Don't Hold Back: Leaving Behind the American Gospel to Follow Jesus Fully

by David Platt

Don't Hold Back-Softcover

Genres: Christian, Faith, Nonfiction, Christian Living, Religion, Christianity, Theology

208 pages, Paperback

Published March 26, 2024

Reviews

[Miles Smith · Rating 1 out of 5]

One of the stupidest, most vapid books I have ever read.

[Kate Zimmerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can this be required reading for every American believer? 😊 this is one I will go through again and again…

[Meredith Martinez · Rating 4 out of 5]

(4/5) While this book is short and sweet (only ~200 pages), I found myself highlighting even full pages and sending them to friends. This book could be read alone or with a small group to spark discussions within your community. While no book of this type is a be-all, end-all, it's a diving board into deeper humble consideration, reading, research, and discussion. This book will challenge you - pretty much no matter who you are or what your thoughts are on religion/politics - and that's a good thing.

Platt writes in the introduction:

I've come to a clear conclusion: The problem is not just an American dream that has consumed our lives, but an American gospel that has hijacked our hearts. What do I mean by an American gospel? For far too long, we have traded in the biblical gospel that exalts Jesus above everything in this world for an American gospel that prostitutes Jesus for the sake of comfort, power, politics, and prosperity in our country.

In the following chapters, Platt discusses gospel unity, healing racial division, trusting God's Word and speaking the truth in love, doing justice with kindness, and playing our part in spreading the gospel around the world.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This book is out Feb 28!

[Christian Barrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Platt is such a compelling story teller and draws readers in with thoughtful and emotion evoking stories. The opening two chapters were uncomfortable to get through, whether cause I disagree or cause it is convicting is yet to be decided. Regardless, these chapters challenge readers from a broad spectrum of beliefs to think differently about they view diversity in the church and are reminder that the U.S. is not the home of God’s people, nor is any other earthly nation. The following chapters are helpful reminders that Christians are to look different, be known for being for God, and not known for what they are against. In many this work had inklings of Basil’s “On Social Justice” with the only thing missing being strong condemnations of those who home their pets better than they do their fellow man. Worth a looking through.

[Lee Nienhuis · Rating 4 out of 5]

David Platt again delivers a zinger to our American dreams. I agree deeply with this book, but wished for more depth in many places. Especially I. The racial sections. For those longing to lean in, this is a great start.

[Meagan | The Chapter House · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

I always enjoy books by David Platt; he has a conversational writing style and, more often than not, really packs a theological punch--especially given that the books are on the shorter side (~200-ish pages)!

This one is as convicting as I expected. I do wish that Platt had fleshed out some ideas/statements more; they felt a bit one-sided and unequitable. Fair statements? Absolutely. But neither of the big 2 American political parties is perfect, and I was frustrated by a number of statements against one without also looking at the flaws of the other. He wasn't lacking for space or a word count (from this reader's perspective, anyway) and definitely could have kept the thought process going for a stronger argument or to hopefully pave the way for more dialogue (which was, after all, at least one of the end goals).

I also had expected more resources to be provided based on a couple statements he made within the book; not sure if the list of possible activities at the end of the book was supposed to be "it" or if that part wasn't included with the NetGalley eARC. The included list was helpful, for sure, but different than expected.

Still, a worthwhile read that certainly prompted me to take a hard look at my own life and how I might be (okay, am, heh) holding back.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Anna Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

if i could give this book 10 stars i would

[Andrew Bare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unfiltered. Unashamed. Platt’s not afraid to go after the comfortable and convenient “American Christianity,” even if it’s an unpopular position. I was definitely challenged in my beliefs reading this book

[Eleanor Jo Harwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

“An American gospel accompanied by a casual, comfortable Christian spin on the American dream leads to Christ-defaming division in the church and damnation for the nations, as well as the next generation. But a biblical gospel characterized by selfless, sacrificial, risk-taking obedience to the Great Commandments and the Great Commission leads to Christ-exalting unity in the church and salvation for the next generation and all nations” (Platt, 152)

Incredible read. Platt verbalized things I have felt for years, honestly the push for me to study social work / public admin. Refreshing to see the application of the Word encouraging us to do justice in a book that wasn’t for class. It was so good! I’m gonna have to reread for sure soon.

