Radical by David Platt

Pastor David Platt has traveled the world, speaking with church leaders in areas where being a Christian could cost them their lives.

He has been struck by the disconnect between Jesus' instructions and the follow-through of Christians in The United States. As pastor of a mega-church in Alabama, Platt has wrestled with what it means to be successful in the church.

Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream is intended to strip you away from your American stereotypes and safety net. As the title implies, the American Dream doesn't fit well with Christ's call to obedience.

Platt says that Jesus calls for sacrifice which leads to greater rewards than the monetary gains we get in America.

The chapters include:
Someone worth losing everything for
Too hungry for words
Beginning at the end of ourselves
The great why of God
The multiplying community
How much is enough
There is no plan b
Living when dying is gain
The radical experiment

Platt ends the book by challenging readers to take 1 year and pray for the entire world, read through the Bible, sacrifice your money for a specific purpose, spend time in another context, and commit your life to a multiplying community.

It is argued that American Christians have become too comfortable in their church buildings. Platt declares that we need to take risks, we need to be willing to die for Christ. How many of us could claim that?

The book felt like your basic, surrender-your-entire-life-for-Jesus book with a few real-life examples thrown in.

I just hope this doesn't become another church-based merchandise gimmick as they are already promoting another companion booklet.

 
This book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing