Is "Radical" too Radical?

We have a love-hate relationship with radicals.  On the one hand, we admire their commitment to their cause (and are possibly secretly envious of their focused devotion).  On the other hand, sometimes we just want them to shut up and talk about something other than their cause.  We are okay with Muslims who practice their religion peacefully, but then label terrorists who attribute their to their faith as "radicals."  Politically, "radical" is the preferred adjective to malign those who differ from your views.  After all, how can you fight against a "moderate" without being viewed as the bully?  And yet, when we personally discover a cause worth giving our life to, we easily become radical.

A few years ago, Pastor David Platt released Radical: taking back your faith from the American Dream and it became an instant bestseller.  After all - we are both attracted and repelled by radical manifestos.  I finally read this book - and I have to say that I agree completely.  In the book, Platt argues that too many followers of Jesus have given their time, attention, energy and money to pursuing the so-called "American Dream" of status, success, comfort and wealth.  And he is right.  As the pastor of a wealthy, suburban mega-church, he speaks from a position of "been-there-done-that" and therefore is not a small-timer with questionable motives taking pot-shots at large churches.  He confesses and struggles with the reality that as American Christians, we spend too much our personal and church money and time creating comfortable Christianity.  Through a simple investigation of Jesus' teachings, Platt challenges Christians to be true, radical Jesus followers.

If you are a follower of Jesus who is tired of church programs, you need to read this book.  If you claim to be a Christian based on a prayer you prayed years ago, you need to read this book.  But be ready to be shaken.  You will feel the conviction of the Holy Spirit.

Pastor David Platt in India

One warning, though. As you read this book, you will wonder if you are really saved.  You will probably ask yourself if you are really good enough, or radical enough to be saved.  I counseled a friend who really struggle with this book.  Therefore, I would encourage you to not read this alone.  Remember that it is by grace you are saved, through faith in Jesus.  And David Platt would agree with that.  He is not advocating salvation by human obedience or good deeds!  But he does recognize that conversion and following Jesus necessarily results in good works and good fruit, and in the absence of both, one might want to seriously consider if they have truly repented of their sins.

In the end, David Platt casts a compelling vision for an experiment that will change you and will change the world.  There is no sense of manipulation or empty promises.  He is not an old-fashioned preacher who is just trying to guilt-trip his readers into a simple prayer.  He believes in the power and the promises of Jesus - that a life lived for Jesus alone is the best way to live!