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The Furious Longing of God
Imagine a stormy day at sea, your ship yielding to a relentless wind, pummeled by crashing waves, subject to the awesome force of nature. A force that is both fierce and majestic. A power that is nothing short of furious. Such is God's intense, consuming love for His children. It's a love that knows no limits, and no boundaries. A love that will go to any lengths, and take any risks, to pursue us. Renowned author and ragamuffin Brennan Manning presents a love story for the brokenhearted. For those who are burdened by heavy religion. For those who feel they can never measure up. It is a provocative and poignant look at the radical, no-holds-barred love of our Heavenly Father. It is a message that will forever change how you view God.
144 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2009
731 people are currently reading
4,803 people want to read
About the author
Brennan Manning
67 books879 followersRichard Francis Xavier Manning, known as Brennan Manning (April 27, 1934 – April 12, 2013) was an American author, friar, priest, contemplative and speaker.Born and raised in Depression-era New York City, Manning finished high school, enlisted in the US Marine Corps, and fought in the Korean War. After returning to the United States, he enrolled at Saint Francis University in Loretto, Pennsylvania. Upon his graduation from the seminary in 1963, Manning was ordained a Franciscan priest.[2]
In the late 1960s, Manning joined the Little Brothers of Jesus of Charles de Foucauld, a religious institute committed to an uncloistered, contemplative life among the poor. Manning transported water via donkey, worked as a mason's assistant and a dishwasher in France, was imprisoned (by choice) in Switzerland, and spent six months in a remote cave somewhere in the Zaragoza desert. In the 1970s, Manning returned to the United States and began writing after confronting his alcoholism.
In the late 1960s, Manning joined the Little Brothers of Jesus of Charles de Foucauld, a religious institute committed to an uncloistered, contemplative life among the poor. Manning transported water via donkey, worked as a mason's assistant and a dishwasher in France, was imprisoned (by choice) in Switzerland, and spent six months in a remote cave somewhere in the Zaragoza desert. In the 1970s, Manning returned to the United States and began writing after confronting his alcoholism.
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May 6, 2009
Having read some other works by Manning, I will start off by saying that this book is very similar in theme to his previous works. Manning’s essential message is the same: God loves you, and if you have to tack on any thing else to that statement then you haven’t quite gotten the gospel message.
Manning’s work is a challenge because we all have a tendency to tack on other things to that basic message. We say: “God loves you BUT…”, “God loves you WHEN”, or “IF you…THEN God will love you.” Far too often we reduce the spiritual life to the things we have to or should do in order to be right with God.
Manning’s message, I think, is a challenge to any person of faith, whether they happen to reside in the evangelical or the progressive camp. I’ve been in both camps, and the tendency is to tack on all sorts of stipulations or to even discount the message that God might personally love (even long for) you and I.
I love that Manning doesn’t just let us sit with smug satisfaction within the reality of that statement of God’s love. Instead, he asks us to consider whether or not we truly grasp God’s love by asking us to examine whether or not we live that love out in the world around us.
He asks us: Who do you consider unlovable? Are they not the ones we are called to love? Are we not called to be agents of God’s healing in this world? To love those who are unlovable, responding to the love that God has poured out upon us? To be so united to Jesus that God’s love flows through us?
If you have complicated the gospel message of God’s love for you with all sorts of conditions, then this is the book for you. In fact I probably ought to go read it again myself until its message has truly sunk in.
Manning’s work is a challenge because we all have a tendency to tack on other things to that basic message. We say: “God loves you BUT…”, “God loves you WHEN”, or “IF you…THEN God will love you.” Far too often we reduce the spiritual life to the things we have to or should do in order to be right with God.
Manning’s message, I think, is a challenge to any person of faith, whether they happen to reside in the evangelical or the progressive camp. I’ve been in both camps, and the tendency is to tack on all sorts of stipulations or to even discount the message that God might personally love (even long for) you and I.
