Primal?

Book Review. Primal: A Quest for the Lost Soul of Christianity by Mark Batterson.

There seems to be surge of Christian books about getting back to the basic roots of faith without using words like “getting back to the basics of the faith”. I guess titles like Primal (or Radical) seem more interesting and sell better to today’s reader.

That snipe aside, Primal was more of a disappointment than I expected. Yes, the author makes some good points and builds the book on a great premise– the great commandment – which he labels the “primal” 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 12:30)

He also builds his case with some scripture references, and more than a few good stories, anecdotes, and illustrations that, more often than not, become the foundation of the message, than the Scripture itself. Many of these stories recount the experience of the author. I know I’m in a minority here, but books like this tend to be fluffy and tasty, but provide little long-lasting sustenance. The concept is good, but, for me, it came up just a bit short. Primal is an interesting read, but not quite a primer on basic faith that would truly impact one long term.

It is also surprising that a book about a quest for the lost soul of Christianity, there would be little talk of true salvation, repentance, the cross, and the sovereign grace of God which provokes Godly living.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Blogging for Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.