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Church
Will "Radical" Christianity Have Any Effect on the American Church?
by
Jonathan Merritt
Over-sized mansions, super-sized French fries, and sport utility vehicles. These are the marks of contemporary America, and we’re proud of them. After all, these are the tangible products of the “American dream,” a concept that promotes ingenuity and hard work as the means to financial abundance. We are a people who believe in certain unalienable rights—life, liberty, and the pursuit of opulence. Wouldn’t questioning the validity of such things be, well, un-American?
Actually, a new generation of American faithful is questioning whether such things are inconsistent with the Christian Gospel. The way of Jesus, they say, is focused on others rather than self, on generosity not wealth. While the American dream exalts personal promotion, the Christian Gospel emphasizes downward mobility. We become the greatest when we become the least.
Proponents of this paradigm highlight Jesus’ teaching that it is nearly impossible for the rich to enter God’s kingdom (Mark 10:25), and that a poor person is in a better position to receive the Gospel (Luke 6:24-25). Jesus did, after all, make clear that God and money are at odds, and we much choose which we’ll serve (Matthew 6:24). Such may be a shocking revelation for some American Christians trying to clinch both.
A prominent voice leading this charge is
David Platt
, a Southern Baptist minister who became “the youngest megachurch pastor in America” at age 26. His new job bred in him uneasiness in light of what he sees as the New Testament message, and inspired his
New York Times
bestselling book,
Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream
.
Jesus, he says, was a “mini-church pastor” who made following him difficult. He turned people away with exhortations to eat his flesh and drink his blood (John 6:53) and hate your family (Luke 14:26). Christ was laser-focused on the poor and oppressed, and often had harsh words for the wealthy. Christians who think like Platt emphasize Jesus’ exhortation to the rich, young ruler to give up his wealth and follow him (Matthew 19:16-22). As they see it, Jesus doesn’t just upset the rich, young ruler; it upset rich Americans.
But this radical Jesus isn’t the Lord preached in many pulpits today, is it? Our Americanized Jesus seems to be okay with massive building budgets, suburban estates, and personal wealth, even in the face of global poverty, suffering, disease and hunger. The average church today spends more money on personnel and utilities than missions or benevolence. Our silence on this discrepancy indicates that we believe the Son of Man is cool with the set-up.
[
View Chris Seay's Q Talk on "Consumerism."
]
“When we gather in our church building to sing and lift up our hands in worship, we may not actually be worshiping the Jesus of the Bible,” Platt writes. “Instead, we may be worshiping ourselves.”
Platt’s arguments aren’t new. Ron Sider’s book
Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger: Moving from Affluence to Generosity
released decades ago and is now in its fifth edition. The new monastic movement, led by figures like Shane Claiborne and Jonathan Wilson-Hargrove, has also gained momentum in recent years. What’s significant about Platt’s perspective is that it is coming from a solidly conservative voice in the evangelical mainstream and has released in the midst of a financial crisis that’s spurring a recalibration of economic norms.
“Platt’s arguments are old, but they emerge at a postexcess moment, when attitudes toward material life are up for grabs. His book has struck a chord. His renunciation tome is selling like hotcakes. Reviews are warm,”
writes David Brooks
of
The New York Times
. “Leaders at places like the Southern Baptist Convention are calling on citizens to surrender the American dream.”
But that leaves cultural observers with a significant question:
Will this “radical” Christianity have any real effect on the American Church?
It seems doubtful to me. Despite the squeeze placed on many church budgets and personal incomes by the recession, I don’t see hordes of believers selling their possessions, moving to the developing world, or throwing off aspirations of affluence. I haven’t. And I can’t name a single megachurch pastor anywhere who has sold his or her church property and given the money to the poor. The distinctly American Gospel that tolerates luxury in the face of suffering doesn’t seem to be fading at any measurable rate, despite the efforts of the Platts, Siders, and Claibornes.
David Brooks agrees: “I doubt that we’re about to see a surge of iPod shakers. Americans will not renounce the moral materialism at the core of their national identity.”
