Mark Batterson, pastor of National Community Church in Washington, D.C. and author of In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day and Wild Good Chase, is an encourager and an inspirer. I always feel that way after reading one of his books. In his latest, Primal: A Quest for the Lost Soul of Christianity, Mark gives us a fresh look at the Great Commandment (Love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength) and challenges us to go “primal” by stripping our Christianity down to it’s “simplest, rawest, purest” form. He does so with his unique way of using science and technology to illustrate Biblical truths. He also offers plenty of real life examples from both his own life and the lives of those in his church.

Mark re-discovers these four “spiritual loves” as: Heart – Compassion, Soul – Wonder, Mind – Curiosity, Strength – Power. In doing so he gives a fresh understanding to how we are called to love God with everything we are and in everything we do.

The book closes with a challenge and an invitation for the reader to join in the Reformation that this generation so desperately needs by going primal. And I agree, if those who believe and follow Jesus would get to the “soul of Christianity” and focus everything on loving God with all our compassion, wonder, curiosity, and power (heart, soul, mind, and strength), we would see world transformation.

This book was an easy and compelling read and I would recommend everyone to check it out!

The Official Description:

Be Astonished Again
We have a tendency to complicate Christianity. Jesus simplified it: Love God with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength. If we are to live out the essence of Christianity, we must commit to being great at this Great Commandment.

In Primal, Mark Batterson explores the four elements of Great Commandment Christianity: compassion, wonder, curiosity, and power. Along the way, he calls you to be a part of God’s reformation, starting in your own life.

As Mark writes, “Is there a place in your past where you met God and God met you? A place where your heart broke for the things that break the heart of God? Maybe it was a sermon that became more than a sermon. Maybe it was a mission trip or retreat. Maybe it was a vow you made at an altar. In that moment, God birthed something supernatural in your spirit. You knew you’d never be the same again. My prayer is that this book would take you back to that burning bush—and reignite a primal faith.”

Primal will help you live in light of what matters most and discover what it means to love God. It will help you become great at the Great Commandment.