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Don't Hold Back: Leaving Behind the American Gospel to Follow Jesus Fully
The New York Times bestselling author of Radical challenges Christians to break free from an American gospel that prostitutes Jesus for comfort, power, prosperity, and politics—and fully pursue the true gospel that exalts Jesus above all.
Pastor David Platt believes we’ve gotten really good at following a really bad gospel—one that worships American ideas over biblical truth. It’s time for disillusioned, discouraged, and divided Christians, and the next generation, to follow Jesus into a different future.
But we have to make a an American gospel or the biblical gospel. Worldly division or otherworldly unity. Compromise with the idols of our country or commitment to God’s call in our lives. In Don’t Hold Back , Platt encourages followers of Jesus to take necessary risks and find unimaginable reward as
• Work for—not against—each other, especially when we disagree
• Turn the tide on centuries of racial division in the church
• Trust all of God’s Word with conviction while loving everyone around us with compassion
• Do justice with kindness, and experience the good life according to God
• Play our part in spreading the gospel to all the nations of the world
We can experience the full wonder of Jesus and transcendent beauty of his church here and now. But in order to do so, some things need to be different. Starting not in “those people,” but in each one of us. With the gospel in our hearts and God as our prize, let’s press on and don’t hold back.
Pastor David Platt believes we’ve gotten really good at following a really bad gospel—one that worships American ideas over biblical truth. It’s time for disillusioned, discouraged, and divided Christians, and the next generation, to follow Jesus into a different future.
But we have to make a an American gospel or the biblical gospel. Worldly division or otherworldly unity. Compromise with the idols of our country or commitment to God’s call in our lives. In Don’t Hold Back , Platt encourages followers of Jesus to take necessary risks and find unimaginable reward as
• Work for—not against—each other, especially when we disagree
• Turn the tide on centuries of racial division in the church
• Trust all of God’s Word with conviction while loving everyone around us with compassion
• Do justice with kindness, and experience the good life according to God
• Play our part in spreading the gospel to all the nations of the world
We can experience the full wonder of Jesus and transcendent beauty of his church here and now. But in order to do so, some things need to be different. Starting not in “those people,” but in each one of us. With the gospel in our hearts and God as our prize, let’s press on and don’t hold back.
208 pages, Hardcover
Published February 28, 2023
11 people are currently reading
218 people want to read
About the author
David Platt
141 books1,061 followersDAVID 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.
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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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 5, 2023
Really good, challenging believers (especially Americans) to embrace the call on our lives to “do justice, love mercy and walk humbly” as well as living missionally for the sake of souls.
February 28, 2023
Don’t Hold Back is a “Family conversation” for the American church about some issues we need to collectively address. Among other things, David Platt talks about racism, welcoming the sojourner, keeping the gospel at the center, and giving our lives so that all may hear about Jesus.
I’m giving this four stars not because it isn’t a great book (it is), but because I felt like I’ve already read this in Radical and Counter Culture. Sure, it was a bit “updated,” as it refers to the unique challenges that have arisen since 2020, but his basic points are the same as they were in his other books.
I do think he shared more of his heart here, as you can sense the urgency he writes with. And I can appreciate consistency with the message.
If you are new to David Platt’s writing, this will be a great read, but if you’re already familiar with his teaching, there won’t be much new here.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced review copy. All opinions are my own.
I’m giving this four stars not because it isn’t a great book (it is), but because I felt like I’ve already read this in Radical and Counter Culture. Sure, it was a bit “updated,” as it refers to the unique challenges that have arisen since 2020, but his basic points are the same as they were in his other books.
I do think he shared more of his heart here, as you can sense the urgency he writes with. And I can appreciate consistency with the message.
If you are new to David Platt’s writing, this will be a great read, but if you’re already familiar with his teaching, there won’t be much new here.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced review copy. All opinions are my own.
April 18, 2023
I ‘loved’ this one, but in an “I agree with this, but it’s really, really challenging” sense. If 10% of the American church took this to heart—if I took this to heart—what might we see….
(On the Goodreads scale, 5 stars means “it was amazing.”)