I love that Manning doesn’t just let us sit with smug satisfaction within the reality of that statement of God’s love. Instead, he asks us to consider whether or not we truly grasp God’s love by asking us to examine whether or not we live that love out in the world around us.
He asks us: Who do you consider unlovable? Are they not the ones we are called to love? Are we not called to be agents of God’s healing in this world? To love those who are unlovable, responding to the love that God has poured out upon us? To be so united to Jesus that God’s love flows through us?
If you have complicated the gospel message of God’s love for you with all sorts of conditions, then this is the book for you. In fact I probably ought to go read it again myself until its message has truly sunk in.
May 20, 2012
A Stirring and Focusing Read
Brennan Manning has written a provocative little devotional that will likely comfort the afflicated while afflicting the comfortable. This is a series of short devotional thoughts that should provide fodder for the thoughtful Christian to ruminate over continually.
Brennan is known by manner for his honest stream of consciousness type writing and he doesn't disappoint here. Whether tying the love of God and Christ as evidenced upon the cross back the the furious passionate longing of the Song of Solomon or providing anecdotal yet powerful images from the acquaintances from Brennan's past, whether prince or pauper, this book serves to shake up the world of any careful reader who allows themselves to open their hearts first and their minds following.
The book itself can be read in one sitting. In that regard it is a piece of devotional minimalism. The power however is found not in reading quickly and setting it down, but rather taking small bites and chewing long and hard to take it from the eyes, through the brain and into a deeper level of challenge.
I came away from this read feeling I had spent time over a cup of coffee with a mature friend and both encouraged and challenged to go deeper with the issues it reinforces.
5 Stars. A very moving and meaningful book which I fully recommend.
Bart Breen
Brennan Manning has written a provocative little devotional that will likely comfort the afflicated while afflicting the comfortable. This is a series of short devotional thoughts that should provide fodder for the thoughtful Christian to ruminate over continually.
Brennan is known by manner for his honest stream of consciousness type writing and he doesn't disappoint here. Whether tying the love of God and Christ as evidenced upon the cross back the the furious passionate longing of the Song of Solomon or providing anecdotal yet powerful images from the acquaintances from Brennan's past, whether prince or pauper, this book serves to shake up the world of any careful reader who allows themselves to open their hearts first and their minds following.
The book itself can be read in one sitting. In that regard it is a piece of devotional minimalism. The power however is found not in reading quickly and setting it down, but rather taking small bites and chewing long and hard to take it from the eyes, through the brain and into a deeper level of challenge.
I came away from this read feeling I had spent time over a cup of coffee with a mature friend and both encouraged and challenged to go deeper with the issues it reinforces.
5 Stars. A very moving and meaningful book which I fully recommend.
Bart Breen
May 20, 2010
Great inspiring book from one of my favorite authors!
Here's what is most sticking with me right now:
"Is your own personal prayer life characterized by the simplicity, childlike candor, boundless trust, and easy familiarity of a little one crawling up in Daddy's lap? An assured knowing that the daddy doesn't care if the child falls asleep, starts playing with toys, or even starts chatting with little friends, because the daddy knows the child has essentially chosen to be with him for that moment? Is that the spirit of your interior prayer life?"
It hasn't been mine, but I want to make it mine...
Here's what is most sticking with me right now:
"Is your own personal prayer life characterized by the simplicity, childlike candor, boundless trust, and easy familiarity of a little one crawling up in Daddy's lap? An assured knowing that the daddy doesn't care if the child falls asleep, starts playing with toys, or even starts chatting with little friends, because the daddy knows the child has essentially chosen to be with him for that moment? Is that the spirit of your interior prayer life?"
It hasn't been mine, but I want to make it mine...
January 8, 2015
Thought provoking, and well written. This book has made me want to investigate other books by this author, probably starting with The Ragamuffin Gospel: Good News for the Bedraggled, Beat-Up, and Burnt Out. I love the authors honesty about himself and his own failings, his lack of self righteousness, and his belief in the gospel of love.
