Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream by David Platt

Jan 31, 2013 Corey Decker rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Radical for the Wrong Reasons

"Taking Back your Faith from the American Dream." This is the confessed purpose of David Platt's new book, Radical. In it, he attempts to save American Christians from their cultural sins, showing that one cannot serve both the American Dream and Jesus Christ. A decision must be made: it is either radical obedience to Christ or self-centered, lukewarm mediocrity.

Summary

His thesis is based upon his interpretation of the great commission in Matthew 28 and a select f...more

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Jul 20, 2011 Adam Shields rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Full review: http://bookwi.se/radical-taking-back-...

Short review: I think this is one of those books that lots of people will read and many people will not do anything about. That is unfortunate, this is a call to live a life like what Christ has called us to. There are five specific suggestions that are in the last chapter and most people will not do one or two let alone all five.

I say this fully aware that I might be in the same boat. I may not really do what I should be doing either. But rea...more

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Oct 22, 2012 James rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: justice

So I read this book after reading it's sequel, "Radical Together." As I expected, this is the better book of the two. Unfortunately the two books are too similar for me to enjoy this book as much as I may have otherwise. Here are some of my general thoughts on this book (more reflections than a book review):

1. David Platt manages to write in a humble, and engaging way. He tells stories about what his church is doing and the steps that they are taking to follow Jesus and to accomplish his mission...more So I read this book after reading it's sequel, "Radical Together." As I expected, this is the better book of the two. Unfortunately the two books are too similar for me to enjoy this book as much as I may have otherwise. Here are some of my general thoughts on this book (more reflections than a book review):

1. David Platt manages to write in a humble, and engaging way. He tells stories about what his church is doing and the steps that they are taking to follow Jesus and to accomplish his mission in the world. It is true that this not the best written book in the world, but it is hard to dislike Platt's genuineness and eagerness to be faithful to the gospel in the mega-church context he found himself in.

2. The stuff that Platt is pushing people towards is good stuff. This book ends with a challenge to for one year to: pray for the entire world, read the entire Bible, sacrifice money for a specific purpose, spend time in another context, and to commit one's life to a multiplying community. Having taken up such challenges in the past, I agree that giving a year of one's life to these types of things are life changing and will enlarge your faith, your heart, and your eyes to see where God is at work.

3. Platt writes from the perspective of a conservative evangelical. this is who he is and the lens by which he looks at the world. This is not bad but occasionally it means that his concept of the gospel and social issues are skewed because of it. This is a great book to get someone thinking globally, about caring for those in need, about evangelism and world missions. What is missing is analysis of systemic injustice, and the way the 'powers' skew our vision. Platt urges activism and mission, but in places his vision could be more communal, holistic and sacramental. I feel like if I were to enact his program, I would burn myself out unless there was also a context of nurture, community and continual encounter with the grace of God. Not saying Platt is against any of this, but it is not articulated here. Thus, I think that despite the many good things he advocates for, a wholesale embrace of his program, can still be one dimensional. I have been where he is and I want more (but not less!).

4. Platt does a good job of challenging the typical individualism, me-first-ism and consumerism of American Christianity. This is frankly amazing as a mega-church pastor. So though, I can think of a number of authors who are more prophetic and incisive in their critique, they are often voices from the margins. It is refreshing to hear a spokesperson who is a successful middle-class white pastor of a wealthy church with a multi-million dollar facility raising this critique. Ultimately I think Platt could and should be more 'radical' than he is (in either sense of the term radical), but this is someone who seems on the right road.

5. Evangelicals are widely reading this book. That is exciting. The growing trend towards awareness of social justice by Evangelicals is an exciting development which signals a shift from the Gnosticism which evangelicals are tempted toward. The Kingdom of God is not a purely spiritual institution but one in which the church brings to the world, in part, through their care for the physical needs of the watching world. Could this book say more about social justice, creation care, etc? Absolutely, but I like that Platt doesn't overspiritualize everything.

6. There are some points of theology where I disagree with Platt and think he oversimplifies things, but I like his overall thrust.

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May 27, 2012 John rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Rereading for a class.

David Platt argues, convincingly, to the point that you feel like you've been punched in the stomach and you've lost your breath, that the American church has taken the radical message of Jesus in the gospels and traded it for ... respectability.
Radical: Sell all you have, and give the money to the poor, and follow me.
Respectable: Throw some money in the collection plate every week.
"You and I can chose to continue with business as usual in the Christian life and in the chur...more Rereading for a class.

David Platt argues, convincingly, to the point that you feel like you've been punched in the stomach and you've lost your breath, that the American church has taken the radical message of Jesus in the gospels and traded it for ... respectability.
Radical: Sell all you have, and give the money to the poor, and follow me.
Respectable: Throw some money in the collection plate every week.
"You and I can chose to continue with business as usual in the Christian life and in the church as a whole, enjoying success based on the standards defined by the culture around us," he writes. "Or we can take an honest look at the Jesus of the Bible and dare to ask what the consequences might be if we really believed him and really obey him."
By and large, he writes, the church in America is choosing the former rather than the latter, pursuing the American dream instead of radically following Jesus.
This is a surprising book coming from the pastor of a megachurch in suburban America. I would expect something more like "How Jesus Can Give You Everything You Want!!"
Platt is pastor of a 4,000-member church in suburban Birmingham, Ala., and even the church's name reeks of affluence: "The Church at Brook Hills." Yet he doesn't take it easy on the wealthy. "Regardless of what we say, or sing, or study on Sunday morning, rich people who neglect the poor are not the people of God," he asserts.
He offers many examples from his own church of people who indeed have made sacrificial choices to follow Jesus. But some of the most stunning illustrations come from elsewhere. He tells of a seminary in Indonesia where each student is required to plant a church with at least 30 new, baptized believers in a Muslim community -- before graduating. How would that sort of a requirement go over in a U.S. seminary?
When you've recovered your breath, Platt suggests a one-year experiment with five components, and they might not be what you expect. Given that this book is a New York Times bookseller, a lot of readers have had the opportunity to take up Platt's challenge. Will they? Will I?
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Jan 27, 2011 Abbie Riddle rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