(On the Goodreads scale, 5 stars means “it was amazing.”)
March 23, 2023
Without a doubt, Don’t Hold Back is the perfect book for the Church today. Platt expertly speaks hard truths to all followers of Christ, regardless of their political ideologies and/or theological convictions, in a loving and grace-filled way, through God’s Word.
A must read!
A must read!
May 7, 2023
Another fine work by David Platt, very much in the same vein as his previous books. His passion is clear and the urgency with which he exhorts his reader to action for the sake of the Gospel is unmistakable.
Similar to his book, Radical, this one calls out the compromised gospel of cultural Christianity. In Radical the form of that “gospel” is materialism, here it takes the shape of how many of us take a casual approach to living for Christ.
“What’s holding you back?” the pages ask. He offers his answers and provides ways in which Christians can “let go” and start following Jesus fully. There is some transparency as well as he confides how even after the success of Radical he drifted into a season of complacency spiritually.
This is a good call, timely in our cultural moment. There is nothing overly profound about his observations, which is not a knock on Platt or the book, but this book fits Platt’s desire to wake up a lounging church and live radically for Christ.
Similar to his book, Radical, this one calls out the compromised gospel of cultural Christianity. In Radical the form of that “gospel” is materialism, here it takes the shape of how many of us take a casual approach to living for Christ.
“What’s holding you back?” the pages ask. He offers his answers and provides ways in which Christians can “let go” and start following Jesus fully. There is some transparency as well as he confides how even after the success of Radical he drifted into a season of complacency spiritually.
This is a good call, timely in our cultural moment. There is nothing overly profound about his observations, which is not a knock on Platt or the book, but this book fits Platt’s desire to wake up a lounging church and live radically for Christ.
March 20, 2023
A good book that affirms what many of us already see: the American church has to face a tough decision to set down political and cultural idols if we are going to be obedient to the true gospel. I rate it three stars because it presents that truth kinda straight up without adding a ton to the conversation. It’s a good book. It just isn’t a great book. What it is though is an attempt to get the church to listen. Any effort to do that is commendable on its face. I just pray that those who need to read it will. Without a movement of the Spirit I just fear those people won’t open it in the first place because cultural and political idols will stand in the way.
February 18, 2023
Thank you netgalley for a free.e-copy of this book to read.
Don't Hold Back by David Platt was amazing. It covered so many topics that are prevalent in today's society but addressed them from a Biblical standpoint. He stretches your thinking with his words. This might be my favorite book by him. It will definitely be recommended by me to anyone who will listen!
Don't Hold Back by David Platt was amazing. It covered so many topics that are prevalent in today's society but addressed them from a Biblical standpoint. He stretches your thinking with his words. This might be my favorite book by him. It will definitely be recommended by me to anyone who will listen!
November 8, 2023
I love that David Platt is still sticking to his guns when it comes to what the biblical gospel is teaching. This is not a light and fluffy read. Platt will cause you to think and search your own heart where you actually stand on the issue and challenge you to do something about it. Highly recommend!
February 10, 2023
This is a review for David Platt's upcoming book that will be released on Feb 28, 2023. The title is Don't Hold Back. I love David Platt's previous books, so when I got the chance to review his latest one, I jumped at it. This book deals with a topic that for me, I wasn't very interested in at first, but as I read more and more, I realized that it is vital right now as it deals with what the Word of God says about race, and how to keep racism out of the church of Christ which is His body of believers, not necessarily a church building.
David Platt explains what the Bible has to say about race, and how racism is rooted in sin, and how we need to really take an honest look of how we are separating our churches not only by race but by many other factors, and it is separating the body of Christ, which He never meant to happen! He created us for unity, and we need each other, and this book really explains that.
Here's an excerpt from chapter 2 explaining the definition of racism,
Each of these expressions of racism was or is rooted in the belief that one race is superior to another.
Here's an excerpt from his book that I think sums up his message:
from chapter 2: "To all my brothers and sisters in Christ of every color, then, let’s care for and truly share life alongside one another, and let’s work together for healing among so many who have been hurt by the church’s approach to race in our country. In the process, let’s experience the multiethnic beauty Jesus has made possible for us in our lives and in the church."