July 11, 2023
i liked this one better than Ragamuffin—the focus feels a bit more precise and i loved how straightforward it was. lots of quotable moments but one that stuck out was something he quoted from Charles de Foucald, saying, “The one thing we owe absolutely to God is never to be afraid of anything.” that quote speaks directly to what i think the book at large was saying: that we need not fear anything bc of the fury of God’s love and how he has set it all in motion to show us this. will definitely be reading again.
November 5, 2024
My favorite book by Brennan Manning by far and I love all of his books so dearly. This is the stripped down and vulnerable message of the gospel that unfortunately many churches miss
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June 12, 2024I’m always grateful for Manning’s message of God’s love.
July 7, 2023
Manning is one of the most fabulous proponents of Gods lavish grace - ‘furious love’. But, his life is also a great paradox that frustrates me.
A short and, at times, shocking encouragement to know the love of God.
A short and, at times, shocking encouragement to know the love of God.
February 27, 2009
Brennan Manning’s recurring theme throughout his 44-year ministry has been that of God seeking intimacy with us. As experienced by Mr. Manning, a recovering alcoholic and former Franciscan priest, that message of grace and love was developed in his earlier books, including The Ragamuffin Gospel.
This newest and very small volume is a sort of love story for the brokenhearted, recounting the tender yet tenacious love of God pursuing us, especially those who feel they can never measure up. It is a simplified and distilled version of his life message: as if the older he gets, the more clearly he sees it.
Mr. Manning, a popular author, speaker and spiritual director, says he’s discovered that real Christianity happens only when “men and women experience the reckless, raging confidence that comes from knowing the God of Jesus Christ.”
Experiencing the undeserved love of God has been so disarming for him that he says if he could live his 74 years all over again, he would “devote not one bloody minute to monitoring my spiritual growth.” Instead, he writes, “I would simply do the next thing in love.”
He quotes mystics and saints throughout, such as Catherine of Sienna’s bold prayers to a God who falls in love with human beings “like one drunk and crazy with love. . . . crazy over what you have made.”
Some people, he says, have criticized him because his writing is “too much about the love of God and not enough about sin and judgment and hell and how to keep Christ in Christmas.” But that's because Christians too often see God “as a small-minded bookkeeper, a niggling customs officer rifling through our moral suitcase,” when in fact God wants to transform our lives through the knowledge that we are loved.
Quoting Anthony Campbell, he asks, “How radically must we rework our own self-image if we accept ourselves as loveable—as deeply, passionately, and unconditionally loved by God?”
Ultimately, we are called to share that love, to participate in the healing ministry of Jesus Christ by affirming the good in others, even when they cannot see in themselves.
“Jesus expected the most of every man and woman,” Mr. Manning writes, “and behind their grumpiest poses, their most puzzling defense mechanisms, their coarseness, their arrogance, their dignified airs, their silence, and their sneers and curses, Jesus sees a little child who wasn’t loved enough . . . How have we gotten it so screwed up?
This newest and very small volume is a sort of love story for the brokenhearted, recounting the tender yet tenacious love of God pursuing us, especially those who feel they can never measure up. It is a simplified and distilled version of his life message: as if the older he gets, the more clearly he sees it.
Mr. Manning, a popular author, speaker and spiritual director, says he’s discovered that real Christianity happens only when “men and women experience the reckless, raging confidence that comes from knowing the God of Jesus Christ.”
Experiencing the undeserved love of God has been so disarming for him that he says if he could live his 74 years all over again, he would “devote not one bloody minute to monitoring my spiritual growth.” Instead, he writes, “I would simply do the next thing in love.”
He quotes mystics and saints throughout, such as Catherine of Sienna’s bold prayers to a God who falls in love with human beings “like one drunk and crazy with love. . . . crazy over what you have made.”
Some people, he says, have criticized him because his writing is “too much about the love of God and not enough about sin and judgment and hell and how to keep Christ in Christmas.” But that's because Christians too often see God “as a small-minded bookkeeper, a niggling customs officer rifling through our moral suitcase,” when in fact God wants to transform our lives through the knowledge that we are loved.