It's the orange book with the upside down face - the eye catching one that makes you wonder what's inside. The picture of the upside down house is exactly the idea of this book - it will turn your ideas, your world, your spiritual house upside down. Those beliefs that have been long ingrained in you since a child sitting on a pew will be tossed out the window. What you have held as the standard for Christianity will be turned on it's head. The standards you held will be lifted to a new level and...more

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Dec 05, 2011 Rachelle Rea rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Though to be honest, my attention wasn't grabbed from the very beginning, I was challenged by this book. Once I got into it, I found that the author writes in a very simple, easy-to-understand manner on some really hard-core and deep theological matters.

A quote from the first page well describes my reaction to the book:

"David Platt's book will leave anyone who sincerely engages with his challenge dissatisfied - and faced with a decision: What will authentic faith look like in my life?" ~ Jerry R...more

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May 11, 2013 Brian rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

While I appreciate some intentions, a desire to think more seriously about the poor, attack the idolatry of the American dream (which ends with dog eat dog) and remove the self from the center of his theology, Platt sums up a lot of what I really don't like in Evangelicalism and I expect irritates many unbelievers.

To be specific Platt doesn't have the gear to do what he wants to do:
*Heap on the Guilt: Platt comes across as a tortured soul, one who preaches at a Megachurch, but feels guilty abou...more While I appreciate some intentions, a desire to think more seriously about the poor, attack the idolatry of the American dream (which ends with dog eat dog) and remove the self from the center of his theology, Platt sums up a lot of what I really don't like in Evangelicalism and I expect irritates many unbelievers.

To be specific Platt doesn't have the gear to do what he wants to do:
*Heap on the Guilt: Platt comes across as a tortured soul, one who preaches at a Megachurch, but feels guilty about a building that expensive. But any atheist could see that Platt doesn't really believe helping the poor is necessary. If Platt were a doctor he would say, "Gee, if you keeping eating like this, you might have a heart attack. I don't think you should necessarily change your diet, but in the next three weeks write a list and prayerfully consider whether to cut one or two things over the next few months." Guilt. I can sympathize with a person who insists we sell everything we have and I can sympathize with someone who says to cut it out and enjoy what you have anyway. Platt wants both and all the guilt that no unbeliever or believer should go through.

*God as Gasoline: Platt runs through all the cliched forms of speaking about God being our power instead of relying on our own strength. Maybe this is a problem for unbelievers, but I don't think this is as nearly a problem for believers. Maybe relying too much on stuff other than God (maybe--even here this is overemphasized), but our strength rather than God? Unbelievers see us, rightly, as passive and cowardly. Isn't it nice to paper over cowardice with holy speak?

*Emotionalism: Platt continues to labor under the delusion that somehow the Christian life is made up of a passionate relationship with Christ. I'm not saying we should be stoics, resentful of emotions as if they were a great crime to feel joy, ecstasy, and pleasure in God. However to expect them as our dues, to feel "out of the spirit" when we don't got 'em, or to view them as making up God's communication to us is the bane of evangelicalism and prevents us from reaching cultural maturity. We may feel joy in truths, but we should be assured by the objective spoken Words of God, the objective bread and wine offered to us regularly, and the objective songs that we sing. All subjectively applied and apprehended with a full range of emotions, but finding basis in God's objective word to, in, and through us.

Sorry John Piper, Anthony Bradley was right: http://www.worldmag.com/2013/05/the_n...(less)

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Apr 14, 2013 Carissa rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: christianity, 2013

Our pastor mentioned this book in church today, and offered to let someone borrow it. I got there first, so I started reading it right away. Just a few hours later, and I finished it. Wow.

It confirmed many things God has been prompting me to do, encouraged me to give up yet more, strengthened my faith in what He can do through a fully yielded vessel, and drew me yet closer to God.

