Primal: A Quest for the Lost Soul of Christianity

I received an advance copy of Primal a few weeks ago in the mail to review as part of the Primal Blog Tour. I have read both of Mark Batterson's previous books,In a Pit with a Lion on a snowy day, and Wild Goose Chase, and was looking forward to receiving Primal. Batterson's previous books were engaging, thoughtful and fresh and I was expecting Primal to be the same.

Primal did not disappoint!

In the book Batterson explores what he calls the "Primal Commandment," Mark 12:30 - "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." The book then examines the heart, soul, mind and strength of Christianity. Batterson tries to strip away many of the things that hinder us from the pursuit of God and the clunky rigidity of religion and free us to pursue the Primal call to love God with all that we are.

The book is a pretty quick read at around 175 pages but it will spur you into hours of conversation and reflection. After every chapter I felt challenged to examine and evaluate what matters most in my relationship with God. The challenges and thoughts of Chapter 2 A Drop in the Bucket are alone worth the cost of the book.

I also think this would be a great book if you are searching for a book to use with a small group this year. The challenges from each chapter naturally lead to discussion. In my home my wife Kara and I have been discussing several ideas and discoveries from this book.

I don't know that the book was "burning bush" in my life but it has caused me to evaluate several areas in my life. I would challenge you to make Primal one of the first books you read this year. You can pick it up by visiting RandomHouse.com clicking HERE or wherever you buy books.

Let me know what you think once you pick up your copy!