Quoting Anthony Campbell, he asks, “How radically must we rework our own self-image if we accept ourselves as loveable—as deeply, passionately, and unconditionally loved by God?”
Ultimately, we are called to share that love, to participate in the healing ministry of Jesus Christ by affirming the good in others, even when they cannot see in themselves.
“Jesus expected the most of every man and woman,” Mr. Manning writes, “and behind their grumpiest poses, their most puzzling defense mechanisms, their coarseness, their arrogance, their dignified airs, their silence, and their sneers and curses, Jesus sees a little child who wasn’t loved enough . . . How have we gotten it so screwed up?
March 21, 2024
Reread March 2024. When asked recently, “What is the most influential book (besides the Bible) you’ve ever read?” I immediately responded with this one. The furious longing of God will change everything about you if you let it.
Brennan Manning is rocking my world these days. I grew up under extreme legalism and still fight against tendencies toward it in my walk with Jesus. Experiencing “the furious longing of God” toward me changes everything about who I am and the way I live. I read back through Manning’s story about Larry Malaney probably 10 times, and it brought tears to my eyes every time. Manning is a great storyteller and proclaims a message that my soul needs to hear over and over again.
Brennan Manning is rocking my world these days. I grew up under extreme legalism and still fight against tendencies toward it in my walk with Jesus. Experiencing “the furious longing of God” toward me changes everything about who I am and the way I live. I read back through Manning’s story about Larry Malaney probably 10 times, and it brought tears to my eyes every time. Manning is a great storyteller and proclaims a message that my soul needs to hear over and over again.
February 3, 2024
“Our religion never begins with what we do for God. It always starts with what God has done for us, the great and wondrous things that God dreamed of and achieved for us in Christ Jesus.”
This book is beautiful without being fluffy. The truths backed up by scripture are convicting and a warm blanket all in one. A book that I’ll probably reread soon!!
This book is beautiful without being fluffy. The truths backed up by scripture are convicting and a warm blanket all in one. A book that I’ll probably reread soon!!
August 27, 2022
Re-read (8/22) - wanted to sit in the simple and amazing truth that God loves me. So I read it again. Did not disappoint.
Original review (3/19) - Everything Brennan says is beautiful & the words he uses make it even more so.
Original review (3/19) - Everything Brennan says is beautiful & the words he uses make it even more so.
April 16, 2020
In years past during times when I wanted to remember that God loves me, I would read Brennnan Manning. Today, I was reminded why I developed that habit. God loves us; God loves us very much.
August 2, 2020
If you feel like God doesn't love you enough or at all, please read this book. There is no end to His love for You, His child.
June 22, 2018
Words Elude Me. Wow. I really wish I had read this book years ago. Truly one of the best "Christian thinking" books I have ever read, and so very quotable.
May 3, 2022
Read this today, it’s exactly what I needed. Now I’m onto reading the ragamuffin gospel and I KNOW it’s gonna be gooooood
May 5, 2022
This book is incredible. I wept a lot and thought a lot. Captivating, convicting and points directly to the heart of Christ! You could read this in a day. Easily. I want all my friends to read this!!!
August 9, 2012
The number of highlights in a book is a good indicator for how much it hits my deep parts, for how profound or forceful I find it. The Furious Longing of God has far more highlights than any other book I've read this year. Over and over again, Manning hits hard and deep, reaching into my heart and fanning the flames of my spirit.
In a sermon I listened to a few months ago, John Piper asserts that holy affections (the passionate emotions reaching out to God) are just important as right theology. (Manning identifies a similar dichotomy in those book, writing “…theology, which is faith seeking understanding, and spirituality, which is the faith-experience of what we understand intellectually…”). Those of us with an intellectual bent, especially in the Reformed camp, tend to dwell on right theology overmuch and downplay or ignore having Godward emotions. Manning calls us out on that, noting “In the days ahead, you will either be a mystic (one who has experienced God for real) or nothing at all. In times of persecution, theoretical Christianity will collapse.” This book (along with most of his works) is a call to experience God for real.