It is well written, easy to read, full of stories. But it is not an easy book. It will very likely make you squirm....more

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Apr 04, 2013 Tung rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: christian-seminary

In 2010, Pastor David Platt’s book Radical made all the Christian bestseller lists. The book makes the point that Christians not only used to live radical lives for Christ, but also that such a life is what we are still called to live. Platt rebukes the American Christian church for having molded religion into something selfish, trading the radicalism of our faith for creature comforts. He contrasts the underground church in China where believers literally risk their lives to gather and worship,...more

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Apr 02, 2013 Colin Miller rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: nonfiction, jesus-fu

I admit it: If there’s one thing I hate more than book of the month picks, it’s Christian book of the month picks. As a result, I was likely harsher on Donald Miller’s Blue Like Jazz and I’ve stayed away from John Eldridge’s Wild at Heart. That said, I really enjoyed Francis Chan’s Forgotten God and Rob Bell’s Velvet Elvis, so popular doesn’t automatically equal slighted in my world. David Platt’s Radical, however, this one falls somewhere in the middle, so much so that it’s been a good chunk of...more I admit it: If there’s one thing I hate more than book of the month picks, it’s Christian book of the month picks. As a result, I was likely harsher on Donald Miller’s Blue Like Jazz and I’ve stayed away from John Eldridge’s Wild at Heart. That said, I really enjoyed Francis Chan’s Forgotten God and Rob Bell’s Velvet Elvis, so popular doesn’t automatically equal slighted in my world. David Platt’s Radical, however, this one falls somewhere in the middle, so much so that it’s been a good chunk of months since I read it and I’m only just now caring to put my opinion to the page.

Platt is known as the youngest megachurch pastor in America, but he noticed a problem: Jesus seemed to be all about the minichurch. He spent most of His time with 12 guys, and when the crowds did get big, He didn’t seem to have an issue with offending them away where the truth was concerned. From there Platt looks at some of the (yup) radical claims of the gospel and what this requires of us. It’s all good stuff, but it feels familiar—in the bad way. It’s like many popular evangelical Christian pastors turned writers decided to consult the same ghostwriter who may not be great, but has found a style that is simple and engaging. There’s nothing wrong with familiar things (like, what do you know? the cliché advice of reading the Bible and praying in all things will change both you and the world around you), but that doesn’t mean I want to keep reading books on it if the insight isn’t novel and sound.

I even enjoy the challenge Platt throws down towards the end of the book: For one year, pray for the entire world, read the entire Bible, sacrifice money for a specific purpose, spend your time in another context (volunteering locally and far away), and to commit your life to a multiplying community (the overall approach of giving your life to a specific pursuit of God). Again, all good stuff, but if people really did that, wouldn’t the world look different? I mean, this book was on the NY Times bestseller list… Is it Platt’s fault how people respond (or do not respond) to his book, especially if they don’t respond to the Bible? Is that on him? Not really, but it’s still factored in. There’s also another level where, if you do these things regularly, there’s the danger of doing too much to the point of burnout. This isn’t just a Christian problem—people doing too little or too much—and it’s impossible to (knowingly) cover every theological angle without writing encyclopedia-like volumes. For all I could say, even with what I like in David Platt’s Radical, it didn’t inspire enough or cut that deep. Three stars.
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Mar 25, 2013 Patricia rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Challenging read on the call to live "radically" for Christ, in a world that pushes you to live for yourself. Very refreshing to be reminded that living for Christ will not buy the world's favor, but that instead it will hate us, mock us, and persecute us just as Christ was treated. While there were some things I didn't quite understand or agree with, this is overall an encouraging, convicting, (and blunt!) book.

"The dangerous assumption we unknowingly accept in the American dream is that our gr...more

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Mar 17, 2013 Mitch Lauer rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

In the Old Testament, God reveals Himself to the world by blessing the Israelites and drawing the other nations to "come and see" His glory. Jesus then commands us to "go and tell" the rest of the world about Him. The OT is marked by material blessing of Israel, but Jesus "ushers in a new phase in redemptive history" that changes the relationship between faith and material blessing. Platt points out that nowhere in the New Testament does it promise material wealth as a reward for obedience. Inst...more

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Jan 14, 2013 Liz rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

David Platt spoke at Urbana 2012, and after hearing him speak I wanted to learn more. If you heard him speak at Urbana, skip chapters 1-2, it's the same material.

Positive: The book revolves around the diagnosis of 'materialism' as a deadly sin of the American church. The 'American Dream' has been absorbed by the American Church, and we've made the pursuit of 'bigger and better' the same thing as the pursuit of Jesus' kingdom. We, American Christians, are not entitled to the wealth of resources a...more David Platt spoke at Urbana 2012, and after hearing him speak I wanted to learn more. If you heard him speak at Urbana, skip chapters 1-2, it's the same material.

Positive: The book revolves around the diagnosis of 'materialism' as a deadly sin of the American church. The 'American Dream' has been absorbed by the American Church, and we've made the pursuit of 'bigger and better' the same thing as the pursuit of Jesus' kingdom. We, American Christians, are not entitled to the wealth of resources at our fingertips and, if we aren't faithful stewards of what we've been given, have not counted the cost of following Jesus.

I'm surprised to hear this from a mega-church pastor in an age when most American mega-church pastors are preaching a health and wealth prosperity.

Negative: I wish Platt had gone further. He vaguely talks about his own struggle with materialism, but what would really push the 'radical' edge is if he had plainly stated his income, how much he's choosing to live on, and valuing simplicity for the sake of generosity.

The way he write about poverty and how his congregation is alleviating it feels paternalistic. His people are going and doing for the poor rather than identifying with and empowering the poor. He writes of a number of short-term trips he's taken and how they've impacted him, but in most of them, he's teaching or in some kind of leadership role. From page 110: "Yet, while caring for the poor is not the basis of our salvation, this does not mean that the use of our wealth is totally disconnected from our salvation. Indeed, caring for the poor is evidence of our salvation." This sums up what seems to be how he thinks about caring for the poor: give to others because materialism is choking your faith. While I don't disagree that generosity and caring for the poor is an excellent antidote for materialism, there is no sense of renouncing power/resources for others in the way that the biblical Jubilee restores access to power/resources.

