“ARADICAL preacher..." Guess the rest of the headline. "Gives all his money to the poor"? "Speaks out against hypocrisy?" No: "A radical preacher jailed for inciting terrorism" (BBC, May 2009).

In many minds today, the word "radical" throws up images of fuming imams or plotters in Afghan caves. It's an angry word, a violent word.

But being radical shouldn't be about hatred and fear. A true radical is passionate for good; prepared to live for love, 100 per cent. Radical means "from the root" (from radix, Latin for root).

A true radical is prepared to change everything - root, branch and all - and live for what really matters.

Jesus Christ is the best and truest radical that ever lived. He radically sided with the outcasts, welcoming them into His circle. He radically challenged the proud rich and the religious bigots. He radically called people into the new society that He was forming - people who would live to love and serve.

He still calls people today, to give up everything else and follow Him, to join His love revolution - to be true radicals.

See also: True Definitions: Martyr True Definitions: Gospel

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