[Leasha Megehee · Rating 5 out of 5]

American gospel or Biblical gospel? Thought provoking and convicting… love one another, do justice and love mercy, and spread the gospel!

[Jenna Storrer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Impactful! This book will continue to inspire and challenge me for a long time.

[Matt Sauder · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing book! How challenging and encouraging to live our lives completely for God and for the spread of the Gospel. Let’s all be encouraged: don’t hold back!

[Zak Schmoll · Rating 4 out of 5]

David Platt is a tough one for me. At his best, he is incredibly convicting. He is a great writer, and he speaks as well as anyone about the necessity of being willing to do what ever God would have you to do. This book carries forward many of the themes that readers familiar with his prior book Radical will recognize. The challenge with this book is that I feel like it was written for 10 years ago rather than right now, even though it is wrestling with issues that are indeed relevant right now.

For instance, there is a full chapter on justice which is a really important issue, and churches ought to be places of justice. No debate on that. The chief question comes back to how do you define justice. Platt largely defined justice biblically, which I appreciate very much. However, the public square is not the kind of place that is going to acknowledge the same definition of justice that he is operating under. Yes, we need to do justice. There are plenty of places in our community that need help. No debate on that. However, I fear this book is going to miss some of its impact by using a term in a way that much of the culture is not using it.

I think that this book could have used a little bit more thoroughness in addressing the cultural moment, talking about the terms that he uses a little bit more intentionally. It is a short book, and it is really thought-provoking without a doubt. I think it is worth a read, even though I don't agree with some of it. However, I definitely think it could have done a little bit more to consider how we utilize terms like justice to make sure we are all on the same page.

[Kayla · Rating 1 out of 5]

The problem I have with the book is the continual “repenting of our history”. White Americans need to constantly repent of the sins of our past. Even today, Platt extorts the readers to repent of unconscious racist acts or thoughts, specifically against black people. We can never get out of this. White guilt hangs on for life.
“Ever since slavery not only has the American Church fail to bridge racial divides in our country that we gather each week to worship God we are in fact deepening that divide.”
(P.40).
As Christians, the Holy Spirit convicts us of specific sins, we repent, and move on. This is an overhanging guilt on white people that will never go away.

The only way in their eyes to resolve our white guilt is by understanding black people more and giving them equity, not equality. No-Christ takes away our guilt and allows us to live free lives, loving freely other people of different races because there IS unity in his redemptive blood.
I understand black people do not have as many opportunities due to many reasons. Let’s target those reasons, predominantly the lack of present fathers in black families. Let’s not cater to giving them more handouts and more welfare because look at our nation, it’s not working.
There is a lot of sin and generational sins between all races, but let’s move on from it for the sake of the gospel. Let’s love each other how Christ loves us.

[Audrey Hood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like in his book, Radical, David Platt writes boldly, courageously, humbly, and passionately about the true gospel of Jesus Christ and the relationship with God we have access to through faith in him because of his sacrifice for us. I truly had a hard time putting the book down because it churned up in my heart a growing, desperate desire for more time with God. His zeal is tangible and infectious.

“As Americans we sit with a choice. The American gospel of the biblical gospel. Worldly division or other worldly unity. Homogenous community or multiethnic beauty. Twisting God‘s word or trusting it. Repelling coming generations or reaching them. Talking about justice or doing justice. Zeal for our nation alone or zeal for all nations on earth, particularly those who still haven’t even heard the gospel. God as a means or God as the end. Worldly power and fading prosperity as we promote ourselves or heavenly power and everlasting prosperity as we crucify ourselves.”

“With the true gospel in your heart and with God as your prize, press on, and don’t hold back.”

[Mandi]

The true Gospel in our hearts, and God Himself our prize. Is that the place we find ourselves? If not, why not.

This isn’t going to be a comfortable book, but it may be inspiring. This may not be a “book to end all books” on the subjects Platt presents, but it could be a springboard for some conversations we as the church should be having.