I loved his point about how we say we are colored blind, a statement I have used myself, But others hear claims of color blindness and ask, “Why are you choosing to ignore part of who I am, where I’ve come from, and how my family’s ethnicity and history have affected me, particularly in light of the fact that I’ve been affected in significant ways because of these things?” Calls for color blindness can come across as attempts to minimize a significant part of someone’s heritage and makeup. In addition, by promoting color blindness, we run the risk of diminishing the creativity of God and misunderstanding the way he sees us. Yes, God sees each of our hearts, and at the core, we’re all wonderfully and equally made in his image. But biblically, it sure seems like God sees different people in different colors from different backgrounds with different histories.
Also loved how he shared this verse:
Revelation 7:9-10 After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” For all of eternity, our diversity will be fully present, even as we experience a greater unity than we have ever known on earth.
So, this book forced me to look at my own heart, and ask God to show me if I am separating myself from others in any way, and to help me to see His created beings as His body, making them my brothers and sisters in Christ! I realized that I do tend to be more comfortable with people like me, and when I do that, I am missing out on many friendships of people unlike me that God is putting in my path! So I don't feel like it is only skin color or race that is separating us, but my own personal preferences, and for me, I am asking God to change that! So David's book helped me to understand what the Word says about treating people of all races and walks of life, and helped me to celebrate our differences, helps us to repent of previous racism, and makes me want to learn about different races or cultures by celebrating them right here in America, the melting pot, but no longer being afraid of them because they are different from mine. I have white skin, but I am a mixed race Caucasian, Mexican, Basque, Irish, and more so I am basically a mutt haha. But Jesus came for all people, and the book of Malachi states it perfectly, Malachi 2 verse 10 Are we not all children of the same Father? Are we not all created by the same God? Then why do we betray each other, violating the covenant of our ancestors?
So please take time to read this book, look deep within your own heart, and let us function in the unity that our Creator and David Platt so desperately desire for us! This book gets a 5 out of 5 rating for me! I'm so glad he wrote it!!
David Platt explains what the Bible has to say about race, and how racism is rooted in sin, and how we need to really take an honest look of how we are separating our churches not only by race but by many other factors, and it is separating the body of Christ, which He never meant to happen! He created us for unity, and we need each other, and this book really explains that.
Here's an excerpt from chapter 2 explaining the definition of racism,
Each of these expressions of racism was or is rooted in the belief that one race is superior to another.
Here's an excerpt from his book that I think sums up his message:
from chapter 2: "To all my brothers and sisters in Christ of every color, then, let’s care for and truly share life alongside one another, and let’s work together for healing among so many who have been hurt by the church’s approach to race in our country. In the process, let’s experience the multiethnic beauty Jesus has made possible for us in our lives and in the church."
I loved his point about how we say we are colored blind, a statement I have used myself, But others hear claims of color blindness and ask, “Why are you choosing to ignore part of who I am, where I’ve come from, and how my family’s ethnicity and history have affected me, particularly in light of the fact that I’ve been affected in significant ways because of these things?” Calls for color blindness can come across as attempts to minimize a significant part of someone’s heritage and makeup. In addition, by promoting color blindness, we run the risk of diminishing the creativity of God and misunderstanding the way he sees us. Yes, God sees each of our hearts, and at the core, we’re all wonderfully and equally made in his image. But biblically, it sure seems like God sees different people in different colors from different backgrounds with different histories.
Also loved how he shared this verse:
Revelation 7:9-10 After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” For all of eternity, our diversity will be fully present, even as we experience a greater unity than we have ever known on earth.