A.W. Tozer called a certain group of people “The Fellowship of the Burning Heart”, referring to those who have felt the mystical experience of communion with God, have felt the furious love, the burning joy, the light of Christ. Those are who this book is for. This book calls us to revel in God's love, to abide in it, to rest in it, to learn what it means to call God Abba, our Daddy. It is a passionately written, adjective and adverb filled work coming from his heart and pleading with us to experience God's love. Manning writes, “the gut issue is not how much theology we have studied or how much Scripture we have memorized. All that really matters is this: Have you experienced the furious longing of God or not?”.
Books like this can be inspirational, but short-lived in its impact. Manning acknowledges this: “[It] is always beneficial to acknowledge that books can be deceptive. The most lyrical prose on the furious longing of God creates the illusion that we have already arrived at beatitude.”
Each chapter ends with a couple short pieces of “homework” aimed at engaging with the material and experiencing it. This is where the rubber meets the road, and I look forward to journeying through this practical application over the next many days.
Amidst the rush of daily life, I find that the flame of the Spirit in my heart grows dim. It never extinguishes, and there is always at glowing coal, but I am grateful for books like this to come along alike spiritual bellows and fan the flame of longing for God back to life. It is easy to forget that God fills us with greater joy than can be found in the best of earthly gladness (c.f. Psalm 4:7) and books like this are useful reminders of our inheritance.
In a sermon I listened to a few months ago, John Piper asserts that holy affections (the passionate emotions reaching out to God) are just important as right theology. (Manning identifies a similar dichotomy in those book, writing “…theology, which is faith seeking understanding, and spirituality, which is the faith-experience of what we understand intellectually…”). Those of us with an intellectual bent, especially in the Reformed camp, tend to dwell on right theology overmuch and downplay or ignore having Godward emotions. Manning calls us out on that, noting “In the days ahead, you will either be a mystic (one who has experienced God for real) or nothing at all. In times of persecution, theoretical Christianity will collapse.” This book (along with most of his works) is a call to experience God for real.
A.W. Tozer called a certain group of people “The Fellowship of the Burning Heart”, referring to those who have felt the mystical experience of communion with God, have felt the furious love, the burning joy, the light of Christ. Those are who this book is for. This book calls us to revel in God's love, to abide in it, to rest in it, to learn what it means to call God Abba, our Daddy. It is a passionately written, adjective and adverb filled work coming from his heart and pleading with us to experience God's love. Manning writes, “the gut issue is not how much theology we have studied or how much Scripture we have memorized. All that really matters is this: Have you experienced the furious longing of God or not?”.
Books like this can be inspirational, but short-lived in its impact. Manning acknowledges this: “[It] is always beneficial to acknowledge that books can be deceptive. The most lyrical prose on the furious longing of God creates the illusion that we have already arrived at beatitude.”
Each chapter ends with a couple short pieces of “homework” aimed at engaging with the material and experiencing it. This is where the rubber meets the road, and I look forward to journeying through this practical application over the next many days.
Amidst the rush of daily life, I find that the flame of the Spirit in my heart grows dim. It never extinguishes, and there is always at glowing coal, but I am grateful for books like this to come along alike spiritual bellows and fan the flame of longing for God back to life. It is easy to forget that God fills us with greater joy than can be found in the best of earthly gladness (c.f. Psalm 4:7) and books like this are useful reminders of our inheritance.
February 29, 2016
Brennan Manning is kind of a Richard Rohrish guy. He writes about things like God whispering to us. "You will know that you are being seen by Jesus with a gaze of infinite tenderness." Hmm. In my flesh, I would prefer a look of admiration or some affirmation of my efforts. "Good job, Sally!" Jesus cheering from the bleachers as I hit a home run.