“So here we sit, and the choice is before us: The American gospel or the biblical gospel. Worldly division or otherworldly unity. Homogenous community or multiethnic beauty. Twisting God’s Word or trusting it. Repelling coming generations or reaching them. Talking about justice and missing the good life or doing justice and experiencing the good life. Zeal for our nation alone or zeal for all nations on earth, particularly those who still haven’t even heard the gospel. Worldly power and fading prosperity as we promote ourselves, or heavenly power and everlasting prosperity as we crucify ourselves. God as a means, or God as the end.”

[Faith Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very convicting. Put this book at the top of your list.

“An American gospel accompanied by a casual, comfortable Christian spin on the American dream leads to Christ-defaming division in the church and the damnation for the nations, as well as the next generation. But a biblical gospel characterized by selfless, sacrificial, risk-taking obedience to the Great Commandments and Great Commission leads to Christ-exalting unity in the Church and salvation for the next generation and all nations.”

“To be a follower of Jesus is to live with zeal for all the nations to know Jesus. The spread of the gospel among all nations is not a program for a chosen few. It’s actually the purpose for which we all have breath and the end toward which all of history is headed” (Revelation 7:9-10).

[Emily Waits (emilylovesreading_) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don’t Hold Back is somewhat of an overview of concerning views commonly held within the American church and a counter to them. David Platt contrasts the cultural and often nationalistic Christianity prevalent in our nation to true Christianity based on the true gospel .

I found this to be a convicting and surprisingly inspiring book in many ways, though I did wish that he would have expounded a bit in certain areas and more fully fleshed out what he meant by certain things. That being said, I suspect his lack of further explanation in some cases was due to his commitment to be nonpartisan.

I highlighted a ton of this book! So much food for thought. Definitely recommend!

[Katie Resch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first David Platt book. It definitely made me feel very convicted and made me take a deep look at myself and what is most important. I think so often, we as Christians are distracted by our pride in our country, that we fumble what the gospel means and how we live our lives based on that. America First, God second. But This book really opened my eyes to see where my heart is in what I believe. Redirecting me to what the God of the Bible says and not the world. For me this was a very important read especially with everything happening in our country right now.

[Coplea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really appreciated this book! Especially in my current season of distance from the American church, it was a challenging contrast between what Platt calls the “American Gospel” and the Biblical Gospel.

“To follow the Gospel means to be obsessed with God and His global purpose.” This changes everything about the way we engage in culture, church, politics, missions— everything. I would recommend this book for any wrestling with discerning the separation of culture and truth.

[Grae Cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5.

More than just the statistics of the "American Gospel," injustices, and numbers about the unreached, this book hit me in a different way. In a "I have so many idols" and "I look to people more than Jesus sometimes" kind of way.

"Loving and desiring gifts more than the Giver isn't Christianity. It's idolatry." Sheesh. Thanks David Platt for this one fr. In a time where I needed truth spoken into me, I got it.

[Daniel Mcchesney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much needed book that I believe all American Christians should read as we seeking what it looks like to love the people in the world but not be of the world. And to do it in a Jesus selfless and radical way.

[Anna Mae · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this book. disclaimer: while I loved this book, I know that I don’t fully agree with all world/political views of the author, but honestly, that’s kind of the point of this whole book. grreeeeeeat read for an election year.

[Charles Hirschy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is mostly what you would expect for David Platt. Passionate, clear, zealous for the glory of God. Though I'm not fully on board with some of his thoughts in regards to racism and unity, overall this book is the message the American church needs to hear!

[Ivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stirring.

[Annie Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

every christian who is an american needs to read this book, so convicting, so edifying, so good

[Jana Abbott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Every once in a while you just need a swift kick in the rump. When that time is now, read this.
Ultimately super motivating but attempts to take on too diverse an array of issues without clearly tying them together too well. Ends very well and I'm certainly compelled to follow his clearly stated counsel as a result. Inspired to press harder into Jesus, the Word, and the Church.

[Lindsey Hoobler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very similar in style to David Platt’s other books, but still good stuff here. This book was more focused on calling out the church in America, and he talked about how as Christians we should unite over the essential things and not let the nonessential things divide us. Not bad but not memorable.

[Andy Huette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Convicting (as expected). Helpful. True.

I hope I don’t forget this soon and that it moves the needle on a what I’m doing in my home and church.

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️