TL;DR - Decent read for the average middle-class Christian who feels dissatisfied with their faith. For those working among the urban poor (like myself), you've probably already counted the cost to follow Jesus and have some value for simplicity.
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Dec 31, 2012 Hank Crosswhite rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I'd like to say why I went to Andros. I was told to. (Oh, you want some more?) I am an “I”. (As if that explains it). There are “I”s and “E”s, from Meyers-Briggs Personality Indicators. Some think that means introvert or extrovert. I like to think it depends on where you get your energy, internal or external sources. I have 3 internal sources, God, Satan, and myself. A downside of having only internal sources is that I have had problems with discernment. Which voice is true? Which one did I list...more I'd like to say why I went to Andros. I was told to. (Oh, you want some more?) I am an “I”. (As if that explains it). There are “I”s and “E”s, from Meyers-Briggs Personality Indicators. Some think that means introvert or extrovert. I like to think it depends on where you get your energy, internal or external sources. I have 3 internal sources, God, Satan, and myself. A downside of having only internal sources is that I have had problems with discernment. Which voice is true? Which one did I listen to? Growing up, that voice has been me. I was always right. I did not listen to many external sources, just me. Recently, within the past 10 years, I have found out that is false. What a wake-up call.
So, what does this have to do with Andros? The year before, I read a book about your walk with God, called Radical - Taking Back Your Faith From the American Dream, by David Platt. In it was a challenge to spend 2 percent of your time outside your usual context, telling about Jesus. Around my church, there are several opportunities to do this, Tanzania with the deaf team and Andros Island Bible Camp with the youth group. It was my good fortune that the youth team allowed me to join them in Andros. But, still, I had no idea what I would do there. By the way, an “I” can take his “voices” anywhere with him.
I might add that I was never nervous about the trip or my role, by the grace of God. At Andros, I was not physically uncomfortable. Yes it was hot and humid, with no air conditioning. Yes, I sweated a lot. But it was not uncomfortable. What was uncomfortable and outside my context zone, was talking to people. Even worse, talking to little people. Worse yet, talking about Jesus. With all this, Andros was the best place to do this. Everyone spoke English. Everyone was friendly. Everyone loved having us there. Everyone at camp loved God. In a way, I surprised myself. I felt no pressure to take part in the teaching. But by the second day of camp I was ready to give a testimony to the kids.
Here is my “I” coming out. When I talk in front of people, often my brain disconnects from my tongue. To counter this, I keep my remarks simple and short, plan in advance what I will say, and go over them in my head many times. This helps to an extent. I must say, that for me to do something like this, the circumstances were ideal: a small number of listeners and a place with no distraction. I think it went well. I said most of what I wanted to say.
By the fifth day of camp I was willing to teach a class. As before, I went over and over in my mind what I would say, loosely based on the outline. After I had gone over it several times in my head, and with my confidence high, I decided to do something I had not done before. I decided to ask God for help, giving it up to Him. It was as if the floor dropped out from under me. I was no longer confident, I was doubtful, and I was confused. I felt far from God. I did not know what to do, so I called my prayer buddies and told them what had happened. They prayed, but the feeling did not go away. I woodenly kept reviewing what I was going to say. The next day, the day I was to teach, I put those negative thoughts out of my head and trusted that it would be ok. Everything seemed ok, or only so-so, but I had not the full confidence as I had before. I knew this was in God’s hands, not mine.
As I began to teach, we were distracted by the singing from the next group, the 7 and younger. Also, there were more than twice as many kids as before with lots of built up energy. They were all looking over at the singing, some of them talking. I had no control. It could have been my worst nightmare. But I felt calm as I proceeded, not with the panic I most likely would have had, had I gone in fully confident. Several were paying attention and I just continued with my prepared remarks. At the end, all attention was pulled back in when someone, from the back, interjected a thought he had gotten during the lesson. I had survived again.
I think God had to ground me so I could survive. He had to let me know it was not me who was in charge, but Him. And He did this gently. I felt His love. As I said, I’m an “I”, and this was definitely outside my context zone. I felt like God was with me there, giving me the opportunity and courage to share some of my life with those on Andros. So, I was told to go, not by Satan, certainly not by me, but by God. And he had a reason: to help me grow and so others could benefit from what I could give them.
This book was instrumental in changing my life. It awakened something in me that I did not realize was in there. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to step out of their comfort zone.
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Nov 22, 2012 Esteban rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Why I liked it: it challenged me. His analysis of the values of the church was excellent, and I wholeheartedly agree. The Church as a whole is not sold out for Jesus in America. And things need to change, drastically.