But truly I am still learning that I am nothing. And the only kind of baseball going on would involve Jesus propping me up while helping me to hold the bat and to swing and most likely miss, then cheering for my feeble attempt. Lately I feel like I can't even rise up to get out on the field.
Yes, it is a season of being humbled. Who wants that? Not me, ever. But God knows what I need. And in my weakness I see His strength ever more clearly. And His grace and mercy. And even--shh, listen, can you hear it too? He is whispering to me of His love. So I am grateful for this book that reminds me.
But truly I am still learning that I am nothing. And the only kind of baseball going on would involve Jesus propping me up while helping me to hold the bat and to swing and most likely miss, then cheering for my feeble attempt. Lately I feel like I can't even rise up to get out on the field.
Yes, it is a season of being humbled. Who wants that? Not me, ever. But God knows what I need. And in my weakness I see His strength ever more clearly. And His grace and mercy. And even--shh, listen, can you hear it too? He is whispering to me of His love. So I am grateful for this book that reminds me.
December 14, 2024
Ragamuffin Gospel is my favorite, but I love how compact this work is. Covers a lot of the same stuff, but in a much more accessible format. Great for devotional reading.
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December 29, 2016This was just one of those things where it's just what you needed at this point in life.
May 8, 2022
"someone once said, if a man would learn to pray, let him go to sea."
"The shattering truth of the transcendent God seeking intimacy with us is not well served by gauzy sentimentality, schmaltz, or a naked appeal to emotion, but rather in the boiling bouillabaisse of shock bordering on disbelief, wonder akin to incredulity, and affectionate awe tinged by doubt."
"The seldom stated truth is that many of us have a longing for God and an aversion to god. Some of us seek him and flee him at the same time."
"There are no palliatives for raw faith. In living out our Union with Jesus One Day at a time, the most decisive issue is believing. And contrast to the domesticated, feel good Jesus of TV evangelism, who is committed to our financial prosperity, the Christ of John's gospel who has made his home in US invites us to walk with him daily in humble service even unto death."
Basil hume claims that Christians find it easier to believe that God exists then that God loves them.
Hans von Balthazar: "blessed are not the enlightened who's every question has been answered and who are delighted with their own sublime insight.. blessed, rather, are the chaste, the harassed who must daily stand before my enigma's and cannot solve them."
"Jesus said you are to love one another as I have loved you, a love that will possibly lead to the bloody, anguished gift of yourself; a Love that forgives 70 times 7, that keeps no score of wrongdoing. Jesus said this, this love, is the one criterion, the sole norm, the standard of discipleship in the new Israel of god. He says you're going to be identified as his disciples, not because of your church going, Bible toting, or song singing. No, you'll be identified as his by one sign only: the deep and delicate respect for one another, The cordial love impregnated with reverence for the sacred dimension of the human personality because of the myster substitution of Christ for the Christian."
"When preached purely, His word exalts, frightens, shocks, and forces us to reassess our whole life. The gospel breaks our train of thought, shatters our comfortable piety, and cracks open our capsule truths. The flashing Spirit of Jesus Christ breaks New paths everywhere. His sentences stand like quivering swords of flame because he did not come to bring peace, but a revolution. The gospel is not a children's fairy tale, but rather a cutting edge, rolling thunder, convulsive earthquake in the world of the human spirit."
"How has this come to be the good news of jesus? is the kingdom that he proclaimed to be nothing more than a community of men and women who go to church on sunday, take an annual spiritual retreat, read their Bibles every now and then, vigorously oppose abortion, don't watch x-rated movies, never use vulgar language, smile a lot, hold doors open for people, root for the favorite team, and get along with everybody? Is that why Jesus went through the bleak and bloody horror of calvary? is that why he emerged in shattering Glory from the tomb? is that why he poured out his holy spirit on the church? to make nicer men and women with better morals?
the gospel is absurd and the life of Jesus is meaningless until we believe that he lived, died, and rose again with but one purpose in mind to make brand new creations."
Karl Rahner: "in the days ahead, you will either be a mystic, one who has experienced God for real, or nothing at all."
