The Kingdom of God is a Party

by Tony Campolo

If the Bible uses words like these, then our lives should exude that same biblical vitality. After all, Jesus "partied" with sinners; not in a boisterous unruly manner, but in the spirit of the Old Testament Jubilee in which people acquired a new lease on life. What was important then, and remains so now, is the celebratory attitude that should set Christians apart from the rest of the world. The Kingdom of God Is a Party is an attitude-changing, spirit-renewing examination of the feeling behind our faith. It shows why Christians should be the people who create celebrations wherever they are placed. Whether by words, deeds, or mere presence, Christians can turn life into a festive occasion that will attract the needy, lonely, sick, and oppressed into the arms of a loving Heavenly Father. Whether at church, work, school, or home, it's time for Christians to get into the party spirit!

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

150 pages, Unbound

First published November 30, 1989

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

[Laityfamily · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed it. I liked the chapter on family a lot. I suppose because it's most relevant to me at the moment.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have heard Tony teach and preach, and he is always fantastic. This book is very good as well. Drawing deeply upon numerous biblical sources and passages, Campolo makes the case for transforming the mindset of Christianity to think of the Kingdom of God in terms of a party He sadly notes that for most Christians, the Kingdom is either about 'getting to heaven when we die" (a perspective that has no real biblical warrant by the way), or a concept filled with fear and foreboding as we await the Day of Judgement. Both of these perspectives limit the opportunities for the Resurrected Lord and God's Holy Spirit to live and move in our lives today.

Simply written, and stated in Campolo's straightforward way, this would be a good read for anyone who wants to deepen their sense of joy and call to follow Jesus Christ in their lives.

[Jonathan Schut · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a very challenging read, but uplifting and encouraging nonetheless. Campolo presents an enthusiastic depiction of what life in the Kingdom of God should look like. There is nothing dry and boring about this life, and Campolo gets this point across clearly!
While he is hard on work in the final chapter, I think it is clearly that he only does so to emphasize the importance of fun. If you are looking for a theological exposition of the Kingdom of God, this is not your book. But if you are looking for something to encourage you in your walk and make you excited about your citizenship in Christ's Kingdom, then you've come to the right place!

[Lyndon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed hearing Tony Campolo speak back in the 80s and 90s. He was very dynamic and his books were easy reads, practical, and full of redemptive stories, while at the same time offering a prophetic call to the Church to live more like the Church! I read this book my first year as a pastor and probably used it as a resource for a sermon or two. I recall liking it at the time so will give it 4 stars, but I'm sure it's dated now.

[Preben Hafnor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m in! Interesting points on the teeth!

[Otis · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an interesting book. The concept is wonderful and the way this material is presented was simply amazing. The transparent stories and the vivid word pictures were great/ I enjoyed ingesting this book. Easy read, recommended.

[Jeske · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was pretty good, inspiring and made me laugh out loud at times. I would have loved a little bit more intellectual depth in this book, but at the same time it was nice how Campolo kept its message simple and clear.

[Weston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, even though it is pretty old by my standards. I hope he continued writing with the same passion after this. I appreciated that he was intellectually grounded in his writing but left the book mostly in terms anyone can read!

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting perspective on the tithe. Great reminder of god's heart for us!

[J.K. Riki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, if a little "light." Wanted a bit more depth, but would be a great read for some. :)

[Tim Baumgartner · Rating 4 out of 5]

The initial story of the book ("Party with Prostitutes") is something I shared with my World Religions class when we started exploring Christianity (although I shared this video version instead of the book's script: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRBM_...). I think Tony Campolo's (sociologist and pastor) portrayal of the Kingdom of God is a Party is fascinating! He comes to this conclusion by utilizing the Old Testament passages of descriptions of shalom (eschatological foretaste of heaven--see Isaiah 61, for example) and jubilee (Leviticus 25), which make a lot of sense to me. He also brings up tithing from Deuteronomy 14:22-29, in which he claims that most people's understanding is backwards. In other words,