TAKING BACK YOUR FAITH

David Platt, when he became pastor of the Church at Brook Hill, Birmingham, Alabama, was considered the youngest mega-church pastor in the USA. That, in part, is what makes this book so intriguing.

Platt loves the Asian mission field. And he has been changed forever by his up close and intimate relationship with the underground church there: their love of the Word, their courage, the sacrifices made by these people because they are Christ-followers, their generosity, their detachment from money and things. Theirs is a “radical” faith. And yet, Platt concludes, this is normal Christianity the way Jesus intended it.

Love for the Word is sadly lacking here in the USA, according to Platt. So is lack of community, lack of compassion and evangelistic zeal . . . all influenced by the “American dream” which Platt defines in this way: “The dangerous assumption we unknowingly accept in the American dream is that our greatest asset is our own ability. The American dream prizes what people can accomplish when they believe in themselves and trust in themselves . . .” p.46.

This book was difficult for me to read. Platt challenges me at several levels: compassion, sacrificial giving, evangelism, Bible-love, etc. The only exception I have is his chapter on Romans 1 and 2. He seems to have little interest in exploring the possibility of previent grace.

Overall, a challenging book. I’m thinking about using it for a Bible study soon.

Out of 5 stars, a solid 4-1/2. No, make that 4-3/4.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

David Joseph Platt is an American pastor. He is currently the president of the Southern Baptist Convention's International Mission Board, and he is also the author of this New York Times Best Seller Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream. Platt released a follow-up book, Radical Together: Unleashing the People of God for the Purpose of God. And he released Follow Me: A Call to Die. a Call to Live, which included an introduction by Francis Chan. Platt recently founded a resource ministry, Radical.net, dedicated to serving the church and making disciples of all nations. Click HERE.