Should a Christian be a radical?

Response

The term radical, when applied to human behavior, can have either a positive or negative connotation, depending on one’s perspective. In this article, radical is defined as “someone who strictly adheres to a worldview that greatly differs from the cultural norm.”

If we consider “normal” to be in the middle, then a “radical” would be someone at either extreme end of the spectrum. Mother Teresa could be viewed as a radical due to her extreme selflessness and dedication to helping the poorest of the poor. On the other hand, Saddam Hussein was also a radical for his violent imposition of his religious and political beliefs. Both individuals represented extremes compared to what is typically considered “normal” in society.

The question of whether Christians should embrace radicalism hinges on how the term is defined. Throughout history, some have used the name of Christ to perpetrate terror, persecution, and genocide against those with differing religious beliefs. Such radicalism was never endorsed by Jesus himself—who was, in fact, a radical figure. His teachings of love, forgiveness, and mercy directly contradicted the prevailing norms of his time. Jesus chose not to retaliate when attacked, as seen in (1 Peter 2:23), refused Peter’s attempt to defend him with violence (Matthew 26:51-52), and did not condemn the woman caught in adultery (John 8:4-11). These actions were considered radical in the context of that era and culture. Some individuals turned away from Christ because his call to forsake everything for his sake was deemed too radical (Luke 18:22-23).

The choice to follow Christ is a radical decision that requires individuals to fully commit to his teachings and example.

Is itself a call to radical living. Jesus said that “anyone who wants to follow Me must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me” «And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. », (Luke 9:23). That command is at extreme odds with our flesh’s desire to please itself (Romans 7:21-23). It challenges worldly wisdom, which preaches self-fulfillment as our highest aim (1 John 2:15-17). The cross is a radical thing, and declaring Jesus as Lord of our lives involves a dethroning of Self and a complete abandonment to His will. We must be willing to go where He leads, do what He says, and love Him more than life itself (Matthew 10:37-38). The lifestyle changes that follow such a commitment are considered radical by those who fall within the world’s definition of “normal.” Those who claim to know Christ yet refuse this radical lifestyle are called “carnal” «For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? », (1 Corinthians 3:3). Jesus calls such professing Christians “lukewarm” and says He will spit them out of His mouth «So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. », (Revelation 3:16).

The antisocial atrocities that are often synonymous with radicalism are in direct opposition to radical Christianity. Jesus calls His followers to seek the best for others, to love our neighbors, and to be peacemakers, even.At great personal cost (Galatians 5:14; Matthew 5:9; Luke 10:30-37). Jesus’ teaching, known as The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12), is His call to radical living. He requires His followers to take the high road, to “turn the other cheek” (verse 39), and to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (verse 44).

Those who incite violence and persecution in the name of Christ are not radicals at all. They are “enemies of the cross” (Philippians 3:18-19), doing what comes naturally to their fleshly minds. Biblical Christianity is in polar opposition to the natural way of living, which means that those who choose Jesus will be considered radical to most. Living a Spirit-filled life is radical because it goes against everything our selfish nature wants and it stands in stark contrast to the world’s way of the flesh.

Radical Christians understand Paul’s desire to “know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death” (Philippians 3:10). A radical Christian is one who has “died to the flesh” (Romans 8:13). The apostles were radical Christians—they “turned the world upside down” (Acts 17:6).Come hither also; », (Acts 17:6, ESV)—but they did so through self-sacrifice and love «By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. », (John 13:35). Paul learned to “boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. . . . For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). Because following Jesus is in direct conflict with the “norm,” then “to live is Christ and to die is gain” «For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. », (Philippians 1:21) could be considered a radical way of life.