Radical

by Al Diestelkamp
via THINK, Volume 33 No. 1, January-March, 2002

The word "radical" has come to have more than one meaning. Initially, it meant "from the root." Somewhere along the way, it began to be used as a synonym of the word "extreme." When used as an adjective to describe a person's beliefs, it is usually intended as an insult. One might be called a radical conservative or a radical liberal. In politics, we have become quite familiar with the term "radical right."

Despite its original meaning, the most common use of the word in our day is to denote that which is extreme. For that reason, most people don't like to be labeled "radical" about anything.

When it comes to one's spiritual values, convictions, and life, being radical (from the root) is what we are called to be. As disciples of the Lord (our root), we must deny ourselves, take up the cross, and follow Him (Luke 9:23). That's radical (in the good sense), but it will be considered extreme by the world-and even by some in the church.

Recently, I have seen and heard the word used by brethren in rallying calls for change. Let me cite two examples of this, along with my comments:

Radical Restoration is the title of a new book written by F. Lagard Smith. In his book, the popular author calls on brethren to be radical in our approach to restoring first-century Christianity. I'm confident he would say that his call for "radical" restoration fits the original definition, as he outlines what he perceives to be the "root" pattern to follow.

However, calling something radical does not make it "from the root." Much of what brother Smith sees as "precedent" is based on assumptions he makes. So, instead of going back to the root of what the New Testament actually says, he lets his imagination be his guide. That's not radical in the truest sense of the word! It is extreme -- extremely liberal, that is.

Let me mention just one example from his book. He assumes (as do many sectarians) that the "love feast" of Jude 12 is a common meal. Then he tries to connect that common meal with the Lord's Supper by saying the Lord's Supper was a "meal within a meal."

He sees the problem in Corinth (I Corinthians 11:16-34) not in their not waiting for one another to eat the Lord's Supper, but in their not sharing their meals with the less fortunate. Again, this is based on pure assumption, but even so, he completely ignores the fact that this is not an "approved" example, as well as Paul's inspired solution: "But if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home" (I Corinthians 11:34).

Another phrase that I've heard recently is "radical autonomy." Autonomy is the "state of being self-governing" and is usually used by brethren to refer to the independence of local congregations. Though "autonomy" is not used in the Bible, it certainly is a biblical concept. Under Christ as King, each congregation is to be independent in organization from all other congregations.

Being independent, some congregations may choose to abandon long-standing traditions—even those within God's authority. They may find that it is in the best interests of the cause of Christ in their area to meet at non-traditional times or to identify themselves by a scriptural description other than "church of Christ." As long as these changes away from tradition remain within the authority of Christ, they are within their rights.

In this sense, I join with those who call for radical autonomy. However, the context in which this phrase is sometimes used leads me to wonder whether some are using it as an excuse to insulate themselves from criticism or questioning of their practices. One of the great blessings we have in the Lord's church is that our brethren look out for us. If a brother in another congregation sees that the congregation where I worship is doing something he considers out of harmony with the New Testament, I should welcome his criticism, not shut him off by announcing that we are a "radically autonomous congregation."

The fact of the matter is that we need to be radical -- that is, we need to be "from the root." This requires that we allow Christ to dwell in our hearts so that we will be "rooted and grounded in love" (Ephesians 3:17). True radical restoration cannot be based on speculation or assumption, nor should radical autonomy be used to ward off constructive criticism.