The strength of wealth’s allure is now painfully apparent, but it is also disheartening. I often wonder what judgment Christians in 50 or 500 years will lay upon us when they survey our lifestyles through the prism of the New Testament. Will they look on us with bewilderment and disdain or will they sympathize with the dream we call “American?” Only time will tell, but I for one hope that in time these revolutionary perspectives on faith will penetrate the ranks of the Christian elite as we consider together what it means to follow Jesus. Perhaps laying our homes, bank accounts, and SUVs at the feet of Christ for his glory and the sake of others is less radical and more reasonable than we realize.
-----
Have you read any of the works mentioned above, and if so, did you find them convincing? Do you see a move toward this "radical" type of Christianity in your life and faith community?
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Comments
Jeremy Keegan
I have read "Radical" and thought it was great and appropriate for Christianity today. However, I agree with the assessment above that wealth is too powerfully tied to what we call the Church today, to see it separated any time soon.
One year ago, I started out as a "church planter." I was in seminary, and was going to Exponential in April and was planning to plant a church in my area just as so many others had done. But the more I explored ideas and moved forward, I felt God challenging some of my mainstream assumptions. I read "Deliberate Simplicity" by Dave Browning, "No Perfect People Allowed" by John Burke, "Radical" by Platt, "AND" by Halter and Smay, "The Hole in the Gospel" by Richard Stearns, "Guerilla Lovers" by Vince Antonnucci, and many others that influenced me to seek a different direction. I dropped out of seminary - because I felt it was taking my time and money more than it was giving to me. I abandoned my original church plant plans and adopted new ones - ones in which I will be a leader and not get paid - in fact, we won't even have a bank account or be a legal entity. We won't buy property, or even rent space - because that money needs to go to people who need it more than we do (globally and locally). I've stopped attending a regular weekly service and instead spend time with my neighbors, eating and talking with them. We're still going to "plant" a church in this area - but it will be radically different than all the other ones here. We feel people already beginning to resonate with the ideas, and as we've talked it over and over with people, it appeals to different generations and walks of life.
I think the mainstream church will continue on for a long while without changing much. But I do feel like there is a movement back towards the margins, to a more radical way of Christian living that is slowly gaining momentum and resonating with people. For a long time we've prayed two conflicting prayers: 1) we want revival and growth, 2) we want security and comfort. Examining the Bible shows that those two don't exist together. Under persecution did the church grow most rapidly. On the margins of society is where the Kingdom was most experienced. Some people see that, some don't.
The quandry of this argument though is that the mainstream church still manages to do some good as is. They do outreach, and baptize new believers. So I'm not saying they're wrong - only that perhaps there's a ceiling that can't be surpassed while in the mainstream. They can do good, but only so much. What percentage of those millions in mainstream church are being transformed by the renewing of their minds? The same challenge is to be issued to non-mainstream churches too, to be fair.
So, to answer the question now succinctly, yes, I do see a move towards more radical Christianity in my life and faith community, and I think it's a good thing. At the same time, I love all my fellow Christians in whatever "stream" they live and thank God for all the ways He is at work around us.
Ronnica
I have read RADICAL and found it a refreshing wake-up call. Despite it's popularity, I agree that I don't anticipate it having much of a difference. We American Christians are too quick to blame others as the problem and not take responsibility for our share (definitely talking about myself here!). Thanks for the reminder to return to a more Biblical view of possessions...seems like I need reminders often.
John
A lot depends on whether the "radicals" do their homework, and their leg work.
Willard Swartley, a Mennonite NT professor, has a book, Covenant of Peace: The Missing Peace in New Testament Theology and Ethics,
http://www.eerdmans.com/shop/product.asp?p_key=9780802829375
/>
some of if available for reading at google, well as the excerpt at Eerdmans.
Swartley has another book available for free reading and download online, Send Forth Your Lights: a Vision for Peace, Mission and Worship.
http://www.ebooksdownloadfree.com/Languages-and-Culture/Send-Forth-Your-Light-BI7107.html
Both of these books will be shocks to most evangelicals, who, certainly by Mennonite and Anabaptist standards, have been clueless about discipleship to Jesus.
