfully ignoring all together: homosexuality, immigration, racial stereotypes, and adoption among others. And just when he stirs up enough compassion in you for the oppressed, he gently reminds you that throwing stones at the oppressor was not Jesus's solution. If read with an open mind, this book leaves the reader humbled, challenged, and seeking opportunities to love everyone. It reads like a series of short essays and doesn't ascribe to any particular denomination, age, or social status. Simply superb.
July 17, 2017
I love this timely book as it displays a deep look into the nature of love's response in a day of much opinion and judgmental reactions to life. Its fresh and very anointed for such a time as this.
This was one of many moving statements in this powerful book. "Yet it was reckless mercy that arrested me; irrational love that took over; and in a great moment of weakness, I agreed with God’s version of the gospel" Drop the Stones such a great book!
This was one of many moving statements in this powerful book. "Yet it was reckless mercy that arrested me; irrational love that took over; and in a great moment of weakness, I agreed with God’s version of the gospel" Drop the Stones such a great book!
December 3, 2018
#happysonship has a new follower. Me. So ez to read, so simply presented and so profoundly obvious that it merits 5 stars without a second’s thought. Gotta meet this author-presenting timeless wisdom in modern, hipster-esque language that makes him probably one of the coolest cats anywhere...? Looking forward to keeping this as a reference to bolster my own courae during a pivotal time in my life. Molto bravo.
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March 12, 2021Some of this made me mad, not gonna lie.
June 18, 2017
Drop the stones is the book the church doesn’t know it needs. Carlos writes with passion and wit. From page one he brilliantly illustrates for us how to lead with humility and vulnerability while still maintaining himself as an authority on the subject of grace. While the last thing the Christian world needs is another “Do this, not that” book, it may seem counter-intuitive to title a book with such a catchy “do-this” phrase as “Drop the Stones”. However, this book is less about behavior modification and more about identity. More specifically, our identity in Christ. This book is broken into bite-size, easily digestible chapters taking us on an inward journey, not only into the heart of the author, but into the heart of Jesus as well. This book is not afraid to touch on the reality of darkness in the world as well as the church and to call Christians to a higher standard, which I found refreshing and honest. Each story presents itself as an opportunity for the reader to reflect and hold a mirror up to his or her own heart and attitude. While, some Christian books lead the reader down a path back to themselves, Drop the Stones, leads the reader right to the feet of Jesus. And it is there we find a savior not holding stones but carrying his cross. Regardless of where you are in your faith, Drop the Stones should be at the top of your reading list. Carlos shows us how to effectively and graciously communicate the Gospel truth with both a generation that has twisted it to serve itself and a generation that is walking away from the church in record numbers. If you’re looking for the perfect gift for the new Christian in your life… this is the book to buy. Or if you are looking for the perfect way to reflect the love of Jesus to the old curmudgeon in your life, all I can say is #DropTheStones
August 23, 2018
"Christ came to save us from our sin, but He also came to save us from the idea that we could be saviors (or judges) of ourselves, or of anyone else."
This seems to be Carlos A. Rodriguez's main point in DROP THE STONES.
It's a very simple, yet profound statement. And one that Rodriguez keeps coming back to.
Jesus didn't fingerpoint. He engaged. "The easiest thing in the world is to point the finger, accuse the religious and stay away from their systems," says Rodriguez. He goes on to note, "Jesus was not shaming the religious leaders, he was saving them from themselves."
And right in the middle of this discussion, Rodriguez reminds the reader, "Nothing reaches people like being loved when they don't deserve it. Nothing pushes people away like being judged when they don't."
Wow.
"What if Christians were known more for washing our [other's] feet than our sin bashing? What if kindness were the main tool we used to demonstrate God's Kingdom?"
Ouch!
And finally, how about this one? "Serving those who should be serving you is quite possibly the most authentic pronouncement of Christianity there is."
Especially in our tumoltous times, when the caustic acid of divisiness seems to be spreading like wildfire, Rodriguez's DROP THE STONES offers a refreshing alternative to hate.
This seems to be Carlos A. Rodriguez's main point in DROP THE STONES.
It's a very simple, yet profound statement. And one that Rodriguez keeps coming back to.
Jesus didn't fingerpoint. He engaged. "The easiest thing in the world is to point the finger, accuse the religious and stay away from their systems," says Rodriguez. He goes on to note, "Jesus was not shaming the religious leaders, he was saving them from themselves."
And right in the middle of this discussion, Rodriguez reminds the reader, "Nothing reaches people like being loved when they don't deserve it. Nothing pushes people away like being judged when they don't."
Wow.