In times of persecution, theoretical Christianity will collapse.
"Because we approach the gospel with preconceived notions of what it should say rather than what it does say, the Word no longer falls like rain on the parched ground of our souls. It no longer sweeps like a wild Storm into the cornera of our comfortable piety. And no longer vibrates like sharp lightning in the dark recesses. The gospel becomes, i the words of Gertrude stein, a pattern of pious platitude spoken by a Jewish Carpenter in the distant past. For example, the first beatitude ( blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven ) has so long been presented as a moralizing threat to detach ourselves from money, materiality, and all creature comforts, that we no longer see it for the grand reversal it is. Jesus said in effect, be like a little child. Consider yourself to be of little account. Blessed are you if
you love to be unknown and regarded is nothing.
To prefer contempt to honor, ridicule to praise, Humiliation to Glory - these are some of the classic formulas of Christian greatness."
"The shattering truth of the transcendent God seeking intimacy with us is not well served by gauzy sentimentality, schmaltz, or a naked appeal to emotion, but rather in the boiling bouillabaisse of shock bordering on disbelief, wonder akin to incredulity, and affectionate awe tinged by doubt."
"The seldom stated truth is that many of us have a longing for God and an aversion to god. Some of us seek him and flee him at the same time."
"There are no palliatives for raw faith. In living out our Union with Jesus One Day at a time, the most decisive issue is believing. And contrast to the domesticated, feel good Jesus of TV evangelism, who is committed to our financial prosperity, the Christ of John's gospel who has made his home in US invites us to walk with him daily in humble service even unto death."
Basil hume claims that Christians find it easier to believe that God exists then that God loves them.
Hans von Balthazar: "blessed are not the enlightened who's every question has been answered and who are delighted with their own sublime insight.. blessed, rather, are the chaste, the harassed who must daily stand before my enigma's and cannot solve them."
"Jesus said you are to love one another as I have loved you, a love that will possibly lead to the bloody, anguished gift of yourself; a Love that forgives 70 times 7, that keeps no score of wrongdoing. Jesus said this, this love, is the one criterion, the sole norm, the standard of discipleship in the new Israel of god. He says you're going to be identified as his disciples, not because of your church going, Bible toting, or song singing. No, you'll be identified as his by one sign only: the deep and delicate respect for one another, The cordial love impregnated with reverence for the sacred dimension of the human personality because of the myster substitution of Christ for the Christian."
"When preached purely, His word exalts, frightens, shocks, and forces us to reassess our whole life. The gospel breaks our train of thought, shatters our comfortable piety, and cracks open our capsule truths. The flashing Spirit of Jesus Christ breaks New paths everywhere. His sentences stand like quivering swords of flame because he did not come to bring peace, but a revolution. The gospel is not a children's fairy tale, but rather a cutting edge, rolling thunder, convulsive earthquake in the world of the human spirit."
"How has this come to be the good news of jesus? is the kingdom that he proclaimed to be nothing more than a community of men and women who go to church on sunday, take an annual spiritual retreat, read their Bibles every now and then, vigorously oppose abortion, don't watch x-rated movies, never use vulgar language, smile a lot, hold doors open for people, root for the favorite team, and get along with everybody? Is that why Jesus went through the bleak and bloody horror of calvary? is that why he emerged in shattering Glory from the tomb? is that why he poured out his holy spirit on the church? to make nicer men and women with better morals?
the gospel is absurd and the life of Jesus is meaningless until we believe that he lived, died, and rose again with but one purpose in mind to make brand new creations."
Karl Rahner: "in the days ahead, you will either be a mystic, one who has experienced God for real, or nothing at all."
In times of persecution, theoretical Christianity will collapse.
