Grey Liliy reviewed Radical by David Platt
Review of 'Radical' on 'Goodreads'
4 stars
Split down the middle with this one between a 3/4, but I think the good stuff is good enough that you should read it.
I think there is a lot of good in this book. Care for the poor. Don't be selfish. Remember God loves everybody--here, there or wherever they are--and of course the urgency of scripture & how it relates to others' salvations. It brings attention to things we tend not to think about, and the reminder that personal relationships and one-on-ones are more valuable than giant group projects, etc.
If I had to pick out a fault, it's very repetitive. Chapters are pretty formulaic (I am definitely over simplifying here, just remember that): 1) Here's a story where I see real poverty in person. 2) Here's how much more they appear to love Christ than the people at home do (that'd be you, reader). 3) Here's why you …
Split down the middle with this one between a 3/4, but I think the good stuff is good enough that you should read it.
I think there is a lot of good in this book. Care for the poor. Don't be selfish. Remember God loves everybody--here, there or wherever they are--and of course the urgency of scripture & how it relates to others' salvations. It brings attention to things we tend not to think about, and the reminder that personal relationships and one-on-ones are more valuable than giant group projects, etc.
If I had to pick out a fault, it's very repetitive. Chapters are pretty formulaic (I am definitely over simplifying here, just remember that): 1) Here's a story where I see real poverty in person. 2) Here's how much more they appear to love Christ than the people at home do (that'd be you, reader). 3) Here's why you should feel bad. 4) Here's what you do about it.
How much he's right about it, and how much he isn't I couldn't tell you. I do agree with quite a bit of it though (setting price limits, being aware of where your money is going, making an effort to reach people and to actually get out there and see them--not just throw money at them, etc.)--I think my main issue is he goes back and forth a lot and it's sort of a mixed message.
To paraphrase: "If you're not out serving the poor in a third world country you don't really love God and you're just giving lip service!" A beat later: "Now, I'm not saying that if you're not out serving the poor in a third world country you don't really love God...."
It's a little confusing, and something to chew on. I recommend reading it for yourself and seeing what you get from it.