"What if Christians were known more for washing our [other's] feet than our sin bashing? What if kindness were the main tool we used to demonstrate God's Kingdom?"
Ouch!
And finally, how about this one? "Serving those who should be serving you is quite possibly the most authentic pronouncement of Christianity there is."
Especially in our tumoltous times, when the caustic acid of divisiness seems to be spreading like wildfire, Rodriguez's DROP THE STONES offers a refreshing alternative to hate.
June 12, 2021
This book was so good. Written in short, blog-style chapters, Carlos spoke clearly and honestly on a range of issues relating to the judgmental heart in every believer. I needed to read what he had to say. He was simple and reflective in his writing, and I was encourage and challenged by it!
January 31, 2023
It’s like a humble smack in the face to all who call themselves a “Christian”. Unlike any religious book I’ve read and what a beautiful and intricate way of bringing us back to God’s true radical love for everyone, not just the ones we think that deserve it.
August 2, 2025
Overall, yes. I agree with the basic premise of the book in that "those without sin are welcome to cast the first stone"-- the point being no one is without sin so who are we to judge? There are some hard-lining chapters that call out the church ("church" being a general term, not a specific congregation) for their hypocrisy, for not taking the lumber out of their own eye before pointing out the speck of dust in others, for actual s3xual assault cover-ups, for the call for donations in the millions that only lead to fatter pocketbooks for church leadership, etc. I love that hard honesty.
The parts I'm not on board with are the lumping of all sins into one "bad" pot, despite the vast differences in the particular situations described. Homosexuality, for instance, (not a sin in my own opinion) is held to the same light as an imprisoned father who had molested his own daughter. How can these be held as equal sins?! The author seems far more willing to forgive a former hitman than allow a same-sex couple to enjoy the right of marriage. There are also moments where the author's ethnicity (and that of his family) is thrown at the reader as "proof" he cannot be racist. He holds himself on somewhat of a pedestal in this regard, that while others are racist, he could never be but he still "loves the sinner."
It's the moments of self-righteousness that make my eyes roll so far to the back of my head they might not come forward again. So while I do agree that we should be leading with love in all we do, I'm not a fan of the discretionary nuance that lifts the author and those like him above the average human.
The parts I'm not on board with are the lumping of all sins into one "bad" pot, despite the vast differences in the particular situations described. Homosexuality, for instance, (not a sin in my own opinion) is held to the same light as an imprisoned father who had molested his own daughter. How can these be held as equal sins?! The author seems far more willing to forgive a former hitman than allow a same-sex couple to enjoy the right of marriage. There are also moments where the author's ethnicity (and that of his family) is thrown at the reader as "proof" he cannot be racist. He holds himself on somewhat of a pedestal in this regard, that while others are racist, he could never be but he still "loves the sinner."
It's the moments of self-righteousness that make my eyes roll so far to the back of my head they might not come forward again. So while I do agree that we should be leading with love in all we do, I'm not a fan of the discretionary nuance that lifts the author and those like him above the average human.
November 13, 2024
I started following Carlos on Instagram in 202o after George Floyd was killed. I like his insta posts and figured that I would agree with and be encouraged by all of the content in his book as well.
I was encouraged, but I definitely didn't agree! And although I was surprised, I do like he doesn't check all of the boxes of what one 'side' should believe in. He also is so clearly a work in progress as a husband, leader, influencer and I like his genuineness.
In the chapter 'The Flesh Too' he is talking about leading a missions trip and what he learned - "Yes, that afternoon changed my perspective, but I wish we could have done more (and should have done more.) The ministry of Jesus was not just about a moment of healing but a deconstruction of the systems that cause the sickness. I've spent most of my Christian life just trying to get people to get people to become Christians. All I wanted was for them to not go to hell when they died, yet all the while I was willing to accept the hell on earth they were experiencing while alive."
THIS THIS THIS.
In the chapter 'No Us and Them', while talking about the Good Samaritan he says, "Can we ask this again, 'What will happen to the undocumented worker from Central America if we don't stop to help them? What will happen to the hordes of refuees in the Middle East if we don't stop to help them? What will happen to homeless veterans if we don't stop to help them?"
I feel so much responsibility and want to live my life with people who feel that responsibility as well.
I was encouraged, but I definitely didn't agree! And although I was surprised, I do like he doesn't check all of the boxes of what one 'side' should believe in. He also is so clearly a work in progress as a husband, leader, influencer and I like his genuineness.
In the chapter 'The Flesh Too' he is talking about leading a missions trip and what he learned - "Yes, that afternoon changed my perspective, but I wish we could have done more (and should have done more.) The ministry of Jesus was not just about a moment of healing but a deconstruction of the systems that cause the sickness. I've spent most of my Christian life just trying to get people to get people to become Christians. All I wanted was for them to not go to hell when they died, yet all the while I was willing to accept the hell on earth they were experiencing while alive."