Then regarding legwork - Christian Community Development Association just had their annual conference in Chicago. They had 3000 people attend. When 20,000 and more are attending, then we will begin to have some sign that "radical Christianity" is beginning to have some effect.
http://www.ccda.org/conference
We will see. I am not holding my breath.
Kenneth Poague
I have read "Radical", and I believe it is biblically sound and quite relevant for the church in all ages. I do not believe it will become widely popular because of its demand for radical commitment to Jesus Christ (who, by the way, was radically committed to saving sinners).
However, I do believe that it will lead to a fairly large remnant of true believers making significant lifestyle changes as we come to the realization that our treasure is in heaven. As it has been said, we need to live simply so others can simply live.
I pray that the Lord will lead many of us to put up treasure in heaven and seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, so He is glorified and the unbelievers may benefit physically and spiritually. The church needs to be shaken (Heb. 12:26-28; 1 Pet. 4:17).
Lee
Sadly Jonathan is probably right. Despite the very good writing and thoughts that Platt puts forth, I don't see any wealthy selling their houses and moving into inner cities or to third world countries with the idea of serving the poor and homeless and hungry. My hope is that "Radical" will cause people to take pause and reflect on their personal lifestyle and maybe, just maybe make financial decisions that will benefit others.
Greg
We need to be careful about using the terms wealthy and rich and assume thats always "they" since regardless of your income, if you live in the US you are by definition both of these compared to 2/3rds of the world. We also need to think in a larger context about selling everything and moving somewhere to be with the poor. It's not about becoming poor just so we can say we did it. That's still a selfish form of idolatry. God's call may be to do that for some but it also is about using what he provides to you to make a difference in the lives of those in need. I believe it was Wesley who stated, "Make all you can, save all you can, give all you can." Maybe God's call is to launch the next "it" product but use your resources to build homes for the poor, wells for the thirsty, etc... We just need to be careful about assuming that wealth is evil. Providing jobs and security for a few hundred people is a significant act as long as it is done correctly. Teh challenge for us is to determine how much is enough and then being disciplined about using our excess to make a difference.
Jonathan Merritt
Greg,
You make a a good point. Using the term wealthy or rich to describe a tribe of people isn't always helpful because it seems to refer to a them rather than an us.
Jm
CJ
I haven't yet read Radical but look forward to doing so in the near future. Similar to Greg's comment, I believe this is really about stewardship, which includes both time and resources. The apostle Paul learned to be content in times of plenty and in times of need (Phil 4). The same passage where Jesus tells us we cannot serve both God and mammon also tells us that "he who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much" (Luke 16). And in the parable of the talents, the servants who are "faithful over a few things" were made to "rule over many things" while also hearing "Well done, good and faithful servant(s)" (Matt. 25).
I don't know (yet) how Platt really handles Jesus' exhortations and interactions with the rich, but I don't believe it was the rich with whom Jesus had a problem b/c they were rich, but rather those who could not get beyond their own idolatry, comeuppance, greed and condescension, especially when there were those around them who were suffering. As James tells us "He who knows the good he ought to do and does not do, it is a sin" (James 4). Proverbs 3:27 has a similar exhortation.
I absolutely believe many American Christians significantly depart from the Jesus of the Bible, as evidenced by materialism financed by debt, along with other attributes such as high divorce rates. Interestingly, I know several Christians who have been severely impacted by the recession, and it is through their financial suffering that they are learning about contentment, stewardship and trusting God for provision--even when that means downsizing and giving up what they once thought were "needs".
CJ
Skilker
With America's wealth seemingly in decline the church may be forced to embrace a new paradigm. There is already movement towards churches without walls. Justifying vast church budgets may simply become impossible. The question is can we embrace living sacrificially for others as opposed to "giving " out of our excess?
Frankly I think there are many who long for a simpler way of life and "doing church".