Why it's not 5 stars: Because it analyzes a real problem, but comes up with an insufficient, and over-the-top solution. Not because any of the things he proposes are not good, or backed by Scripture. But because he acts as though every human has been called to be Paul, or someone. A...more

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Sep 09, 2012 Wade rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: poverty-social-issues

Anytime a book becomes a "popular" Christian book, it is inevitably up for harsher criticism. I thought this book was challenging in very many healthy ways. There were definitley some points in this book that I did not totally agree with (but, at the same time... it's healthy for me to be reading books that I don't always "totally agree with" so that I'm at least challenged to grow and be contradicted in my life). I thought his argument in Chapter Four about Christians claiming to have a "heart...more

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Sep 05, 2012 David rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

If you need a big wake up call to see how Christianity has been warped by the American Dream, look no farther than this book. The author, David Platt, has no shortage of razor sharp wit, tight prose, and he really doesn't pull any punches in displaying just how wrong our priorities and focuses are, not only individually, but as members of a congregation; mistaken in their belief that they are following the path God set out for them, when in reality they are serving only to 'disinfect and sequest...more

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Aug 21, 2012 John Martindale rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: christian, audiobook

Well, this book didn't make me as mad as I expected it to make me. Yet, There was still plenty that upset me, but I was not ticked off with Platt, but with Jesus and the bible, which Platt was quoting. I guess my present delicate state, where nothing is certain, black and white or obvious, was not a good context to read a book like this. Anything that smacks of dogmatism, and is cult-like-extreme and is polarizing really goes against my current sensibilities.
Most of the content in Radical, cou...more Well, this book didn't make me as mad as I expected it to make me. Yet, There was still plenty that upset me, but I was not ticked off with Platt, but with Jesus and the bible, which Platt was quoting. I guess my present delicate state, where nothing is certain, black and white or obvious, was not a good context to read a book like this. Anything that smacks of dogmatism, and is cult-like-extreme and is polarizing really goes against my current sensibilities.
Most of the content in Radical, could have been written by me 12 years ago, what Platt proclaims is what I underlined in scripture, believed, taught as a youth minister and tried to live out. I thought it was an outrage that this radical biblical message was not being taught, all I heard was grace...grace...grace... it made me sick. I too was anti the American dream and I saw the church, was like the one in Laodicea and my mission was to be like David Platt and try to wake up it up. But something somewhere went terribly awry. I started out all idealistic, extreme, with hopes and a childlike faith, but it really seems the second law of thermodynamics set in. How to stop my spiritual entropy is beyond me. I guess I can call myself a "radical" backslider. I kind of feel like a cripple, and yeah, to hear how Jesus commands me to follow him is find and dandy, but well... dang it, he needs to heal my legs so I can. He doesn't seem all that willing to do that, so until then I am stuck, looking to science and self-help to give me a lift until He come around.

I must say, for the church to survive in the West, I do think it needs to take Platt's radical approach. It is necessary, or else, the church is going to die out like it did in much of Europe. If the church in America truly embraces this radical message, wow, it would be beautiful! Finally, there would be a distinction between Christians and the world, millions of poor would be helped and the gospel would be preach. The church in loosing its life, would find it. Lets hope and pray this happens.
But, sadly, like a man without arms, I feel unable to embrace or live this radical message out. Though I still am a "Christian" and plan on staying one, The years of God seeming to leaving me to try in my own strength, when I desperately wanted His help, has eroded my zeal and confidence. God doesn't seem willing to lift a finger to help me live according to the impossibly high standard, that He demands me to live by OR ELSE. Also, my personality doesn't help, I am to prone to asking questions, reading books and doing to much thinking with an open mind. The more I learn, the less certain I am of anything and the more sensitive and bothered by the harshness of biblical teachings.
So yeah, as one that has learned the hard way. I recommend whoever is reading this review, that you only read books like Radical and Crazy Love. Next, don't think about things very deeply, don't ask big question, especially those big troubling questions, like how is it really just and loving to send 99.9% of everyone to hell to be tortured for all eternity for a finite amount of sin. Sure Platt ask that question and He stayed Radical (but yeah, if you have a personality like mine, beware) and yeah, try with all your heart to become a partisan fundamentalist. Don't have a open mind with those who think differently. Don't take all your beliefs to their logical conclusion (especially if you're a Calvinist!). Decide what you believe is absolute truth and then close off your mind or you may be sorely tempted to follow 'truth' wherever it leads and you may not like where it takes you. Never be fooled into thinking what you believe can handle scrutiny, the devil is in the details just waiting to kill your confidence. But yeah, this is true no matter what you believe. All in all, keep a simple and childlike faith. If Platt is right, your eternal fate rest on this and others do too. Become as anti-intellectual as you can be, for not many can become a intellectual and stay Radical, there are not many bible scholars who believe the bible is true. So yeah, beware of seminaries unless its a very conservative one. Above all don't judge God according to your experiences or the reality that surrounds you. All this should help. Good luck on becoming and staying Radical!(less)

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Jul 27, 2012 Linda rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

My first take-away comment would be that Radical, by David Platt, is urging us to get off the fence of lukewarmness, and be hot for the Lord. The second would be the fact that the American Dream of living for yourself and accumulating wealth for your own comfort doesn’t connect with the concept of a bold, radical Christian sold out to witnessing for Christ around the world. “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeits (loses) his own soul?” Mark 8:36

David pulls out some hard-...more

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Jul 24, 2012 Ryan rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

All in all this book was pretty good. However, at times his theology is misguided and his solution is myoptic. If you charitably read the book you will walk away being challenged. I agree with the commenter below that his emphasis on the church is a relief. However, his ecclesiology was not well rounded enough to support his five point solution. Nor was his exegesis solid enough to support some of his conclusions. On the positive side he does have a brief, but satisfying look at universalism and...more All in all this book was pretty good. However, at times his theology is misguided and his solution is myoptic. If you charitably read the book you will walk away being challenged. I agree with the commenter below that his emphasis on the church is a relief. However, his ecclesiology was not well rounded enough to support his five point solution. Nor was his exegesis solid enough to support some of his conclusions. On the positive side he does have a brief, but satisfying look at universalism and the logical implications of its acceptance. There are a lot of quotable moments you will come across. Also expect him to briefly deal with various "famous" Protestant missionaries. His continually bringing up Christ is the true thing that sold me on this book though.

