A Review of "Radical" by David Platt

I'm typically skeptical of any Christian book that is currently popular in the bestseller lists. Much of what is popular reading in evangelical Christianity is fell-good fluff devoid of much theological or Biblical content. So when I first picked up Radical by David Platt earlier this summer, I was somewhat apprehensive. However, my impression was quickly changed by Platt's convicting presentation of Biblical truth.

David Platt, the senior pastor of Brooks Hills Church in Birmingham, Alabama, wrote Radical to expose what he sees as "blind spot" in American Evangelical Christianity. Platt's assault on our current watered-down "easy-believism" version of Christianity is both direct and accurate. Platt argues that American Christianity has been infiltrated by the materialistic philosophy of the American Dream, resulting in a version of Christianity that barely resembles the Biblical call to self-sacrificing discipleship. Radical calls readers to return to a "radical abandonment to Jesus Christ."

In these areas, I found Radical to be both helpful and convicting. Platt's analysis of our comfortable Christianity is spot on. His passionate call to sacrificial discipleship is timely. I have often felt that my Christian walk is far too cautious and comfortable when compared to Christ's calls to sacrificial obedience. I absolutely love Platt's basic argument that all we do in the Christian life should be done because Jesus Christ is our Treasure. Why should I take up a cross and follow? Because Christ is worth it. Why should I give up my own dreams and desires? Because Christ is worth it. In the big scheme of things, there really is no such thing as a sacrifice since the gain is infinitely greater the loss.

Another strong point in Radical is the emphasis it places on disciple-making. God's plan is for His people to make disciples of every nation. Far too often, we view the Great Commission as a command to make converts, when in reality it is a command to make disciples. Platt does well in emphasizing this truth.     

Nonetheless, I do have a few cautions regarding some elements in this book. I feel that the biggest danger is that the book unintentionally fuels misconceptions about the nature of a devoted life to Christ. What many readers will walk away with is that we as Christians need to move overseas and give our money to help the poor in Africa. While I appreciate Platt's emphasis on this often-neglected point of sacrificial giving, it would be quite easy to conclude that radical Christianity is little more than going on missions trips and giving to the poor. The reality is that often the radical abandonment Christ calls us to is not some glamorous sacrifice, but simple obedience in the gritty details of everyday life.

Another caution is this: in seeking to encourage us to see the needs of the world, Platt appeals to a sense of guilt to motivate sacrificial giving. While I most certainly do believe that we have an enormous responsibility that comes with our great wealth, we should not feel guilty when we purchase french fries. Some sections of book border on social gospel (i.e. let's fulfill the gospel by feeding the poor). Nonetheless, an important takeaway from the book is that each of us do have a responsibility to wisely use the resources that God has given us to meet both physical and spiritual needs.

My remaining caution regards what is left unsaid in the book. There ought to be no question of if we should give sacrificially, but there should be careful consideration of how we give. While Platt strongly preaches the importance of sacrificial giving to the needs of the world, he fails to explain the Biblical guidelines in doing so. Scripture teaches that the needs of fellow-believers take precedence over the needs of the world (Gal. 6:10). Furthermore, I Timothy 5:8 clearly states that the needs of our families are preeminent. We would be disobedient to Scripture if we were to sell all we owned to feed the poor of India while a family member or church member struggled. We should not be indiscriminate with our financial sacrifice; rather, we should seek to follow the Biblical parameters to meet needs as the Spirit guides us individually.

Overall, Radical is an engaging, practical, and convicting book. I would highly recommend it, as it will challenge you to greater devotion in your walk with Christ. Read it with discernment and allow the Holy Spirit to lead you and empower you to live in reckless abandonment to Jesus Christ.