Note: I received a free copy of Primal in return for this review, nothing more. Take that as you will.
Much of the Middle East is strata upon strata of history. Visit a 500 year old church, and it will likely be built on the ruins of a 2nd century church which in turn is built on the catacombs where the first Christians worshipped in secret. This is both the truth and the metaphor that Mark Batterson uses to discuss American Christianity.
We both agree that many things that Christians believe have the original nugget deep within, but are covered by centuries of tradition which may or may not be what God intended. What was considered normal by those who came before, is now considered “radical” and “crazy”. Batterson seeks to return the Church to it’s roots of radical love, generosity, appreciation of God, and the like.
As anyone who reads this blog knows, I don’t consider my relationship with Jesus to be a part of my life; He is my life. That shows itself in ways that scare some of my extended family. Batterson talks about this kind of life as one to be aimed for, not questioned. Take the examples of one business person in one of his early chapters who literally gave his company to God and another who decided to live on 10% and give away 90%.
This book is a call to the American church to quit mistaking blessing for wealth and start living like serving ourselves here is akin to redecorating a hotel room on vacation. Batterson calls on us to invest our money, our time, and our passions in what makes God’s heart race–people, to spend time experiencing God through His word, and to delve into the most basic elements of our relationship to Him, leaving lesser things behind.
If I have any criticism of this book, it’s that I could stand to hear it’s truths with more force, calling us to more action, putting aside preference and radically trusting Jesus to the degree that the world would never be the same. Perhaps I crave a kick in the can that most readers wouldn’t tolerate. Maybe Batterson’s kind demeanor are the spoon full of sugar that helps the truth that the world could change for the better if we radically (with action) trusted God.
Should you read this book? If your heart beats like mine to be a part of a movement of radical love, grace, and dependence on Jesus, you should. If you want that to be true, you should read this book. If you want to live a life that affects no one and is safe and nice, you really should. Not everyone will agree with what Batterson says, but it should be considered by people who claim to trust Jesus and want to help Him in His redemptive work.
Paul