The Gospel of Grace. It is the distinguishing factor between Christianity and every other world religion, yet is the most rejected concept in American Christianity. Because of this, Brennan Manning's book, The Ragamuffin Gospel, seems almost scandalous. Where is the hell, fire and brimstone? Where are the disciplines of a godly Christian? Where are all the shoulds and shouldn'ts of the faith?
Manning's book is not only informative. It is a work of art. Grace is not communicated exclusively in the content, but in Manning's style as well. His words drip with beauty and rawness, imbued with a gentle pastor's heart and a ragamuffin's soul. This isn't Christian literature for the masses, but neither were the parables of Jesus. If you are looking for ten practical steps to giving and receiving grace, I suggest you move on. If you are looking to get a glimpse at the essence of the intangible and infinite goodness of God, otherwise known as grace, you will fall deeply in love with this book.
This book is a dance and if you are willing to let go and allow it to sweep you delicately across the ballroom floor, then by all means, grab hold and dance away. Your soul will lilt and twirl and light with passionate grace. If you are looking for something less, something more cookie cutter and less penetrating, then spend your efforts elsewhere. How sad I would be for you, though, to miss out on this amazing work!
I was provided a copy of this book by Multnomah Books in return for my honest review.
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