Another point of interest his bashing of the megachurch growth strategy and at times even megachurches themselves. Then he turns around and says, but I am a megachuch pastor. He confesses that he wresteles with it and that he doesn't have all of the answers. It is just confusing for the reader. Do you agree with them or not? Please keep your opinion to yourself until you know what your opinion is.

The best thing in the book is he continually goes back to the gospel. It can become a bit repetitive. He uses popular analogies that I have heard many times. Yet if we grow sick of hearing that the immortal God suffered mortality in human flesh for our sakes we need serious realignment. Often when I see best selling Christian books I think, "Oh, another watered down book filled with dribble that will make me feel miserable or appeal to my flesh." However, this book didn't spare any punches. He did not hesitate to explain with great care the depth of our sin and its rightful outcome. He also didn't hesitate to exalt Christ along the way.

Overall I would recommend the book. Honestly, I get sick of practical Christianity books at times. Most of the books are either filled with timetables and step by step guides or are a long list of imperatives with no indicatives. I don't know if this book made a better mix by putting the timetable at the end (though I would have preferred it to be absent altogehter) and by interspercing gospel truth with gospel demands.(That also reminds me he plays too loose with living the gospel type terminology, though I think if you try to read him charitably there were not too many disagreeable points.) Perhaps this book was just good because I have purposely avoided practical theology books for a long time. Nevertheless, he is much more agreeable than disagreeable. I was delighted to see a book of this character, even with it's flaws on the best seller list. We will be doing better as Christians if deeper books (I mean deeper than this as well) begin to make the best seller list.

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Mar 15, 2012 Kirsten rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

If you have ever lived in America, and consider yourself to be a Christian, you HAVE to read this book! There is something convicting and inspiring for everyone. It seems like whenever I have a deep conversation with someone, I start talking about this book. It covers such topics as total self-abandonment, materialism, evangelism, etc. and makes you think about how much MORE you need to give to God! It made me realize that I tend toward materialism, despite my seemingly simple lifestyle. It made...more

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Mar 14, 2012 LeAnne rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: adult-non-fiction

Platt challenges the dominant church culture and the assumption that living well means being comfortable and having all the toys your neighbors have. He compares his own mega-church and the whole American philosophy that bigger is better with Jesus spending three years with twelve men. Jesus said things like “Let the dead bury their dead,” and “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be my dis...more Platt challenges the dominant church culture and the assumption that living well means being comfortable and having all the toys your neighbors have. He compares his own mega-church and the whole American philosophy that bigger is better with Jesus spending three years with twelve men. Jesus said things like “Let the dead bury their dead,” and “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be my disciple.” Not exactly crowd pleasers.

We don’t want to believe that Jesus really meant that we have to abandon everything to follow him. We rationalize. We spiritualize. Platt says, “We are giving in to the dangerous temptation to take the Jesus of the Bible and twist him into a version of Jesus we are more comfortable with.

“A nice middle-class, American Jesus. A Jesus who doesn’t mind materialism and who would never call us to give away everything we have. A Jesus who would not expect us to forsake our closest relationships so that he receives all our affection. A Jesus who is fine with nominal devotion that does not infringe on our comforts, because, after all, he loves us just the way we are. A Jesus who wants us to be balanced, who wants us to avoid dangerous extremes, and who, for that matter, wants us to avoid danger altogether. A Jesus who brings us comfort and prosperity as we live out our Christian spin on the American dream.” (p. 13)

Of course, that is not the Jesus of the Bible. “Here we stand amid an American dream,” Platt says, “dominated by self-advancement, self-esteem, and self-sufficiency, by individualism, materialism, and universalism. Yet I want to show you our desperate need to revisit the words of Jesus, to listen to them, to believe them and to obey them.” (p.19)

Platt has made numerous trips overseas. He has worshipped with the persecuted church in places he does not name. His passion is for the Kingdom of God in the whole world, and the world will not be reached by self-satisfied Christians sitting comfortably in their padded pews. He is more keen on the value of short-term ministry than I am, but there is no denying its impact on the one who leaves his comfort zone behind. Theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote The Cost of Discipleship in amidst the horrors of Nazi Germany. Platt challenges us to consider the cost of nondiscipleship to those who are waiting without Christ, to the poor of the world who don’t share our opportunities, and to us who are wasting our resources instead of storing up treasure in heaven.

As someone who has spent most of my adult life in Africa and Latin America, I was appalled at his story of the pastor who challenged his congregation to give generously to the missionary so he would go overseas instead of their own children. That church has missed out, not only on eternal treasure, but also on the riches of being involved in what God is doing in the world.