THIS THIS THIS.
In the chapter 'No Us and Them', while talking about the Good Samaritan he says, "Can we ask this again, 'What will happen to the undocumented worker from Central America if we don't stop to help them? What will happen to the hordes of refuees in the Middle East if we don't stop to help them? What will happen to homeless veterans if we don't stop to help them?"
I feel so much responsibility and want to live my life with people who feel that responsibility as well.
November 19, 2025
My new favorite book of all time!
This book is a fantastic reminder to always drop our proverbial stones of judgement/hate that we may want to throw at any and all groups or individuals, especially those we tend to disagree with or despise.
In the book, Carlos connect the dots between Jesus’s teachings and progressive politics really well. For example, there are many of us Christians who, through our leftist policies, are trying to feed the hungry, care for the sick, welcome the immigrant, be kind, promote peace, and love thy neighbor (everything Jesus taught).
However, throughout the book, Carlos also urges us leftists to drop any stones that we may want to throw at conservatives (or anyone else). He reminds us to always be merciful and always, always, always let our actions be dictated by love.
Also, by buying my signed copy from thehappygivers.com, I was able to support Carlos’s nonprofit, The Happy Givers, which feeds and houses those in need in Puerto Rico!
This book is a fantastic reminder to always drop our proverbial stones of judgement/hate that we may want to throw at any and all groups or individuals, especially those we tend to disagree with or despise.
In the book, Carlos connect the dots between Jesus’s teachings and progressive politics really well. For example, there are many of us Christians who, through our leftist policies, are trying to feed the hungry, care for the sick, welcome the immigrant, be kind, promote peace, and love thy neighbor (everything Jesus taught).
However, throughout the book, Carlos also urges us leftists to drop any stones that we may want to throw at conservatives (or anyone else). He reminds us to always be merciful and always, always, always let our actions be dictated by love.
Also, by buying my signed copy from thehappygivers.com, I was able to support Carlos’s nonprofit, The Happy Givers, which feeds and houses those in need in Puerto Rico!
November 11, 2017
I️ have followed Carlos on twitter and love his insight! I️ had the opportunity to hear him speak, and it was wonderful. Both of these experiences led me to buy his book. I️ really enjoyed the book. I️ wish however he had expounded in more chapters. The book reads a bit like disjointed blogs leaving me wanting more. There is an over arching theme that resounds, but I️ wish he would build on some more chapters instead of hitting so many bases. The book shows the three mindsets from John 8: the woman caught in adultery, the religious leaders and scribes, and Jesus. Grab the book for an intro into handling complex issues with grace.
January 23, 2018
This was a very well written book, and simultaneously challenging at parts. Having met people who do life with similar authors, Shaine Claiborne and Tony Campolo, the message of the book reminded me of their ministries, but new too. I think the chapters (31?) talking about the words used in the Bible made me think the most.
My only criticism of the book is that it for those who are "Martha's" anyway, it can be read as "do more," but that's honestly more the fault of the reader than the writer.
And the ending is beautiful. I hope his adoption went through, and I hope is daughter is blessed, and his family blessed.
My only criticism of the book is that it for those who are "Martha's" anyway, it can be read as "do more," but that's honestly more the fault of the reader than the writer.
And the ending is beautiful. I hope his adoption went through, and I hope is daughter is blessed, and his family blessed.
January 19, 2018
READ THIS BOOK!
I begin with the caveat, that while theologically i may not agree with the author on a lot of secondary points, he hits the rest on the head. Too many times, we, are quick to pick up those stones, when we should be smacking ourselves with them. I love his candidness and transparency, which are a lost "art" in modern churchianity. I often judge (i know... not that word.) a book by the amount of text i highlight. This one was full of highlights! Do yourself a favor and read this book!
I begin with the caveat, that while theologically i may not agree with the author on a lot of secondary points, he hits the rest on the head. Too many times, we, are quick to pick up those stones, when we should be smacking ourselves with them. I love his candidness and transparency, which are a lost "art" in modern churchianity. I often judge (i know... not that word.) a book by the amount of text i highlight. This one was full of highlights! Do yourself a favor and read this book!
