Don’t Judge a book by its cover, an age old adage that fits when it comes to “Primal” by Mark Batterson. When I first saw the book, images of a Ted Dekker or Frank Perretti thriller flashed through my mind. A dark setting with some creature lurking in the woods, and some innocent campers nearby clueless of the terror that awaits.
“Primal” is not a work a fiction. This book is an awakening to the modern church. It is not simply the opinions of Mark Batterson may be because he lives and works in DC but, it read more like a State of the Union Address. “Primal” reminds us of the very foundation of what Christianity was meant to be. With all our technological advancements, all the wisdom of this modern time, all the capabilities in communications, we are not as effective as our first generation forefathers in the faith were.
“Primal” makes us take a good look at how far we have strayed. There is nothing wrong with building beautiful large buildings to gather and worship our Lord and Savior, with developing large ministries. All these things are fine as long as we stay true to the foundation in which it is all built on. People, reaching the lost, hurting for those who hurt, supporting missions, giving not just our “ten percent protection pay off” which is how so many view tithing, but living a giving lifestyle.
One particular line in the book challenged me greatly. It was actually a quote from one of Batterson’s friends. It forced me to answer a very uncomfortable scenario in my life, does my heart break for what breaks the heart of God. After reading this I had to immediately go to prayer for some serious repentance.
Through out the entire book you will be challenged. You will be challenged to become a better child of God, a better you. I strongly encourage all believers to pick up this book read it and commit to at least one area discussed in this book for you to become better in.
I want to take a moment to thank a good friend, brother David Ramos from FFMWOC based in N.J., for introducing me to the writing of Mark Batterson. The first book “Wild Goose Chase” was truly a blessing. “Primal” is even better.