In the end Platt challenges his readers to a radical, one-year experiment:

Pray systematically for the world using the book Operation World
Read through the Bible in a year
Give financially to a specific purpose, not just missions in general
Spend time in another context, even if it is only a week.
And commit to a “multiplying community”—a local church

If you have blithely assumed that God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life, such an experiment will not fail to be life-changing. God does have a wonderful plan for your life; it just might not be what you were expecting.

I was almost finished with this book before I noticed the small emblem on the unassuming front cover—a house turned upside down. Fitting.
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Feb 29, 2012 Maureen Wagner rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I was really looking forward to reading this book and went in with some high expectations, only to be disappointed.

To start on a positive note, I will say that I was challenged by this book and really enjoyed some parts. In the beginning, Platt offers some wonderful criticisms of American Christianity, which he argues is often practiced within the sheltered context of privilege with an overemphasis on prosperity and comfort ala the American Dream. The discussion about the importance of stepping...more I was really looking forward to reading this book and went in with some high expectations, only to be disappointed.

To start on a positive note, I will say that I was challenged by this book and really enjoyed some parts. In the beginning, Platt offers some wonderful criticisms of American Christianity, which he argues is often practiced within the sheltered context of privilege with an overemphasis on prosperity and comfort ala the American Dream. The discussion about the importance of stepping outside our comfort zone and making our life conform to our faith (not the other way around) really resonated with me.

However, as I progressed through the book I became increasingly bothered by the paternalism and privilege that underscored Platt's assertions. I have three key criticisms:

1. Platt seems to define the average American Christian like the people he sees at his megachurch - wealthy, fully employed, well-educated, and married (or on the road to marriage). In doing so, he neglects the vast diversity within American Christianity, as well as the thousands of American Christians living below the poverty line.

2. While he recognizes that his failure to previously be concerned about the extreme and pervasive poverty in the world as a "blind spot" he spends a good portion of the chapter on this subject offering disclaimers about why being wealthy isn't wrong and meeting people's material needs shouldn't be our chief concern.

3. Platt never considers the power dynamic inherent in mission trips to deeply impoverished areas. While I don't want to discount the great work that missionaries do, I will assert that it is easier to get less privileged and under-educated people to agree with your beliefs (especially when you present them with desperately-needed supplies and services) than it would be to convert socioeconomic peers.

I should also add that the 'evangelism is all-important' theology behind this book does not sit well with me, nor do I believe that God condemns all those who have never heard the Good News and/or were raised in other faiths.

In short, I'm grateful for the ways in this book challenged by own thinking, but I came away bothered by the patronizing and privileged brand of work Platt recommends.(less)

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Feb 01, 2012 Tracey rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Remember that great chapter in John Piper's Don't Waste Your Life, the one about taking risk? Radical is like that. But better. David Platt engages us in this journey, pointing not only to examples in the Bible, but also helping us to see what lives of righteous risk could (should?) look like here and now, in our lives today.

Platt reminds us, "The more our lives are conformed to [Christ's life], the more we will receive what he received in this world." Does he mean wealth, comfort, and success?...more

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Jan 25, 2012 Eric Chappell rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Review: Challenging. While I don't think that I would say things exactly the same way as Platt, I appreciate many of his thoughts. The book was simple and straightforward and dealt principally with Scripture passages. One thing I liked about this book was Platt's refusal to be dogmatic about how radical obedience to the call of Christ might look from Christian to Christian. He appreciates people's life situation, but not at the expense of sell short the call of Christ to go to all nations. This...more

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Jan 19, 2012 Julie (julie37619) added it · review of another edition

I've always been bothered by the whole prosperity gospel - if you pray and tithe, God will give you material things. I'm even bothered by the idea that God wants us to be happy. I think God desires our obedience and our holiness a lot more than he desires our happiness. Of course He loves us and what He has for us will always bring us joy, but if you think about Christians in the persecuted church, you realize that they aren't always "happy". Many of them have lost everything they have and some...more

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Jan 07, 2012 Lynnette rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Written in a very easy to read format, David begins the book with examples of people serving Christ in a radical (out-of-the-ordinary) manner. I enjoyed the first few chapters.

Then, I felt it became much of the same thing over and over. In addition, I felt like he wasn't really talking to me. Or if he was, he certainly didn't understand my life. I don't have a big house, a new expensive car, luxuries, large salary, time to take off (let alone the money to fly to a foreign country) for a short te...more

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Dec 19, 2011 Chris rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Christians

In a way, I feel a little weird writing a review of this book. It's not really the type of book to be reviewed. I mean, sure, I could analyze the author's arguments and major premise. I could point out how many of the chapters focus on his own personal experiences and the experiences of people in his church in order to pull our emotional strings, rather than being based solely on the Word of God. I could note that the five elements of his final challenge to be radical mostly equate to doing thin...more

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Nov 22, 2011 Philip rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Platt’s bestselling work documents what should be clear to most, but somehow is missed by the breadth of evangelicals – the Gospel costs something. Pastor Platt reminds the reader that the call for discipleship is a call for Christians to abandon their desires, wealth, and aspirations at the foot of the cross. The work militates against the cheap grace of the modern era that expects much of Jesus but anticipates giving little in return. Time and again, the writer brings to the readers’ minds sto...more Platt’s bestselling work documents what should be clear to most, but somehow is missed by the breadth of evangelicals – the Gospel costs something. Pastor Platt reminds the reader that the call for discipleship is a call for Christians to abandon their desires, wealth, and aspirations at the foot of the cross. The work militates against the cheap grace of the modern era that expects much of Jesus but anticipates giving little in return. Time and again, the writer brings to the readers’ minds stories of imprisoned and persecuted believers around the world who know what discipleship really means. For any believer who struggles with commitment to Christ (time to be honest), this book is a Godsend. This fascinating little work sends a powerful message to a church which has settled for lethargy. May this generation turn from the false idols of the American Dream and make a difference in the world!

