Radical Christianity

The author presents the compelling case that the religion of Jesus is very different than the popular versions of Christianity seen today. From the close of the apostolic age the witness of the early Christian writings referenced in this volume, is clear regarding the role of rich and poor in the kingdom and the non-violent nature of Christian conduct. After the legalization of Christianity and decline of paganism in the fourth century, the church began to swell with rich and powerful members of Roman society. The church reacted to the compromise of its values, in the development of monasticism that allowed those truly devoted to God to maintain a poverty lifestyle while accommodating others in their lifestyle of comfort.

Contemporary with this and in common usage today, a doctrine of justifiable warfare was defined by Augustine to support Christians as combatants in the military. History has shown that any war can be easily and subjectively spun as a war of defense against evils seen in any society.

The present volume is divided into three parts: the first addressing the radical principles of personal finance, the second pertaining to the non-violent way of the cross, and the third looking briefly at specific ideas created to live out the meaning of the crucified life of love for others. The second part includes a chapter on practical approaches for peacemaking in relationships as well as a concordance of words in scripture related to pacifism intended to assist the reader in further study of the biblical text in all its depth and impact. In the application of radical Christianity, there are various dangers and pitfalls addressed by the author.

The radical teaching encourages an individual life style process. Jesus did not come to establish a political or economic system, but to transform the person, as he said: "the kingdom of God is within you" and "my kingdom is not of this world."