The gap between what we read in God's word and the way we live has grown so very wide. This has become glaringly obvious not only to the body of Christ but long ago to an unbelieving and skeptical world.
Heidi Roberts
I read many of these remarks with a saddened heart.
Precisely what I am reading here is what David and others are speaking of. It's the attitudes of the heart, not of the wallet, that are at issue. When we focus exclusively on this "Mammon" idea, we lose sight of what is really being talked about here.
Radical Christianity is nothing less than a return to the ekklesia concept of the Book of Acts, ie; how the Apostles set out to take the message of the Good News of the gospel of Jesus out to all the nations, as Jesus had instructed them - and us!- to do.
By focusing on the concept of the rich young man - you lose sight of the underlying truth of this - that we are to live 24/7 committed lives to Christ. If that means giving up all you have - so be it. But it doesn't always mean that. The focus is on the committed relationship with Jesus Christ, following the commandments He gave to us - not on just on the one single aspect of finance sloughing.
By focusing on this, you lose sight of the forest for the trees.
Jonathan Merritt
Heidi,
I agree with you about this being a heart issue rather than a wallet issue. But what do you think? Can a person live in opulent luxury in the face of poverty and still claim to be following the Jesus of the New Testament? I am vexed by this question myself.
Jm
Dave Taylor
I liked Platt's book, which is much better than Sider's, which I remember reading and discussing as a college student (30 years ago).
A couple of points. (1) What Platt is discussing is actually ancient. Monasticism going back to the third century was trying to counter materialism, among other things. But separation of any sort has its pitfalls as well as its attractive qualities and practical benefits.
(2) This topic will need a lot more discussion, study and reflection (and I hope you revisit it from time to time). I like Platt's book because it provides examples of what individuals have started to do and what effect it has.
But right now, if you could "Google" the mind of many evangelical Christians, the only "result" would be the image of literally duplicating what the rich young ruler was commanded to do. This is frightening or extreme to many people, and IMO, from a pastoral perspective, unnecessarily so.
In other words, the story is about "giving things up" only when in fact the second half of the command from Jesus is about having "treasure in heaven" and truly following him ("come follow me"). Platt touches on this, but the effect of wealth and possessions on discipleship is something that will have to be developed and elaborated upon for a long time.
Eric Foley
To answer the question in the title of this article: Er, no.
But I would hazard to say that it is not primarily because of the stubbornness of American Christians to “wake up” to the calls of the Gospel. I suspect it is more due to the reality that they are not being comprehensively discipled in how to integrate their giving with their actions. Continual and passionate calls to become more generous while neglecting the simultaneous calls to service, worship, and prayer is like working out one’s arm to the exclusion of the rest of the body. That arm might get big and even impressive, but if the rest of the body does not match, it all appears rather grotesque.
Radical Christianity can have a profound effect on American Christianity, but only to the extent that it focuses on comprehensive radical living and not just on giving up one’s money.
Trent
Interesting quotes...
It is written: """Churches of men - REPENT! Tear down all you have built up by yourselves, of yourselves, and for yourselves. Tear down your four walls and begin again in Me, says the Lord. """ ~~
http://trumpetcallofgodonline.com/index.php5?title=Awake_All_You_Churches_of_Men
/>
AND:
"""Repent!Give back all which you have stolen from your God, Tear down all these walls.Sell all you have, and give it to the poor...Before calamity comes.""" ~~
http://trumpetcallofgodonline.com/index.php5?title=Thus_Says_the_Lord_Against_the_United_States..._You_Have_Hastened_the_Day!
/>
It is also written:
"""Therefore, this bride is not My bride...She is a harlot, reveling in every unclean thing,An estranged woman, chasing after the traditions of men!Churches of men, who is The Lord?! Tell Me, if you know... Who is your Lord? Behold, I came unto you, yet you did not recognize Me. I had poured out My Spirit, even upon all flesh, yet you did not receive of Me. I spoke to you many times, saying, “Repent. Tear down all these walls built by human hands, and return to Me... Sell all your riches, and seek out the poor and the needy, and give them double”, yet you refused to hear Me, nor would you give heed. Beloved, what do I see?... Hardened hearts! Great pride and arrogance! """ ~~
http://trumpetcallofgodonline.com/index.php5?title=I_Never_Knew_You
/>
The moment the Lord spoke these words, the churches had 2 choices.
