Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream – David Platt

1. Full Citation

Platt, D. (2010) Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream. Colorado Springs, CO: Multnomah Books.

2. Introduction

Radical challenges contemporary Christians to reconsider the comforts of modern American Christianity and return to a more authentic, sacrificial, and mission-focused faith modeled on the teachings of Jesus.

3. Author Background and Credentials

David Platt is an evangelical pastor and author known for his strong emphasis on global missions and discipleship.

4. Summary of Contents

Key themes include:

  1. Countercultural Faith
    • Rejecting materialism and complacency.
  2. Sacrificial Discipleship
    • Following Jesus’ call to radical obedience.
  3. Global Missions
    • Engaging in the Great Commission.
  4. Biblical Authority
    • Submitting to Scripture as the guide.
  5. Urgency of the Gospel
    • Living with eternal perspective.

5. Critical Evaluation

a. Coherence and Argumentation

Passionate and clear call to transformative faith.

b. Originality and Intellectual Contribution

Reorients Christian priorities toward biblical radicalism.

c. Evidence, Sources, and Method

Scripture-based with contemporary examples.

d. Style and Accessibility

Direct, engaging, and accessible prose.

e. Limitations and Critiques

May be perceived as confrontational or idealistic.

6. Comparative Context

Compared with:

  • The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer – Radical discipleship
  • Crazy Love by Francis Chan – Passionate Christian living
  • Radical Christianity by Michael Horton – Theological exploration

7. Thematic or Disciplinary Relevance

Relevant to:

  • Evangelical theology and missions
  • Discipleship and Christian ethics
  • Practical theology
  • Contemporary Christian movements

8. Reflection or Practical Application

Challenges readers to live a faith marked by sacrifice and mission focus.

9. Conclusion

Radical remains a compelling challenge to modern Christians seeking authentic discipleship.

Recommended for: Pastors, church leaders, mission workers, and committed believers.

10. Other Works by the Same Author

  • Follow Me
  • Counter Culture
  • Something Needs to Change

11. Similar Books by Other Authors

  • Dietrich Bonhoeffer – The Cost of Discipleship
  • Francis Chan – Crazy Love
  • Michael Horton – Radical Christianity

12. References (only if external works are cited)

  • Platt, D. (2010) Radical
  • Bonhoeffer, D. (1937) The Cost of Discipleship
  • Chan, F. (2008) Crazy Love
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