Andrew Stroud
Editor, Convention Herald
I saw it this week while reading an online, cultural commentary. The word was radical. The author used it to describe the prevalent social ideas facing today’s young people. But what does radical even mean?
Does anyone else remember “rad”—short, of course, for radical—being introduced into the pubescent vernacular of the 80’s and 90’s? Originating from the California surf and skate culture, this slang word made its way inland to the crossroads of America where I was born and raised and was used to describe something cool… something awesome.
Oh my, how times change! If I were to use “rad” in conversation with my son today, he would probably look up with a very puzzled expression and perhaps mutter under his breath, “Where did that come from?”
Certainly, words don’t always carry the same meaning from one generation to another. What was once used to mean something positive can now carry with it a negative connotation as societies and cultures do their thing. We certainly see this with the word radical in the realm of politics as one party flings it toward the other; or even as one party tries to delineate between factions within their own group. We also hear it used in religious contexts, don’t we?
But back to the original question… what does radical even mean? The word originates from the Latin word radix, meaning root. It can also be defined as extreme or drastic. Using both definitions in consideration of the cultural commentary mentioned above, the phrase “radical social ideas” could have a couple of interpretations. It could mean that the social ideas are foundational or “root” ideas. But secondly, these ideas could also be classified as extreme.
In the context of religion, the word “radical” is not new. Research connects it at least all the way back to the 16th century where in the wake of the Protestant Reformation, many in Germany and Switzerland felt Martin Luther didn’t make a hard enough break with the Catholic church and therefore concluded the Reformation was only half-way. This then brought about a radical reformation movement. In the more recent past the term was used by some to describe themselves before the term “conservative” became more common and respectable.
Recently, however, it has been given a negative connotation. [Insert your own example here of the word being used with negative overtones.] But what if we stripped the word of the negative connotation ascribed to it in recent years and accepted it at face value? If radical means root, should we not as followers of Christ be people who are concerned with the foundational elements of Christianity? Or, even if radical means extreme or drastic, should we not, as disciples, be extreme in our passion for or pursuit of spiritual truths?
Let’s dive a little deeper. If radical means “foundational,” are not the truths Jesus shared at the very root of Christianity? And if radical is interpreted as drastic, are His teachings not extreme? A quick glance will prove they weren’t namby-pamby truths. For instance, you’ll remember Jesus said, “If your eye offend you pluck it out.” Not your common, feel good message everyone likes to hear. Or in reference to Peter’s question on how often we should forgive our brother, Jesus answered, “seventy times seven.” Can you not imagine someone saying, “Lord, are you serious?”
So, here’s the bottom line: If Jesus taught radical truths, then should we not be radical followers? Should we not be individuals who unashamedly believe, embrace, teach and apply those truths to our lives?
If the answer is yes, and it is, then how do we live out these radical—both fundamental and extreme—teachings? We cannot just treat them as fascinating doctrines without applying them to our lives. I would propose we need to radically apply the radical, foundational truths Jesus has given to us. It was the British, Anglican pastor and theologian, John Stott who said, “Every Christian should be both conservative and radical, conservative in preserving the faith and radical in applying it.”
In an effort to help us on this spiritual journey, the next few issues will cover some of these radical teachings. And we will begin by tackling the teaching Jesus gives on loving God. Included in this issue are articles on how to love God as Jesus Himself taught us, as well as some practical articles that help us know how to love God in everyday living.
A quick story and I’m done. At a recent visit to my parent’s house, my son was peering into the fireplace and saw smoke spiraling up from a fire we had the night before. When he saw this he opened the doors and blew on the dying ember. That simple action brought the embers to life once again and immediately the log was ablaze producing light and warmth.
I hope your love for God is burning brightly, and it is my hope that these articles cause it to burn even more so. But if you find your love has grown cold, may the Holy Spirit use these same articles to gently blow across the dying embers and resurrect that “first love” again so you can say with confidence, “If ever I loved thee, my Jesus ’tis now.”
