Creative Space for Wanderers
Call to Action Apparently, Brennan Manning was scolded harshly by some in the Christian community for this book. Perhaps he speaks as a prophet for our current Christian culture, calling out those who would reduce Christianity to a Sunday morning activity–which happens to include most of us. I suggest “us” in this sense because, like it or …
Continue reading “Ragamuffin Gospel: The Scandal of Grace: Fifteen Years Later”
Chapter 11 The Power of a Great Affection Manning relates a story from the archives in New Orleans: instead of being “born again,” those who came to know a personal relationship with Jesus Christ would say, “I was seized by the power of a great affection.” This is the phrase that describes an authentic and …
Continue reading “Ragamuffin Gospel: #11 – A Touch of Folly”
Chapter 9 Halftime This chapter reminds of Bob Buford’s book, Halftime: Moving from Success to Significance1. In October of 1995, I transitioned from the Air Force to civilian life–it was time to move into a new season in my life. The truth is, I’m still growing and trying to figure out what’s next, but this hasn’t prevented me …
Chapter 8 Freedom Awaits All This chapter starts with a summary of Dostoyevsky’s, The Brothers Karamazov. For the church, this is a rather fatalistic view of its organization and intention to control parishioners. Quite depressing. Following this brief discussion, Manning asserts, “Some Christians want to be slaves.” This is not the freedom taught by Jesus, “If …
Continue reading “Ragamuffin Gospel: #8 – Freedom from Fear”
Chapter 6 Decide, Trust and Show Heartfelt Gratitude Decide. Take Action. The gospel of grace calls us to action! This chapter calls us to arms, to action, to get out of the bleachers and onto the playing field. Manning we are indecisive, caught between a rock and a hard place because we cannot will ourselves …
Summary Many times when people ask this question, they are in the midst of great suffering. Jesus himself warned us we would all face trials and suffering; it’s important to help our friends see this truth with love. As Christians, we believe in three seemingly incompatible truths — God is good, God is great, and …
Chapter 3 This chapter explores the love Jesus showed to the least in society as demonstrated by his actions. Much of the chapter focuses on the lowly position of children and the assertion that we must be like children when we approach Christ. Jesus taught this by His daily actions where he never held back from …
Continue reading “Ragamuffin Gospel: #3 – The Ragamuffin Gospel”
Chapter 2 An intriguing title for a chapter that forced me to look for an appropriate definition. It seems that Manning wants to help us focus on the constant, consistent, even monotonous theme we find throughout the Bible: God’s love. He loves us through creation, through the Fall, in our sinful nature, in our best and …
Continue reading “Ragamuffin Gospel: #2 – Magnificent Monotony”
Summary Many people believe Jesus was given a “divine promotion” after his crucifixion that he never claimed for himself. Contrary to that belief, the dramatic explosion of devotion to Jesus points back to his teachings as the source. The New Testament record affirms that Jesus was believed to be the Messiah and that Jesus’ followers …
The Questions Christians Hope No One Will Ask (with answers) The Questions Christians Hope No One Will Ask (with answers), by Mark Mittelberg Here are my notes on the referenced book to be used for group discussion. Introduction Right off the bat we’re reminded of 1 Peter 3:15-16, “…do this in a gentle and respectful way.” …