Two well-known Christian authors are in Fredericksburg this weekend. William Paul Young, who wrote the best-seller "The Shack," and Shane Claiborne, author of "The Irresistible Revolution" and "Jesus for President," each spoke to area faith groups. To mark the occasion, here's a double dose of Faithful Five, with five facts about each writer:
WM. PAUL YOUNG:The child of missionaries, Young spent his early years in Netherlands New Guinea, among a primitive tribe.
He wrote "The Shack" not for publication but as a gift for his six children, to tell them his beliefs about God.
Young originally published 15 copies of the book as gifts, then e-mailed copies to friends. When he saw how popular the story became, he self-published the book with two other men. The trio borrowed the money for publishing, hoping to break even within two years.
The book became a runaway best-seller, selling nearly 1 million copies and spending quite a bit of time at the top spot of The New York Times' bestseller list.
Young has a degree in religion and attended seminary but is not a clergy member. In fact, he does not belong to a church, saying the institution of religion doesn't work for people who are struggling or hurt.
SHANE CLAIBORNE:The young activist graduated from Eastern University and attended Princeton University's seminary before taking a leave of absence.
Claiborne and other Eastern students founded The Simple Way, an intentional community in Philadelphia. The group works and lives with the homeless and poor.
Claiborne spent 10 weeks working with Mother Teresa in Calcutta.
Claiborne was once arrested for protesting anti-homelessness laws. He wore a T-shirt to court that read, "Jesus was homeless." He was found not guilty and the judge asked for a T-shirt.
Claiborne travels the country speaking about Christian activism and working with the poor. When he goes to a new speaking engagement, Claiborne requests the host group go on a fuel fast--where a group goes without fuel for a day, by walking, carpooling or using mass transit.
--Compiled by Amy Flowers