Mark's #11 - Radical Together by David Platt (2011)

In 2010 I read and reviewed Radical by David Platt.  That book has been a powerful tool for millions of Christians to refocus on the stunning implications of the gospel for their lives, churches, and the world.  In 2011, at The Harbor, using that book we launched the year long Radical Experiment.   Needless to say, I loved the book.

However, there was some resistance, or perhaps misunderstanding of the book, not only by those who do not want the American Dream challenged, but even by those who share Platt's evangelical theological convictions.  In sum, it was argued that the book put undue pressure and burdens on Christians and misplaced emphasis on actions rather than gospel proclamation.  From these well respected brothers, Platt humbly received their criticism of the book, and thanked them for their mentorship. 

In Radical Together, Platt returns to similar themes of the first book, but with more of an emphasis to clarify what he believes God's Word really does call Christians too.  Here he emphasizes the need for churches to reevaluate every church program in light of the gospel and the mission of God.  He shows that the gospel that saves us from work, also saves us to work... and the gospel, empowered by the Word of God and the Spirit of God is what ultimately does the work, so that in salvation and in the fruit of the works, God gets the glory.

I anticipated that Platt would address his critics and clarify his positions, which he did.  However, I expected, from the book title, that there would be more of a focus on how communities of faith can come together to live out these radical implications hand-in-hand.   This did not seem to be much of an emphasis in the book.  There were plenty of anecdotal stories of individuals and small groups of people doing this, but no game plan or emphasis for churches as a whole.

The other small critique of the book is its length. Minus the group discussion guides in the back, the book is only about 130 pages long. Some people may avoid spending money on such a short book, which is too bad because each chapter has some really encouragement and insights for followers of Christ.

JRF's #50 - Radical by David Platt

Since this book has already been reviewed multiple times on this site, I originally had wanted to attempt to respond to some of the criticisms the book has received.  Well it's Dec 31st and I have yet to do so.  Perhaps next year.

For the time being, suffice it to say that I believe that most of the critcism comes from one of two reasons: they don't like what Platt has to say and try to cover up their conviction with complex theological goobly-gook... or have read it and are knee-jerk reacting not to what Platt actually says but to what they think he says.  Much of the criticism of Radical makes it sound as if Platt is promoting some kind of social gospel or salvation by good works.  Perhaps an undiscerning (and/or intoxicated) reader could come away with this conclusion, but what Platt actually says is the exact opposite.  Radical calls Christians back to the Biblical truth that God not only saves us from the wages of our sin but saves us for God, glorifying good works (Matt 5:16;Eph 2:10;...etc).

My own criticism is brief: I hate the title.  I think the word Radical gets people thinking that this a Shane Claiborne type book from the get go and out come the jerking knees.  But the real reason I don't like the title is because what David Platt writes about here is not radical Christianity - its' normative, Biblical Christianity.  True, when compared to normative American christianity it will look radical but I think that just shows that what passes for christianity in much of the US (and any nominal christian subculture) is in fact not Christianity at all.

This is a must read if you can read, have $20 and love Jesus.

Jim's #11: Radical by David Platt

So I know I'm way behind the times on this one, but as much as I procrastinate in reading, I'm even worse when it comes to writing.

There really isn't a ton to say about this book that hasn't already been mentioned in the previous 7 posts about it.  I would just like to say that I really, thoroughly, enjoyed this book.  I found it instructive, challenging, enlightening, convicting, and encouraging all at once (probably some other ones too).  I think David Platt does a masterful job of making even the difficult aspects of the Christian life and doctrine approachable and understandable.  They are still hard, but you'll have a hard time refuting his logic and scriptural evidence.

I was very encouraged in my time at the Harbor to see the congregation take ownership of the book and its content.  I especially loved walking through the book with our community group as we had an incredible group that shared openly about what the book was revealing and strengthening in their walks.  What a blessing to have a group of believers that want nothing more than to see God move and work in their midst.  I'm excited for what the rest of the year holds for the Harbor.

I've heard plenty of people say that it shouldn't be titled "Radical" but simply "Christian".  It's sad that basic aspects of the Christian walk seem radical to so many today, but I have noticed even in myself, that the reminder of those truths is a constant necessity in my life if I am to keep walking by faith while avoiding the pursuit of the American Dream.  I hope that this book finds its way into the hands of many.  I saw it on the Barnes and Nobles rack for buy 1 get 1 free ... hopefully that will help :)