"Soon I realized I was on a collision course with an American church culture where success is defined by bigger crowds, bigger budgets, and bigger buildings. I was now confronted with a startling reality: Jesus actually spurned the things that my church culture said were most important. So what was I to do?"
-- David Platt, from page 2 --
What do you do after you have been hailed as the "youngest megachurch pastor in history"? How do you go about revealing your newfound beliefs, that all of these megachurches, billion dollar constructions, and contemporary "worship" services are straying far from Jesus' plan?
This is the scenario David Platt faced, and he chose to make a radical decision. His book, aptly titled Radical, explores his discoveries, including steps that the American church can take to radically follow God's global plan.
Radical brings readers nine chapters that delve into the details of Platt's thought process. I found him to be a very persuasive and logical writer, taking me from one thought easily to the next. And I have to admit that what he had to say intrigued me. As a long time doubter of the ways of the American church, I was open to his ideas. If there was a church near me that functioned as his does...I would be there!
Simply and thoughtfully, David Platt shares the words of Jesus to point out an often-forgotten truth: every Christian is called to go out and preach to all nations. Every Christian has a role in evangelism and mission work. Every Christian is needed. Platts chapters on the fears many have of going to all nations were profound and encouraging. I can only thing that the Christians who turn from this book and exclaim it to be nonsense are very hard-hearted people who only read the parts of the Bible that "pertain" to their immediate lives.
I'm not necessarily sure about Platt's opinion that every Christian should be involved in some overseas ministry; he sort of made it sound like a hard and fast rule that a Christian isn't doing well if he or she doesn't support other countries' ministries. But I can't say that I completely disagree, because American Christians often neglect the most needy (who are often in other countries) to focus on self.
Overall, I really liked Radical. It's inspiring. It's a call to take Jesus' words seriously now, to take back your faith from the American dream. If you are feeling fed-up with the American church, if you are having a difficult time focusing on Scripture, this is a great read.
Sadly, I noticed a similarity between Radical and the also-popular Crazy Love by Francis Chan. Most of what both men said the Bible said first. I wish more people would reach for the Bible before reaching for one of these books. It isn't that Radical is not helpful or inspiring, but the real Truth is even better.
If you'd like to read an excerpt of Radical or if you'd like to buy it go here. You can also visit radicalthebook.com for more information.
Radical brings readers nine chapters that delve into the details of Platt's thought process. I found him to be a very persuasive and logical writer, taking me from one thought easily to the next. And I have to admit that what he had to say intrigued me. As a long time doubter of the ways of the American church, I was open to his ideas. If there was a church near me that functioned as his does...I would be there!
Simply and thoughtfully, David Platt shares the words of Jesus to point out an often-forgotten truth: every Christian is called to go out and preach to all nations. Every Christian has a role in evangelism and mission work. Every Christian is needed. Platts chapters on the fears many have of going to all nations were profound and encouraging. I can only thing that the Christians who turn from this book and exclaim it to be nonsense are very hard-hearted people who only read the parts of the Bible that "pertain" to their immediate lives.
I'm not necessarily sure about Platt's opinion that every Christian should be involved in some overseas ministry; he sort of made it sound like a hard and fast rule that a Christian isn't doing well if he or she doesn't support other countries' ministries. But I can't say that I completely disagree, because American Christians often neglect the most needy (who are often in other countries) to focus on self.
Overall, I really liked Radical. It's inspiring. It's a call to take Jesus' words seriously now, to take back your faith from the American dream. If you are feeling fed-up with the American church, if you are having a difficult time focusing on Scripture, this is a great read.
Sadly, I noticed a similarity between Radical and the also-popular Crazy Love by Francis Chan. Most of what both men said the Bible said first. I wish more people would reach for the Bible before reaching for one of these books. It isn't that Radical is not helpful or inspiring, but the real Truth is even better.
If you'd like to read an excerpt of Radical or if you'd like to buy it go here. You can also visit radicalthebook.com for more information.
I received a complimentary copy of this book
from Waterbrook Multnomah.
I was not required to give a positive review of this book,
and I was not paid to review it.
All opinions are my own.