1) literally hire a tractor or bulldozer and tear their building down, and sell all they have and give 100% of it to the poor.
OR
2) do it not in defiance and rebellion
I cannot think of a third option.
And wouldn't that be nice if we turned on the news and a reporter was asking a church patron why they are demolishing their building ... and that church-goer stared straight at the camera and said this: "Today we do to our building what the Lord will shortly do to all. For this is just something man built with man's hands, but God dwells in the hearts of men and is coming very shortly to bring to ruin every thing man has built up ... laying it to waste in preparation of His 1000 year Kingdom where all things will be built new ... by Him and to His glory. amen." What a testimony! What an opportunity wasted!
Now, because man has not done what is written and still has their buildings, they stand disobedient to the Lord. ...
[all will be ash]
This is what He says to them:"""I am come to destroy and to tear down...To abase and to judge, to fulfill and to pour out The Judgment.I have seen the filth within these churches of men, built up by human hands, even amongst these self-appointed leaders and prophets who remain in the dark, with the veil held fast over their faces... Neither seeing nor hearing, in Truth.""" ~~
http://trumpetcallofgodonline.com/index.php5?title=I_Am_Come_In_My_Anger
/>
"""Behold, even I shall tear down the churches of menAnd stomp their four walls to pieces.Then shall The Foundation Stone be exposed... No more shall it be covered over!For I am a jealous God, and I will not share My glory!""" ~~
http://trumpetcallofgodonline.com/index.php5?title=I_Am_Come_Out_of_My_Sanctuary
/>
They did not tear it down as He commanded, and now He will do it for them. And thus is the big picture of God's will manifest in these 8 or so years ahead:
""Your will be done on earth as in Heaven.I shall call to them, and gather.I shall tear down and supplant...I shall restore.I SHALL MAKE THEM ONE.And they shall be one in Me, as I am one in You, with them in Us. Amen.""" ~~
http://trumpetcallofgodonline.com/index.php5?title=I_AM_The_Lord..._I_Have_Defeated_the_World
Oliver
I Am Calling You Out!... Come Out of The Churches of Men, and I will Receive You, Says The Lord
10/7/10 From The Lord, Our God and Savior - A Letter Given to Timothy and Jayse, For All Those Who Have Ears to Hear
[excerpt part 1]
[Thus says The Lord, through His servant, Timothy] Hear the word of The Lord!... Thus says The Lord your God, even I, your Redeemer, whose name is one with The Father: Prepare yourselves, My people... Cup your ears, those called of themselves by The Christ’s name...
For I will speak...
And the sound of the final trumpet blast before the time,
Yes, before the Day comes, shall be heard.
And the line shall be set, and the last of My bride called forth, says The Lord...
And as many of all who refuse My voice,
And turn away from My command,
To come out of all these churches of men, shall surely die.
For I, even I, The Lord of Heaven and Earth, am calling you forth... That you may come out from among them, to be separate, that you may no longer be given to the great fornications of this world... That you may cease from committing adultery with all these men of unclean lips, dwelling amongst a people of unclean lips, who continually pollute My name and the praise of My glory.
[excerpt part 2]
Come Out! Surrender unto Me!...
Come out from among them,
And be separate from the churches of men...
Touch no more the unclean thing, and I will receive you, Says The Lord...
Turn away from My voice no longer, to your own hurt...
The time is ending and the first of many must be taken...
The door must be shut...
With judgment raining down from heaven, filling the whole earth...
COME OUT!....
All who hear this Trumpet Call, COME OUT!...
Says The Lord of Hosts.
More and free at:
trumpetcallofgodonline.com
Comments are now closed
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