"Because we approach the gospel with preconceived notions of what it should say rather than what it does say, the Word no longer falls like rain on the parched ground of our souls. It no longer sweeps like a wild Storm into the cornera of our comfortable piety. And no longer vibrates like sharp lightning in the dark recesses. The gospel becomes, i the words of Gertrude stein, a pattern of pious platitude spoken by a Jewish Carpenter in the distant past. For example, the first beatitude ( blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven ) has so long been presented as a moralizing threat to detach ourselves from money, materiality, and all creature comforts, that we no longer see it for the grand reversal it is. Jesus said in effect, be like a little child. Consider yourself to be of little account. Blessed are you if
you love to be unknown and regarded is nothing.
To prefer contempt to honor, ridicule to praise, Humiliation to Glory - these are some of the classic formulas of Christian greatness."
July 10, 2017
This book is Brennan Manning as he usually is. That is not necessarily a bad thing. Manning can be an acquired taste. It is one I enjoy.
His basic story is this. You can not sin so much that God can not forgive you. We are all ragamuffins and God loves each one of us. We have to learn to walk in that love. For people like Brennan, this can be hard, because sometimes we do not love ourselves and we get self destructive.
I would suggest it to all as a look at what I think that Christianity is all about, it is not about religion but relationship. Still, that will shock some people and they will not be able to handle it. Guess what? God still loves them anyway.
His basic story is this. You can not sin so much that God can not forgive you. We are all ragamuffins and God loves each one of us. We have to learn to walk in that love. For people like Brennan, this can be hard, because sometimes we do not love ourselves and we get self destructive.
I would suggest it to all as a look at what I think that Christianity is all about, it is not about religion but relationship. Still, that will shock some people and they will not be able to handle it. Guess what? God still loves them anyway.
October 17, 2019
First book in years that has made me listen, really listen, to what the author has to say. Maybe it’s because it’s my first book by Brennan Manning but I don’t think so. It’s not the style or the voice that I found most compelling, it’s the substance. This book is loaded with, raw, bare naked truth. All that was the surface has been removed, peeled back, and exposed. He dives right into the deep. It has definitely left and impression on me and I cannot recommend this book enough. If you are a Christian, whoever you are and wherever you are on your journey, it’s a book for you.
January 24, 2020
It is truly hard to write a review that does it justice, but I've found that this book has served my spirit beyond my expectations. Sometimes I have found that timing has a lot to do with my ability to enjoy a book (is my mind in the right spot? Am I ready to read this? Etc...). If this is true, then the timing was certainly right.
This book is an intimate reflection on a verse from song of Solomon, "I am my beloved's, and his desire is for me." I'd like to think that this book has broken walls I needed broken, and stirred a piece I had not recognized.
Read this book, you of sorrows.
This book is an intimate reflection on a verse from song of Solomon, "I am my beloved's, and his desire is for me." I'd like to think that this book has broken walls I needed broken, and stirred a piece I had not recognized.
Read this book, you of sorrows.
March 1, 2021
I simply loved the book. It's a book that motivates you to be more like Christ. Every day. And what does that mean? It means we need to love like Christ. It's all about love. "Go in love. Go with love. Go because of love. How else will they know our good God? How else will we?" (quote by Claudia Mair Burney)
If you find yourself that your life of faith is still and you need some adrenaline pumped into your spiritual veins. Read this book!
If you find yourself that your life of faith is still and you need some adrenaline pumped into your spiritual veins. Read this book!
December 18, 2019
Manning has yet to write without leaving me feeling warm with love yet cold with conviction. His lines stay with me throughout my days. Through a combination of storytelling and theological teaching, Manning has reaffirmed my faith, especially through this book.
February 28, 2023
This book bothered me, humbled me, made me angry and led me to weep. The words are simple and yet, the reality of them wash away any works-related residue from hearts and hands that are willing to receive them. I’ll be reading and re-reading this one for a long time.
May 26, 2018
Fantastic and uncomfortably convicting.
October 22, 2020
Little Parcels Reveal Big Gifts
Absolutely loved this timely message that touched my soul! It has ignited a furious flame for God my heart, too.
Absolutely loved this timely message that touched my soul! It has ignited a furious flame for God my heart, too.
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