I’ve had the privilege through the years because of my past job working for Purpose Driven of meeting and getting to know some of the top pastors throughout the country.  One of my favorites and someone I’ve been able to get together with on quite a few occasions is Mark Batterson.   I love going to Mark’s office because he always has a fascinating stack of book lying on his desk that he’s either about to read or is reading.  Mark has a philosphy that every “-ology” is a branch of theology and teaches us something about God.  I bring all this up for a reason…

Today Mark’s 3rd book he’s authored, Primal,  hits the bookshelves.  Thanks to Mark and the good folks at WaterBrook Multnomah I was given an advanced copy for review.  As in his previous books, In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day and Wild Goose Chase, you’ll feel smarter for having read Primal because of Mark’s extensive research into so many “-ologies” and application of those to practical Christian living.

Of course the goal is not to just get head smart, Mark wants your relationship with Jesus to be transformed.  So the basis of Primal is simplifying what it means to be a follower of Christ.  Jesus Himself said that it boils down to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength” so Mark uses that as a jumping off point to discover what it truly means to loves God.  In 179 pages, broken into 4 sections you will explore the words, compassion, wonder, curiosity and power.

For me personally the first section on compassion and the last section on power spoke greatly to me.  However the nice thing about Mark’s writings is that even in the sections that may not be as relevant to you at the time, there are always a thought or sentence that will strike you and cause you to think and pray about the implications to your life.

I highly would recommend you take the cash that your grandmother stuffs into your Christmas card and go out and buy this book.  I don’t say that because Mark is a friend, but because it really is a good book and he is an important voice to the church in our time and generation.