Unless you are a wealthy person, don't read this. Platt might have good intentions, but it leaves a dark feeling from the beginning.

Basically, if you aren't doing international missions or the like, you might not really be a Christian. If you don't do all these things he does as a wealthier mega church pastor and best selling author, you're not doing it right. Sure, maybe you'll have to live in a cardboard box and might have to abandon your family, but Jesus will only accept that level of following. Now, Platt can do month long missions and not go into poverty, but you have to because that is the only way! If you don't, your probably not a Christian, you're just a spoiled American.

There is a major disconnect, maybe some Pharistical loftiness going on here. His examples of his wealthy or well connected colleagues are ridiculous.

The proper audience for this book are wealthy business people who attend mega churches and are "religious" people who want to feel better about their faith and can afford to sponsor their own and others missions. If you don't fit this description, don't bother. It is judgemental, and will leave you feeling like unless your David Platt and have his wallet and time, you're a trash Christian.

You can read the (much) fuller review on SpoiledMilks (8/1/13)

The Chocolate Milk

Platt actually doesn't tell you the reader to downsize their house, their car, their income, go move to the inner city, etc. He gives examples of some in his church and others who he knows who have done so to remove themselves from the "American dream" and to spread the gospel to those they wouldn't normally reach. Platt helpfully points the reader away from the American dream and directs them to send help (financial/physical) to the lost in America and in the world.

Salvation means there should be a life-style change (pp. 38-39).Making money isn't wrong, but there's more to life than spending it all on our wants and desires, but there are others who really need it (2 Cor 8:9). It's not a "Social Gospel" of merely meeting all physical needs, but showing love by sacrifice.

Platt doesn't tell us to put legalistic pressures on ourselves or others. We should ask ourselves and pray about how much we should keep and how much we should give. Be neither the slacker nor the hoarder.

The Spoiled Milk

My biggest peeve with the book is one theme implied throughout the whole book:dichotomy. Platt makes a distinction between Christians who live "radically" and those who don't. What's an ordinary Christian to do?What is a busy, single parent to do? There are things they can do, but nothing as 'radical' as what Platt suggests? What do you do? You live. Acts 17:28a: "for in Him we live and move and have our being" (see 1 Cor 10.31).

He seems to assume his audience is wholly made up of money-hungry, American Christians who don't like to share their money (even if that's very true).

What is really radical? Loving your spouse. Raising your kids to love God and being the godly example for them. Representing God well to the world. Read your Bible, study your Bible, and pray. Love the world.+

Also, this book was boring.

Recommended?

No.

Love this book! Platt really steps on the American Dream's toes! Not too many Christians are willing or bold enough to do that these days! Thank you David Platt for your excellent book and for your boldness in reminding Christians that Jesus has commanded each of us to fulfill the Great Commission!

Platt does a phenomenal job drawing out what it means to be a Follower of Christ. This book is a great encouragement in today's world!

This book has really challenged me spiritually and has allowed me to fall in love with Jesus all over again. The book offers a realistic view of the "american dream" allowing readers to ask themselves real life shaking questions about life motives and purpose. Being challenged to do more and be more is what this book accomplishes and my walk with Christ is more active and alive than ever!