Back to the Basics

As a pastor, Bible School teacher, and spiritual leader, I have read many books in my life.  But I must admit that none, except the Bible, have caused me to pause and consider the words printed on its pages as did Mark Batterson's new book, Primal.  This book is sub-titled "A Quest for the Lost Soul of Christianity."  It is that sub-title that made me stop and consider every page I read.

The book revolves around the Great Commandment:

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.

Mark asks the question, "What does it really mean to love the Lord with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength?"  And in seeking the answer to this question, he takes the reader on a journey that explores the primal teachings of Christianity and challenges us out of our comfort zone.

In the style of writing that has become his trademark, Batterson draws upon stories from his own experience as well as physiology, astronomy, biochemistry, astrophysics, literature and history to propel the reader forward in his quest.  The journey is both intellectually stimulating and paradigmatically challenging.  I believe that it is nigh impossible to read this book and be unaffected.

In his engaging style, Mark urges the reader to unleash the creativity, the wonder, the compassion, the energy God gave them.  He encourages us to leave the comfortable, leave the traditional, and move toward the uncomfortable; to re-capture our child-like wonder of God, to embrace our right-brain creativity, and to worship God with ALL of our being--our thoughts, our emotions, our creativity, our intellect, our humor, our wonder, our energy.  Our ENTIRE being should be used, and focused, in our worship of the God of the universe.

With a new year approaching, many will make resolutions regarding lifestyle changes.  I highly encourage you to read Mark's book first.  Then make your resolutions.  I believe your life will never be the same.

You can purchase Mark's book here.