May 16, 2020
I liked it, but
Good and heartfelt read that "goes after" (for lack a better term) the super religious and those who claim little to no faith. The answer is simple: love. I was hoping he as an ally to the LGBTQ+ community, but, alas no. Some history needs to be done that there's more than two genders, etc. BUT, though he said he probably wouldn't do a gay wedding, he said he would be there to support the couple and he called out stats of LGBTQ+ suicide. Aside from that, good read. ❤
Good and heartfelt read that "goes after" (for lack a better term) the super religious and those who claim little to no faith. The answer is simple: love. I was hoping he as an ally to the LGBTQ+ community, but, alas no. Some history needs to be done that there's more than two genders, etc. BUT, though he said he probably wouldn't do a gay wedding, he said he would be there to support the couple and he called out stats of LGBTQ+ suicide. Aside from that, good read. ❤
March 23, 2024
This book was excellent. It felt like exactly what the American church needs to hear. Rodriguez handles the hot-button issues with grace and truth and humor and more grace. The chapters feel a bit like blog-posts, in that they are all connected but don't necessarily build on each other.
If you've ever wondered who Jesus would be hanging out with if he were on earth today, this is the book for you. Because the answer is that he is revealing himself to prisoners and prostitutes and those who vote differently than us, and if we meet him there, we will see him move.
If you've ever wondered who Jesus would be hanging out with if he were on earth today, this is the book for you. Because the answer is that he is revealing himself to prisoners and prostitutes and those who vote differently than us, and if we meet him there, we will see him move.
September 9, 2019
Wow, what A book! One second the book affirms you're on the right side of history with a social issue and then reminds you the next paragraph that judging and hating even those who might seem to "deserve" it makes you just as guilty as them. God is love and wants us to be. This book helped me remember that as well as to consistently remind myself and my family members regardless of event to drop the stones
January 31, 2020
I haven't been so convicted and challenged by a book while also being encouraged and called to action (other than the Bible obviously) in a long time. I loved this book. It's what I needed and I think it's what Christians, especially "western Christians" need to read and hear. Sure, there are things here and there where I may disagree with what Carlos said or maybe just how he said, but that's the beauty of us as a people. As Carlos points out in this book, we can disagree and still be family.
February 29, 2024
As a victim of childhood abuse, I have had a hard time loving & ministering to those who hurt others. I’ve harbored hate & it has negatively affected my mind & body.
This book helped me reframe my thinking & worldview! I am now able to view people who are abusive towards others as flawed humans in need of Jesus.
I encourage you to read this even if you hold differing theological viewpoints from the author. God has definitely blessed him with wisdom!
This book helped me reframe my thinking & worldview! I am now able to view people who are abusive towards others as flawed humans in need of Jesus.
I encourage you to read this even if you hold differing theological viewpoints from the author. God has definitely blessed him with wisdom!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2020
Amazing Author
This book changed my life. I had no idea that I possessed so many preconceived thoughts and inclinations. This is an eye-opening book that everyone needs to read. It's an easy read. No reason not to take in his thoughtful advice which comes from his heartfelt knowledge and suggestions. It changed me in a profound way.
This book changed my life. I had no idea that I possessed so many preconceived thoughts and inclinations. This is an eye-opening book that everyone needs to read. It's an easy read. No reason not to take in his thoughtful advice which comes from his heartfelt knowledge and suggestions. It changed me in a profound way.
June 14, 2021
A must read for Christians! Carlos exposes his own vulnerabilities to look truthfully at what we claim as Christians and what our behavior reveals about us. It’s time to loosen our grip on judging others, see ourselves as we are and learn from Christ who we are and how to live. Loved it!
February 3, 2023
I cannot recommend this book enough! What a call to take a deep look at faith, drop the stones, and show God’s love and mercy to those around the world! 10/10 recommend! This is truly a book to read over and over and glean wisdom from each time!
January 3, 2018
This is a thoughtful and thought-provoking book that will both encourage and challenge you. The writing is engaging and the format makes it easy to pick up and read any time you have a few minutes.
February 23, 2018
Wow. Please read this book.
February 13, 2019
May be the best book ever written??? Simple but profound. Purpose driven and challenging. I’ll keep it as a reference and read it again.
February 16, 2019
Carlos A. Rodriguez reminds us that God is for us, crazy about us, and desires for us to release the stones we clench so tightly. Easy read and great to ruminate on.
July 24, 2019
Incredible! Easy to read with short chapters but so thought provoking and convicting. This book will challenge you and help you see things from other perspectives.
December 29, 2019
Yes! A strong message and I highly recommend it.
March 18, 2020
An uplifting and humbling read! This book was a great reminder of God’s unimaginable love for us, even for those we think may not deserve it. The author did a great job of reminding me that instead of judging others for their shortcomings I need to remove the log from my eye and love those around me. “Jesus cares more about our hearts than our ministries. Our character matters more than our anointing. If we are willing to face our worst, in the light of His best, then the Savior is ready to do more saving.”
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews