When you first hear the term “radically-committed” what do you imagine?
Do you see religious extremists who want to force their beliefs on others, or even harm them?
Does it conjure images of angry fundamentalists with protest signs?
Does it bring to mind judgmental, exclusive, or even cult-like behavior?
At AIM, we want to see the modern understanding of “radical” needs to be redeemed. In Latin, the root of the word — radix — actually
means “root”, as in the principal cause of something. And that’s what we mean by it. We want to go back to
the root of Christianity — Jesus.
means “root”, as in the principal cause of something. And that’s what we mean by it. We want to go back to
the root of Christianity — Jesus.
While on earth, Christ spent his time with people whom society rejected. He constantly surprised religious and political leaders with his love for the unlovely and his refusal to exclude people based on their race, religion, or lifestyle.
Even though he was an exemplary human being, he offended nearly every class of person with his radical behavior. When we use the word “radical,” we mean someone like Jesus — an extremist of love, a
committed agent of mercy, a practitioner of scandalous grace.
committed agent of mercy, a practitioner of scandalous grace.
Here are just a few examples of how Christ was a radical:
Instead of being violent, Jesus turned the other cheek.
Instead of advocating vengeance, Jesus taught forgiveness and to love your enemies.
Instead of forceful coercion and control, Jesus used grace and love to attract followers.
Instead of taking life, Jesus willingly gave his own for the sake of others.
When we say that we have a vision for “raising up a generation of radical disciples”, we mean that we are passionate about seeing people act more like Jesus. This world needs more light in it. We want to see more people come to a transformational relationship with God and to share this hope with others. We believe that this type of radical behavior is self-perpetuating. That is, love is contagious. And we want to see it catch on.
If this idea excites you, we encourage you to help us in our quest of raising up a generation of radical disciples.
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