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Welcome to the front lines. Everywhere we turn, battle lines are being drawn--traditional marriage vs. gay marriage, pro-life vs. pro-choice, personal freedom vs. governmental protection. Seemingly overnight, culture has shifted to the point where right and wrong are no longer measured by universal truth but by popular opinion. And as difficult conversations about homosexuality, abortion, and religious liberty continue to inject themselves into our workplaces, our churches, our schools, and our homes, Christians everywhere are asking the same question: How are we supposed to respond to all this? In Counter Culture, New York Times bestselling author David Platt shows Christians how to actively take a stand on such issues as poverty, sex trafficking, marriage, abortion, racism, and religious liberty--and challenges us to become passionate, unwavering voices for Christ. Drawing on compelling personal accounts from around the world, Platt presents an unapologetic yet winsome call for Christians to faithfully follow Christ into the cultural battlefield in ways that will prove both costly and rewarding. The lines have been drawn. The moment has come for Christians to rise up and deliver a gospel message that's more radical than even the most controversial issues of our day.… (more)
User reviews
Or will you and your church pick up challenges like spreading the gospel while taking care of orphans, persecuted Christians and poor? Taking the whole Bible seriously is really counter culture, intolerant and radical. Though I would like to have seen chapters on the possession and use of weapons among Americans, the widespread obese and overconsumption too, this book testifies to a deep love for God and His instructions. Each chapter closes with a short summary of things to pray for, re-read in the Bible and practice. Counterculturebook.com has additional resources, links to organizations and personal stories.
I stop short of giving this book a five star rating in large part because Platt stops short of saying the things I want and expect him to say. In my opinion, he says much but not enough when it comes to sexual morality. While he deals effectively with the devastating effects of pornography and makes pointed, biblical cases against sexual sins (homo- and heterosexual), I wished he had taken a harder and clearer stance about how Christians should respond to the homosexual agenda in American culture, especially when it comes to politics. I found his soft position even more unsettling considering the fact that he included a chapter on Christians and religious liberty.
Those short-comings aside, Counter Culture is a good book that will serve as a great primer for those who are interested in applied biblical ethics. Thanks, Dr. Platt, for sharing it with us!
The author Platt honestly admits that he has made mistakes in
He covers a range of issues including abortion, same-sex marriage, poverty, sex slavery, immigration, orphans, racism, pornography, persecution. He examines the various cultural viewpoints and explains how Christians have gradually allowed themselves to conform to the culture. He challenges Christians not to hide from these issues or shy away from them but to use them as an opportunity for Gospel witness. He gives practical ways to get involved in responding biblically to all of these issues after encouraging Christians to pray for an area of service.
The author places clear emphasis on the Gospel being the most important aspect that should be at the center of all of our "works" as Christians. He explains how help without hope doesn't really help anyone. I especially enjoyed the last chapter about evangelism and the unreached.
Recommended to all Western Christians who want to challenged.