So, this book forced me to look at my own heart, and ask God to show me if I am separating myself from others in any way, and to help me to see His created beings as His body, making them my brothers and sisters in Christ! I realized that I do tend to be more comfortable with people like me, and when I do that, I am missing out on many friendships of people unlike me that God is putting in my path! So I don't feel like it is only skin color or race that is separating us, but my own personal preferences, and for me, I am asking God to change that! So David's book helped me to understand what the Word says about treating people of all races and walks of life, and helped me to celebrate our differences, helps us to repent of previous racism, and makes me want to learn about different races or cultures by celebrating them right here in America, the melting pot, but no longer being afraid of them because they are different from mine. I have white skin, but I am a mixed race Caucasian, Mexican, Basque, Irish, and more so I am basically a mutt haha. But Jesus came for all people, and the book of Malachi states it perfectly, Malachi 2 verse 10 Are we not all children of the same Father? Are we not all created by the same God? Then why do we betray each other, violating the covenant of our ancestors?
So please take time to read this book, look deep within your own heart, and let us function in the unity that our Creator and David Platt so desperately desire for us! This book gets a 5 out of 5 rating for me! I'm so glad he wrote it!!
March 9, 2023
Thanks to WaterBrook & Multnomah for the free book.
I have lots of feelings about this book, and I think it's one I'll be thinking about for a while. I am all for challenging the 'American gospel' and digging deeper into what the Bible actually says. I liked how Platt called people into truly loving one another and showing what this would look like in the world today because there is a lack of love. But I also feel like there are parts of this book that might isolate others wanting to understand things better. Trying to say that certain groups are 'cults' is not a way to make your cause look good. I also felt like this author thinks that his way is the only way and that there is no other way. I will be thinking about it for a while, but I am going to continue to read and search out other books that deal with the americanization of the gospel, too.
I have lots of feelings about this book, and I think it's one I'll be thinking about for a while. I am all for challenging the 'American gospel' and digging deeper into what the Bible actually says. I liked how Platt called people into truly loving one another and showing what this would look like in the world today because there is a lack of love. But I also feel like there are parts of this book that might isolate others wanting to understand things better. Trying to say that certain groups are 'cults' is not a way to make your cause look good. I also felt like this author thinks that his way is the only way and that there is no other way. I will be thinking about it for a while, but I am going to continue to read and search out other books that deal with the americanization of the gospel, too.
December 20, 2023
I truly appreciate Platt’s heart in this book. He compellingly challenges us to consider the assumptions we hold about the gospel. As he works through each chapter, Platt helps us envision a gospel that isn’t relegated to one part of the world; he calls us back to the global mission God has called us to. The goal is the glory of God in the nations, not our own comfort or tribe. This book made me pause to consider my own heart on the matter. One hesitation I have with the book involved some of his comments on justice; I wasn’t clear on what Platt was exhorting the reader to do. Beyond that, I highly recommend this book.
December 29, 2022
Don’t Hold Back is Platt’s call to the American church to leave behind our natural inclination to comfort and ease to follow and pursue Christ with everything we have. Building on his previous message in Radical, Platt lays out a biblical picture of the true gospel and offers specific and actionable steps that Christians can take today to make Christ center in their lives. This is a very sobering, humbling, and inspiring book. Highly recommended for anyone looking to take their faith more seriously and honor Jesus in everything they do!
March 5, 2023
David Platt has always had a way with words, but there is just something about this book that is so different in a good way. This book was convicting, challenging, and really opened my eyes to the world's view of the gospel versus the real gospel. We are called to be different and set apart and this book was very raw in the sense that Platt holds nothing back regarding Christian's in today's society. There is so much in this book that I will need to read it again just to digest and process everything. This may be my favorite Platt book yet!
March 8, 2023
As Americans we have added several things to the gospel, whether it be border security, materialism, idolatry of nation disguised as patriotism, etc. David Platt seeks to dismantle these false gospels in pursuit of the one true God and the true heartbeat message of Christianity. This book is the alarm clock that calls you out of a spiritual slumber and into the fields that are ripe for harvest. I think this is an important discussion for any American believer to be a part of. Thank you Dr Platt!
I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 7, 2023
In his book Don’t Hold Back, Pastor David Platt provides both encouragement and challenges to Christ followers on how to stay true to our faith and best extend his reach to the world of non-believers both abroad and at home. A lot of that starts with bolstering our own faith and Platt’s book contains some tools for that purpose as well. Perhaps most beneficially, Platt advocates extending grace and understanding to a community of non believers on a basis of intentional relationships that can help expand the kingdom of Christ on a person by person basis.