Those who criticize the supposed lack of doctrinal content or immaturity of the work need remind themselves of the issue at stake. Platt is not minimizing the Gospel, he is calling the Church to live the Gospel in all of its breadth. The writer is taking Jesus seriously when He said to “take up your cross and follow me.” With such an emphasis on tearing down the idols that keep modern Christians from following this command, it is no wonder that Platt is being accused of moralizing or socializing the Gospel. The reality is that the Church has become uncomfortable with Bonhoeffer discipleship and reacts against calls to supposed extreme discipleship.

As a reviewer I do have a couple bones to pick with the work. Platt seems to give the reader the impression that our big churches with expensive programs and millions of dollars of wasted money would be better invested in outreach around the world. This is all well and good, but the writer seems to justify the multi-million dollar sanctuary that he preaches in every Sunday. It seems that a better explanation here would be insightful for the reader. Why not set the example by selling the facilities, meeting in houses, and giving the money to a cause in Africa or Asia? Secondly, Platt does not spend enough time clarifying how one should give to the poor. It would have been helpful for him to recommend some options or to spell out how to go about the process.

All in all, this book is greatly needed in the shallow modern American church. Platt sounds the alarm that the danger in the blindspot is looming dangerously close and that, unless something radical is done, the Church stands to do great harm to itself. There are times when this thought shakes this reviewer to the core (pardon the personal aside here). Is it possible that my children will look at me and shake their heads at what little impact I made in the world with such a great financial opportunity just as I shake my head at the generations before me that did so little to solve the racial problems of America? Maybe its time for modern American Christianity to put down the American Dream and take up a cross and follow Christ.(less)

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Sep 21, 2011 Kayla rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: christian-living

The American Dream. It’s something we’re conditioned to long for, work towards, and (hopefully) someday attain. It involves long hours of working to pay for “necessities,” like flat screen TVs and a better car than our parents had. Our house has to “enough space” – meaning more than we really need. We have financial goals, like having a nice cushion of cash to retire on. All this and more… at what cost?

In Radical by David Platt, he examines this mindset and, as my dad put it while we we discussi...more The American Dream. It’s something we’re conditioned to long for, work towards, and (hopefully) someday attain. It involves long hours of working to pay for “necessities,” like flat screen TVs and a better car than our parents had. Our house has to “enough space” – meaning more than we really need. We have financial goals, like having a nice cushion of cash to retire on. All this and more… at what cost?

In Radical by David Platt, he examines this mindset and, as my dad put it while we we discussing the book, “it’s a slap-in-the-face.” You think you’re doing just fine, but when Platt tells you of his experiences with the persecuted church, you begin to realize how we’ve lost the meaning of “faith.” “I am convinced that we as Christ followers in American churches have embraced values and ideas that are not only unbiblical but that actually contradict the gospel we claim to believe.” (p. 3) We don’t understand total obedience the way the disciples did; we do “just enough” to satisfy our convicted consciences and move on.

Platt takes a look at different Scriptures throughout his book (which are conveniently noted at the back of the book by chapter and order), and discusses issues such as our lack of fervor for studying God’s Word. We are afraid that if we stop and really look at God in his Word, we might discover that he evokes greater awe and demands deeper worship than we are ready to give him. (p. 29) Everything in all creation responds in obedience to the Creator…until we get to you and me. We have the audacity to look God in the face and say, “No.” (p. 31) To know the Creator for Who He is and how He has conducted Himself from before time began, we have to be in His Word. This chapter challenged me to return to my First Love and fall in love with Him all over again. To desire to read His Word. And to desire to discuss it with others, rather than discussing who’s going to the playoffs or what the latest-greatest movie is all about.

Platt also talks about the importance of relying on God’s power. The dangerous assumption we unknowingly accept in the American dream is that our greatest asset is our own ability. (p. 46) In direct contradiction to the American dream, God actually delights in exalting our inability. (p. 47) In that chapter, Platt talks about how God desires to empower those who willingly set themselves aside in order to make much of Him. How little I trust Him!

I could quote this book for days. I’m pretty sure I highlighted at least every other page, and I definitely highlighted something on more pages than I left blank. In so many ways, God used this book in my life to refocus my attention. My money – I can spend it frivolously, I can save it selfishly, or I can give it away freely. My time – I can hoard it, I can give it away to those who “deserve” it, or I can share it openly with those who need it. My prayer – I can focus inwardly, or I can focus outwardly.

While this book it definitely a “slap-in-the-face,” it was a much needed read. It took a while for me to get through, even though it’s only 216 pages. Much of this was because it was so convicting that even though I wanted to read it, part of me couldn’t handle any more conviction. My theme of Simple Elegance beat strongly throughout this book, which is why I wanted to continue reading it. Here are Scriptural examples of how we are supposed to live simple lives for the sake of the God of the Gospel. Whether you want a challenging book or not, I highly recommend this book. (less)

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