Radical Christianity?

I’ve been thinking about the expression ‘radical Christianity’?
It kinda bothers me since it insinuates that being a Christian isn’t necessarily radical. In my reading of the scriptures I don’t see non-rad as one of the choices for God’s people.

Christians who are living the life, stand out in the culture. They are extremists and outspoken in their views. Their behavior reflects a counter culture to the one in which they live. They stand for change and will fight the spiritual battles that would bring real change to the people and culture around them. They are not after the American dream. They will not accept mediocrity or passivity in life. They will not sit back while the world goes to hell. They are Christian.

Isn’t what we are actually saying that there are Christians who are doing Christianity and others who are not? Aren’t we saying also that the non-doers outnumber the doers thereby making the doers seem radical?

I guess the big question is…If we are not doing it, if we are not radical, then what exactly are we?

8 Responses to “Radical Christianity?”

  1. timglass Says:

    Ineffective, would be the word.
    What a great challenge for all of us!
    Happy Thanks giving.

  2. pastorhawkins Says:

    Excellent point!

  3. frdave Says:

    Thanks timglasss and pastorhawkins for the encouragement

  4. groundedsettled Says:

    Amen to that. I have been reading a book you would enjoy called “The Irresistible Revolution” by Shane Claiborne. He does a lot of work with the homeless in Philly. I have personally been really challenged by it.

  5. frdave Says:

    I’ll have to check it out. Nice hearin from you Alan.

  6. billy Says:

    love the post.
    I think to often we try to further explain our faith with more labels. I

  7. frdave Says:

    Thanks for responding, but we seem to have only gotten part of your comment. I hope to hear from you again.

  8. Mark Brewster Says:

    Dave, you might be interested in reading some of the works or watching youtube videos of Princeton Prof. Cornell West who ties the power of love and the prophetic in with democracy, resistance, and social change. He is a wonderful speaker.
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornell_West

    Also, you probably know of this already, but you might be quite interested in Liberation Theology, which interprets the works of God and Jesus in the Bible as works of liberation.
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberation_theology

    If you have any sources or suggestions for further reading on this, please email me at brewstermb@hotmail.com

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