February 11, 2024
Don’t Hold Back is the title of the book and also Platt’s approach to writing. He bluntly states that the American church is politicized, shallow and self-centered. In many ways, he’s not wrong. I like his three bucket analogy for dealing with conflict. However, this only works if there’s an agreement about what goes in each bucket. Secondary issues for some are for others mountains to die on. Later in the book Platt presents concrete steps Christians can take to recenter themselves individually and corporately. As with Platt’s other books, Don’t Hold Back is both convicting and overwhelming.
March 29, 2023
Platt calls the American church to get back to the basics. And this book is the basics at their very best. He calls us to lay aside our own interests and misconceptions about what the church is meant to be and to focus on what Jesus calls the church to do. Platt handles difficult topics with great care and expertise. He approaches this book from more of a personal point of view. The book is filled with relevant, challenging themes and stories. I highly recommend it!
November 20, 2022
I wanted more. More truth of whole biblical text without holding back on agenda, politics and worldly struggles. The truths that are biblical that we need brought to our attention. Simple truth, the whole truth of The Word, both testaments, don’t hold back. David Platt is insightful and does make me dig deeper, yet I was looking for more in this book of not holding back.
February 20, 2023
Really thought-provoking and challenging. I can find David Platt to be a little off-putting, but not in this book. I really felt challenged to decide if I was living the American gospel or biblical gospel or if I want God's gifts or if I want God. This book is well-worth your time.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
March 5, 2023
In true David Platt style, he diagnoses the problem in the twenty-first century Church and offers a biblical solution. It’s easy to feel his passion for the Lord and His Word. It gave me much food for thought and areas to pray for within myself and the Church.
I received a digital copy of this book for review.
I received a digital copy of this book for review.
March 10, 2023
Prepare to be challenged to examine yourself and your surroundings with this one. So much wisdom lies in this book and yet it all points back to getting the reader to ask themselves if they personify and exemplify the true gospel of Jesus in their life. Quick read but not easy. Highly recommend to any Christian at any stage of faith.
July 30, 2025
I agree with the thesis of the book, but had a lot of problems getting past the logical inconsistencies throughout. I especially could have done without the veiled digs at anyone who doesn't agree with Mr. Platt's views of Jesus' message through the eyes of his Western upbringing.
May 12, 2023
Wow! I couldn’t put this book down! He speaks such truth! It’s incredibly convicting and refreshing at the same time!! Every true follower of Christ in America needs to read this book!
June 20, 2023
Revival in a book! I first read Platt’s book, Radical, and it was life changing. This book is a must read!
July 12, 2023
Insightful
August 1, 2023
So good! Challenging. I will read this again….very applicable.
January 9, 2024
4.5 stars -Although written for the American culture, it does apply to the Australia culture as well.. full of good insights and words of wisdoms… highly recommended
March 6, 2024
I was a little disappointed by this book. I felt like these were things I knew. But the older generations could definitely learn something new from it.
May 31, 2023
I honestly did not know about the struggles amidst the political/Christian world that David had before reading this book. I can kinda see why people would jump to panic mode over his methods. But I think if you hear him out… his motives are good, pure, and biblical.
I was a fan of Radical and it convicted me deeply when I read it as a new release.
I did not feel as strongly about this title… but at its core, amen to taking back the biblical gospel and let’s stop Americanizing it!
Christians, step up. Me too. We can all do more than we are. Always.
Recommend this read for its overarching idea. To remind us to recognize how we are thinking. Culturally or biblically. Good stuff.
I was a fan of Radical and it convicted me deeply when I read it as a new release.
I did not feel as strongly about this title… but at its core, amen to taking back the biblical gospel and let’s stop Americanizing it!
Christians, step up. Me too. We can all do more than we are. Always.
Recommend this read for its overarching idea. To remind us to recognize how we are thinking. Culturally or biblically. Good stuff.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews