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Because We Are Called to Counter Culture: In a World of Poverty, Same-Sex Marriage, Racism, Sex Slavery, Immigration, Persecution, Abortion, Orphans, and ...

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Poverty, Same-Sex Marriage, Racism, Sex Slavery, Immigration, Persecution, Abortion, Orphans, Pornography—how are we supposed to respond to all of this?

In this companion piece to Counter Culture, David Platt provides Biblical support and practical action steps to help Christians take a courageous and compassionate stand on some of the most controversial issues of our time, and highlights dozens of ways individuals and churches can get involved at both the local and international level.

The stage is set for the God of the universe to do the unthinkable, the unimaginable, the shocking, and the scandalous. And he wants you to be a part of it. It’s time to take a stand for Christ, join the fight against injustice, and counter culture!

65 pages, eBook Kindle

Published February 1, 2015

158 people are currently reading
725 people want to read

About the author

David Platt

141 books1,050 followers
DAVID PLATT serves as Lead Pastor at McLean Bible Church in Washington, D.C. He is the founder and chairman of Radical (Inc.), an international ministry that serves the church for the cause of Christ—to glorify God by making disciples and multiplying churches among all nations. Resources from David Platt and Radical can be found at radical.net.

Books by David Platt include Radical, Radical Together, Follow Me, Counter Culture, and Something Needs to Change, as well as the following volumes in the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary series: Exalting Jesus in Matthew, Exalting Jesus in James, Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus, and Exalting Jesus in Galatians.

David Platt received his Ph.D. from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Along with his wife and four children, he lives in the Washington D.C. metro area.

Connect with David on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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5 stars
203 (41%)
4 stars
163 (33%)
3 stars
87 (17%)
2 stars
23 (4%)
1 star
11 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
74 reviews2 followers
February 19, 2015
what's the point?

I don't really disagree with anything in this book (booklet?) I just don't get it. I mean I don't get the point. Each chapter is so short it's almost impossible to develop any thesis. Those that might disagree with a topic won't be convinced. Those that do agree won't hear anything they don't already know.
Profile Image for Hope.
1,489 reviews154 followers
July 15, 2018
This short, simple booklet is amazingly helpful and challenging. Platt writes about "hot button" issues and gives practical advice for how to get involved. What can you do about world poverty? Not much. But you can make a difference in your own city as you pray and ask God to put you in touch with needy families. (I know from experience that He answers this kind of prayer.) Feel helpless about changing the sex trafficking industry? Find a ministry that works in that area and support them financially.

I loved his emphasis on living more intentionally. How can I give toward (or participate in) these ministries if I'm squandering my time and money on other things? He also makes a strong case for the gospel message as the ultimate solution.
11 reviews
February 11, 2021
David Platt, a través de Contra Cultura nos exhorta a ser cómo Jesús, quien miraba a las multitudes con pasión, atendiendo las necesidades de las personas el Señor proclamaba el evangelio. Asimismo, cada creyente busca ser más parecido a Él en esto, velar por las necesidades y lo más importante la necesidad de la salvación. Este libro es uno de esos que no puede faltar en tu biblioteca en la sección de teología práctica.
Profile Image for David.
102 reviews
February 19, 2015
The basic premise of this monograph is that, while (especially millennial) believers seem to be more socially conscious, the reality is this consciousness is little more than popular rhetoric in religious language. Moving from this premise, Platt challenges Christians to truly engage their faith consistently and with integrity in the practical and often unpopular realms of our everyday western life.

The reader is assumed to be familiar with the principles of the main book Counter Culture, and his resource is a essentially a starter guide for applying counter cultural Christianity to our current context. Each chapter consists of brief remarks, prayer suggestions, action ideas and relevant scriptures on the given contemporary issue.
Profile Image for Leah Good.
Author 2 books202 followers
February 20, 2015
3.5 Stars

This short little booklet is a blitz through some key areas Christian's should be engaged in. Platts comment at the beginning of the book saying that this generation of young Christians can be both more aware and more apathetic about important social issues of importance to the church.

In such a brief space it is, of course, impossible to dig into any depth of these topics. For me, it was all review, yet a good reminder of the issues touched on. I could see this being a good handout to spark conversation and more in-depth study on how Christian's ought to respond to and address issues like abortion, orphan care, homosexuality, etc.
Profile Image for ClaraBelle.
174 reviews
March 29, 2020
I love David platt, especially his secret church simulcast and his sermons! This book was the first book of his I ever read! I read it when I was 11 yo but it was easy to read and understand! However, this book isn’t for the faint of heart as it deals with the moral and spiritual issues of our day, particularly porn, homosexuality, persecution of Christians, and sex slavery! For that reason, it’s both informative and disturbing! But Platt calls us out to engage with and help our culture with the Hope of Christ, our savior!
Rating: 2 out of 1o stars
Recommends: for older readers ages 25+
Warning: explicit and disturbing details about cultural issues, particularly abortion and sex slavery
Profile Image for Nancy DeValve.
446 reviews2 followers
October 20, 2018
I have had this book on my Kindle for a long time and can no longer remember when or how I got it. However, it seems like it is a mini-book designed to point you to a longer book edition??

I like how David Platt encourages the church and believers to go beyond just preaching and filling up Sunday School rooms. We should be involved in reaching out to the poor, stopping the sex trade, and examining our immigration policies (ahem, he probably doesn't agree with the current President :) ). Rev Platt gives a brief introduction to each issue, then ends with prayer points, action points, and Scriptures. That's really helpful because it means we don't just end the chapter and say, "Now I know about the sex trade." Instead, we are given some definite prayer points and action steps to do something about it.

7 reviews
June 14, 2022
Good reading, very short

I found this fascinating, though I didn't realize quite how short it was going to be - it took me between five and ten minutes to finish it. It is a study guide or intro to David Platt's other books, it seems. The topics are important ones, although you may not agree with all he says. I do believe many Christians of today have lost sight of what the Gospel is really about, and this is a stark reminder.
Profile Image for Smooth Via.
217 reviews
February 8, 2019
I'm not sure what the point of this book(let) was. I downloaded it without looking at the page count. The book is so short and tackles so many topics that it is nearly completely useless. Little more than a basic statement is given for each topic. Furthermore, each statement is hardly compelling, offering only familiar platitudes. Again, maybe I have misunderstood the point of this book.
Profile Image for RJ Gernant.
294 reviews
August 31, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed the book. This booklet is a summary and prayer challenge of all the topics covered in the book. David Platt’s books are always a must read, and this is no exception. Good research and clarity in our call as Christians and disciples living in our current culture. Now to live intentionally counter-culturally!
Profile Image for Michael Schmid.
Author 3 books8 followers
May 31, 2024
A much shorter book with much shorter chapters than I expected! Platt barely touches on different issues that are on the forefront of society and attempts to guide the reader to think and act biblically about these issues. The book provides some food for thought, but no serious treatment of the issues.
Profile Image for Art.
179 reviews2 followers
February 8, 2020
This was much better than I expected. A great introduction to basic Apologetics for those who may not be familiar. Clear, concise concepts based around structurally sound doctrines supported with Scripture. Would recommend.
Profile Image for Brooke Fradd.
724 reviews3 followers
March 8, 2020
Brief booklet

Perhaps if it was read alongside the companion book, it would be a helpful read. As it is, there is no where near enough information to do anything but
1-feel justified if you agree with the author
2-be angry is you don't
Profile Image for Stephanie.
1,365 reviews15 followers
September 16, 2021
3.5 stars

This is a short call to action booklet rather than an in-depth discussion of the issues. Taken in that context, I would say it's a fairly effective learning tool, although a bit overwhelming at times.
1 review
December 28, 2018
Fast and hard hitting

Wake up call for myself. I will be sharing this with my men’s Sunday class. It is time to be a doer.
32 reviews
December 16, 2019
This sounds like a book written by a Commander in the Handmaid's Tale.
12 reviews
January 31, 2020
A call to action for Christians to live out the gospel, defying the world's expectations and norms.
Profile Image for Eric.
58 reviews
April 9, 2020
Wasn't what I thought it would be, but it had interesting chapters.
Profile Image for Michael Otto.
249 reviews24 followers
July 16, 2020
The author covers nine topics/areas he calls Christians to stand & fight against giving Biblical reasons to do so. Each chapter has 3 things you can do to apply what you have learned.
Profile Image for Charlotte.
119 reviews
Read
August 28, 2020
personally didn't agree with everything stated but enjoyed the rest and references to scripture. :)
Profile Image for Tcblack.
35 reviews2 followers
April 2, 2021
As a summary of a larger work it does what it should.
Profile Image for Andrew Sullivan.
6 reviews
July 23, 2025
The book is not bad. It just did not keep my attention long. It might be the fact that these ideas have already been covered in his other books so was more a review rather than "new".
4 reviews1 follower
April 22, 2015
Pretty basic

I was looking forward to reading this book but was a little disappointed by the very basic, general dealing with each of the topics. It seemed almost thrown together very quickly. Everything the author said is great and truthful and biblical, but again....very basic. For a newer believer, I think it would be a good book to read on cultural issues, but for a more well read mature believer, it may leave you somewhat disappointed. I still gave it 4 stars because as I said, it would still be a good basic read.
Profile Image for Matthew.
541 reviews3 followers
May 15, 2015
When I downloaded this title onto my device I thought I was downloading the full-length book of the same title/cover. Oops! But this 65 page booklet was still worth the read.

The booklet runs through various cultural issues (like modern day slavery, sex trafficking, poverty, etc.) and poses the question, "When are these injustices going to become intolerable to Christians? What should we do?" Each chapter ends with suggestions for prayer, Bible verses, and possible actions steps.

It's a passionate plea and it's good to be occasionally reminded these injustices exist.
Profile Image for Robin.
31 reviews
July 4, 2015
Compelling and convicting

Read this missive when you are ready for your life mission to change. When you are ready to be the Gospel messenger you have been called to be by the author of that Gospel, Jesus Christ.
If you're not ready for your life to count for Christ then you'll be wasting your time.
This book is a call to action, a passive response is only possible if you are unwilling to answer that call.
Profile Image for Julie.
71 reviews4 followers
September 14, 2015
Excellent

We cannot all do everything but everyone can do something!! This book clearly presents today's social issues and how we, the Church, can rise up and obey God's commands to feed the hungry, visit the fatherless, clothe the naked and bring the gospel to those who have not heard! Please read and prayerfully consider where God would lead you to be obedient!
Profile Image for jaime fisher-Starnes.
20 reviews
February 18, 2015
Short And To The Point

Very easy to read with great suggestions for believers to take active roles in secular topics that plague our country and the world. It is very short and does not go into great depth concerning each topic.
Profile Image for Steve Campise.
34 reviews
September 5, 2015
much needed

David platt's book comes at a much needed time in society and in today's culture. Every Christian should read this to be strengthened to stand firm on a biblical worldview.
Profile Image for Greg Ziecker.
3 reviews
May 23, 2015
Fantastic

Platt takes the time to remind Christians that we're called to more than once-a-week visitors. We're called to live out the Gospel in everyday life and in every circumstance and conversation, even when it's uncomfortable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews

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