Radical by David Platt is one of the books that has been enjoying lots of word of mouth among American Calvinists (mainly neo-Calvinists) since its release. When I had the opportunity to get a review copy, I took it. I wanted to read it to see what the buzz was about, and the topic interests me.
“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.”
Years ago, I preached my Advent series from Revelation. One of those sermons was on the dual strategies of the Evil One to destroy the church. The Beast represents governments that persecute the church. The Prostitute represents seduction, as the world seduces the church such that she slowly becomes like the world. In some countries the church experiences persecution, but here in America we face the Seductress. It goes without saying that the message was not well received by some. So, that being said, I get what David Platt is trying to say in his book.
This is not a new subject. Michael Horton has written numerous books on the subject of how American Christianity has been warped by American values (instead of the influence going the other way). People like Ron Sider, Francis Chan and a host of others have tackled this subject in the 25 years since Christ rescued me. In fact, this book is part Horton (he stresses some theological ideas contrary to American thought- Calvinism), part Francis Chan (a ‘radical’ approach) and part Ron Sider (“pack your bags, we’re going on a guilt trip). Which makes this a difficult book to review.
“A command for us to be gospel-living, gospel-speaking people at every moment and in every context where we find ourselves.”
Radical is not as good as the hype nor as bad as most (poorly informed) critics make it out to be. But let me start with some good things, because there are things I appreciate about the book. There are things the American Church needs to reckon with regarding how we’ve been seduced by our corner of the world.
After considering the idea of justice, Tim Keller moves to the topic of Justice and the Old Testament in his 2nd chapter of 
Glenn Beck has spread lots of heat, but not much light, on the issue of social justice. The topic is confusing, particularly since people mean different things by the term. But the Bible clearly teaches that God is concerned about social justice (just read the Minor Prophets) and that we should be too (try Isaiah too).
Cavman Considers 