The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Ragamuffin Gospel
Book Review: From a Ragamuffin to a Ragamuffin
Summary: 5 Stars
My appreciation for the message in this book is overwhelming and resurges if I simply glance at its cover. The writing is intelligent, creative and engaging: Brennan paints a masterful picture of a loving God who reaches out for even (and especially) the worst of us. To explain why this book spoke so beautifully to my heart, as the saying goes, "the taller you stand the farther you fall". I was for most of my young adult life a devoted and sincere Christian; I loved God and enjoyed His constant presence, was active in college Christian fellowship groups and mission trips and had intended on a life of mission work overseas. But during the year after I graduated from college, unforeseen circumstances - and weaknesses I didn't even know I had - cancelled my plans to "work for God".
Within the next year alone, my disappointment, feelings of being suddenly lost in world in which I'd previously thought to know my place and purpose, and a sudden sense of complete worthlessness left me reeling. I went from being what one might call a cookie-cutter Christian, admired as "shining with the light of Jesus", to struggling through severe depression, abusive drinking, eating disorders and unhealthy relationships. I contemplated suicide and often lied in bed crying with grief over what I thought must be God's deep, deep disappointment in me.
When I was introduced to The Ragamuffin Gospel by a dear friend "who knew me back when", I felt an inexplicable sense of relief after reading just a few pages. I felt I was engaging in a conversation with that rare type of person -- someone who understood how I felt, and better yet, had a sincere answer and hope to share.
In this book, Brennan tells many stories of people he has encountered along with other anecdotes that provide honest emotional moments to which each ragamuffin can relate. The author writes with a sincerity, which the reader comes to understand through his story, that stems from his also having to face inadequacies and disappointments with courage fueled by God's mercy.
This book will not be useful to anyone unaligned with the Christian faith, as its message is very Christ-centered. And for those whose faith is Christ-centered, Brennan points out in his foreword that this book is not for the Christians "who live only on the mountaintop and have never visited the valley of desolation." His proceeding illustrations of Ragamuffins includes this to which I most identify, "It is for the bent and the bruised who feel that their lives are a grave disappointment to God."
My copy of this book, like my spirit, has faded, been tattered and used. I will read it again and again -- it is truly enriching food for the soul.
Book Review: Get this one -- TODAY!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
Don't go another day without reading this book!Of all the books that I could list as being important to spiritual growth, this one would be at the top. Manning targets something that, sadly, is too often missing in today's churches. Simply put, he reminds us that the Gospel is GOOD NEWS and that the love of our God goes far beyond what we could ever imagine.
Whether you're bound in tradition, tied down by man-made rules or just in need of a breath of fresh air in your Christian walk, this book will guide you back to the path where, I believe, God would want us to be.
Don't crack the cover of this book without an open mind -- and an open heart. You will not be able to get through it without it challenging at least one of your own, personal "religious vices."
Those who are Pharisaical in nature and care more about the letter of the law than God's intent won't get much from this work. But for those who would be honest with themselves and allow God to transform them, this book is an invaluable resource.
Book Review: God's Grace Made Clear
Summary: 5 Stars
Before reading THE RAGAMUFFIN GOSPEL, my knowledge and understanding of God's grace was perverted at best. While reading the book, I often glimpsed the magnitude of God's love for me. Simply put, this well and simply written book has been instrumental in changing my outlook on life. Once and for all, I feel free of all failures, guilt, and shame. I am indebted to and thankful for the members of A RAGAMUFFIN BAND for introducing me to Brennan Manning and the THE RAGAMUFFIN GOSPEL via the band's CD, PRAYERS OF A RAGAMUFFIN.
I highly recommend THE RAGAMUFFIN GOSPEL to everyone, especially to those of us who have experienced failure, loneliness, guilt, and shame. This book can help replace all negative emotion with a spirit of peace, acceptance, joy, and brotherhood with Christ Jesus.
Book Review: God's Grace...
Summary: 5 Stars
This book is excellent...it really does open one's eyes to God's beautiful grace and kindness. Manning does not make light of sin at all. His approach is to get off the back of the sinner (there are plenty of "christian" finger pointers out there for every sinner) and turn the sinner (you and me) to the loving face of God. For the first time in my life I have understood "grace." I finally understand that God understands. I finally understand that I can be broken AND approach God. I don't need to fix myself up to be with Him, I can truly come just as I am. And since I can come as I am, I am enabled to give that same grace to others, and be a forgiving, loving person. That is living as Christ would like us to live...Book Review: Good book on grace and mercy
Summary: 5 Stars
I highly recommend this book.I agree with the premise that we are all "ragamuffins". Manning writes well about the practical nature of grace. I think he believes all will be granted grace regardless of their response to God. Of course, I disagree with this premise. Manning writes in a style that is very readable and even tender. He clearly accounts for grace in his life. Even if you disagree with his theology, The Ragamuffin Gospel is well worth reading. It will make you think, and you will come away with a renewed sense of God's grace.