Is it just my imagination, or have I encountered lately more than one set of church leaders who have become a bit … I don’t know… disenchanted with the outcome of too radical a response to “Radical” (the book)? The first couple of times I encountered it, I guess I brushed it off. Maybe those church leaders just weren’t spiritual enough. Or maybe they were whiners. :-) But then, after seeing it in multiple cases, am I starting to see a bit of push-back? See if you’ve spotted any of these trends in your own world, among Radical-readers:
*** A tendency to become a bit overly-judgmental (even overly-critical?) of those who “just don’t get it” — You can spot this situation because those who have fully bought into the book will be complaining (not just a little) about those who haven’t. I have to wonder if this expanding divide is healthy.
*** Disrespecting church buildings — Isn’t it ironic that the author of Radical, who criticizes mega-churches, big budgets, and big buildings still preaches at a mega-church, has a big budget, and a big building? (Set your favorite search engine to search images, and type in “church at brook hills.”) Is it any wonder that I’m seeing some Radical-push-back from certain church staffers who were previously hoping to build a bit of momentum for a new auditorium? I’m not suggesting we shouldn’t sharpen our pencils prior to each new capital campaign. But nor am I convinced that every church building is directly from Satan, either.
*** Sermons on books instead of on Bible passages — Of course, this isn’t limited just to Radical readers, but, does anybody else wish we could get back to sermons that are based on real in-depth Bible passages, rather than people who are preaching through chapters of trendy books?
Keep in mind, I’m only asking the questions. You’ll have to give me the answers in the Comment boxes that follow the web version of this item. And please don’t assume that I’m anti-‘Radical.’ The book has done much to call churches back to an interest in world evangelism. I’m only asking — are we seeing a bit of backlash here?
RADICAL is a timely piece that is certainly needed to wake up the church of the need to share Good News – especially in difficult places, where some have NEVER, EVER heard the name of our Lord and Saviour.
The author was not criticizing mega-churches per se; it is what often accompanies mega churches.
Is there a ‘push-back” trend of the RADICAL? May be; one can expect it for any such challenge. However, I trust that the message would go out and stun and stir Christian believers at the urgency to share God’s love – especially to the least reached areas.
I didn’t read the book but watched the sermon series online. I found the series convicting and encouraging. It gave me a glimpse into the lives of the 1st century believers. We can hardly identify ourselves with them today.
I was reminded that our work is continuous and that the Spirit will help us become more radical for Him.
Living the Chistian life with full Radiical abandon is the least we can do for our King Jesus. This book had a lot to do with us cutting free of the American Dream and moving to the mission field of the Dominican Republic full time. Fantastic book!
Seems an intergal part of RADICAL living like Jesus, demands that we leave the judgment of any servant to his Master! I believe Platt is trying to find his way following Jesus through the maze of the “American Dream”. Those who either dismiss what it says with a criticism or jump on people whom they discern to be inadequately RADICAL are pkrobably using energy better directed toward fulling discerning God’s will for their personal walk!