Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream by David Platt
The Champions book club that I am in at our church, recently read the book Radical by David Platt. Even though I missed the monthly discussion time due to throwing out my back getting my daughter out of her car seat, I thought that I would share my thoughts on the book.
It is a worthwhile read. The premise is that the American version of Christianity is not Biblical. As Americans, we are living in a world full of bigger everything. Bigger churches, bigger budgets, bigger houses, bigger cars. But, Jesus tells the rich king to sell everything and follow him. That is hard for us to do because we don't believe that God will take care of our needs. Notice that the author says NEEDS and not wants.
Outside the US, the world lives is desperate proverty. Children die from lack of food and water. And all the while, the American church sits in a pew listening to a missionary and we think "I will give some money to him as long as God does not ask me to go to (fill in the blank)."
The book is heart opening and made me think about what I am doing with my money. Am I buying my wants or my needs? Am I trusting God for what I need? Not like I should be.
Are you? I would read Radical by David Platt and see for yourself.
Faith Begins At Home by Mark Holmen
I just finished reading the book Faith Begins At Home by Mark Holmen. The book describes five areas for makeovers within a family: the home, the parents, the children, the extended family and the church. It gives practical examples of how to makeover each area that are easy implement and seem that they would be effective.
The Parenting Makeover section was interesting to me because I want to be able to connect with my girls early on. At this stage, connection is easy. Spending time with them playing or doing an activity is about all they need. But, when the teenage years come, that is a different ball game. One of the stories that is shared is about a father listening to his sons music that didn't have a Christian message. So, the dad went to the Christian bookstore, asked for some CD's that were a similiar genre as what he listened to and purchased a few of them. Then when they were in the car together, the dad asked if he could play a new CD he just bought. The son was surprised by what was coming out of the speakers. Dad then gave him the CD's.
That is just one example of a makeover that was made within a family. The book has many others that are just as easy and may make a family closer. I would highly recommend the book for any family. It is an easy read even for the busy stay at home dad.
