Book Review: Radical by David Platt

What is your dream? If you are a Christian, is your dream different that the one your unbelieving friend, spouse, or neighbor dreams each night? Do you both have a common dream? Maybe the American dream?

Being Christian in America can become easy living. Most American Christians enjoy the pleasures of their own vehicles, theatrically lit sanctuaries, and charismatic speakers that deliver relevant and punch messages, week in and week out.

Author David Platt attempts to weigh in with a new perspective on American Christianity in Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream. Platt evaluates the radical discipleship of New Testament Christianity and compares it to contemporary examples of Christendom. An unlikely critic, shepherding a 4,000 member church in Birmingham, Alabama, listening to a "mega-church" minister speak on radical separation from the American Dream creates an interesting dichotomy. If what Platt evaluates as a stark contrast between today's example of "discipleship" and the same "discipleship" laid out in scripture is true, we have a major disconnect.

Platt diligently demonstrates the difference in devotion through several means. When you can compare parking lots populated with millions of dollars in vehicles, bright lit meeting places, and freedom to worship when and where you please with secret meeting places, dimly lit gathering rooms, and bicycling from one meeting to another risking your life and not see a need for re-assessment of value, then something might be terribly wrong. Platt cleverly shows his readers how singular devotion to the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ concerning devotion, giving, and fulfillment of the great commission in all that we do can revolutionize your life. The stupor and haze of the American Dream no longer has to confound your judgment concerning putting your own hands to the plow.

This book will encourage you to take a good hard look at your current situation, place it in perspective with the lives of the disciples, and other radical believers the world around, and allow you to make a fair assessment of the necessity for change in today's believers. I encourage you to pick it up today if you have not already purchased it. You may read the first chapter for free here.

David Platt has recently released a book called Radical Together: Unleashing the People of God for the Purpose of God.

“I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review”.