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Unleashed: Release the Untamed Faith Within
Two thousand years later the call to follow Christ has been repacked to be smooth and trouble-free, filled with opportunity and promise but lacking risk, passion, and sacrifice. Is this really what Jesus died for? If He chose the way of the cross, where would He hesitate leading us? Is it possible that to follow Jesus is to live your life completely unleashed?
Jesus never made a pristine call to a proper or safe religion. Jesus beckons His followers to a path that is far from the easy road. It is a path filled with adventure, uncertainty, and unlimited possibilities- the only path that can fulfill the deepest longings and desires of your heart.
This is the barbarian to give your heart to the only One who can make you fully alive. To love Him with simplicity and intensity. To unleash the untamed faith within. To be consumed by the presence of a passionate and compassionate God. To go where He sends you, no matter the cost.
Previously released as The Barbarian Way
Jesus never made a pristine call to a proper or safe religion. Jesus beckons His followers to a path that is far from the easy road. It is a path filled with adventure, uncertainty, and unlimited possibilities- the only path that can fulfill the deepest longings and desires of your heart.
This is the barbarian to give your heart to the only One who can make you fully alive. To love Him with simplicity and intensity. To unleash the untamed faith within. To be consumed by the presence of a passionate and compassionate God. To go where He sends you, no matter the cost.
Previously released as The Barbarian Way
176 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
226 people are currently reading
1889 people want to read
About the author
Erwin Raphael McManus
52 books506 followersErwin Raphael McManus is an iconoclast known as a cultural pioneer for his integration of creativity and spirituality. He is an artist, entrepreneur, and cultural thought leader who is also the founder of MOSAIC, a community of faith in Los Angeles California. Known for their innovation, creativity, and artistry, MOSAIC has been named one of the most influential and innovative churches in America.
Engaging such issues as culture, creativity, change, and leadership, Erwin is widely known as a thought-provoking communicator, poet, and wordsmith. His travels have taken him to over 50 countries and he has spoken to over a million people from a wide variety of audiences, from professional sports, Wall Street investors, universities, film studios, and conferences across the world.
McManus is the author of Soul Cravings, Chasing Daylight, and other leading books on spirituality and creativity. His newest book is The Artisan Soul: Crafting your Life into a Work of Art.
Erwin Raphael McManus sees the imagination as the principle vehicle through which we create a better self, a better world, and a better future. He argues that creativity is both uniquely human and the essence of human uniqueness. Creativity, McManus contends, is a natural expression of our spirituality. When we are most fully alive we create out of love all that is good and beautiful and true.
Erwin has a BA in psychology from UNC Chapel Hill, a Masters of Divinity from Southwestern Theological Seminary, and a Doctorate of Humane Letters from Southeastern University.
Engaging such issues as culture, creativity, change, and leadership, Erwin is widely known as a thought-provoking communicator, poet, and wordsmith. His travels have taken him to over 50 countries and he has spoken to over a million people from a wide variety of audiences, from professional sports, Wall Street investors, universities, film studios, and conferences across the world.
McManus is the author of Soul Cravings, Chasing Daylight, and other leading books on spirituality and creativity. His newest book is The Artisan Soul: Crafting your Life into a Work of Art.
Erwin Raphael McManus sees the imagination as the principle vehicle through which we create a better self, a better world, and a better future. He argues that creativity is both uniquely human and the essence of human uniqueness. Creativity, McManus contends, is a natural expression of our spirituality. When we are most fully alive we create out of love all that is good and beautiful and true.
Erwin has a BA in psychology from UNC Chapel Hill, a Masters of Divinity from Southwestern Theological Seminary, and a Doctorate of Humane Letters from Southeastern University.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 226 reviews
July 14, 2012
The Barbarian Way is written by a guy who lets his kids jump of the roof and goes to a church where men strip off naked for a tug-of-war after a retreat in the mountains. "A group of buzzards waiting around together to feat on leftover carnage is called a committee. Just this one insight is worth the prices of the whole book..." and probably sums up the tone of the book.
McManus is an iconoclast, although he doesn't come across as an angry one. He wants Christians to let go of civilised religion, which tends to restrict our freedom and the pursuit of Christ, and enter into an unruly pursuit of God. His call is to danger, not safety, and sacrifice, not prosperity. He also does better with alliteration than do I.
At 146 fairly small pages it's short, and the popular kind of generic inspirational Christian literature that isn't very demanding. But I really enjoyed reading it and felt challenged to let out my inner barbarian. The point, of course, is not rape and pillage, but to let nothing and no one hold us back from the radical pursuit of Christ, a radical love for others and an unleashing of dreams towards that end.
Two stand outs for me:
1. The call to danger and suffering rather than safety. A guy who deliberately encourages his kids to embrace risk and discomfort for the sake of growth is pretty out there. This is a much needed remedy to much of the soft, flabby religion that passes for Christianity today.
2. The call to mystical faith. God wants us to experience him, not just study him. McManus' mysticism is very edgy, not medieval, and I wholeheartedly agree with him, as he describes it. I've been thinking about this in regard to the coming year so it was a real encouragement.
McManus is an iconoclast, although he doesn't come across as an angry one. He wants Christians to let go of civilised religion, which tends to restrict our freedom and the pursuit of Christ, and enter into an unruly pursuit of God. His call is to danger, not safety, and sacrifice, not prosperity. He also does better with alliteration than do I.
At 146 fairly small pages it's short, and the popular kind of generic inspirational Christian literature that isn't very demanding. But I really enjoyed reading it and felt challenged to let out my inner barbarian. The point, of course, is not rape and pillage, but to let nothing and no one hold us back from the radical pursuit of Christ, a radical love for others and an unleashing of dreams towards that end.
Two stand outs for me:
1. The call to danger and suffering rather than safety. A guy who deliberately encourages his kids to embrace risk and discomfort for the sake of growth is pretty out there. This is a much needed remedy to much of the soft, flabby religion that passes for Christianity today.
2. The call to mystical faith. God wants us to experience him, not just study him. McManus' mysticism is very edgy, not medieval, and I wholeheartedly agree with him, as he describes it. I've been thinking about this in regard to the coming year so it was a real encouragement.
November 30, 2020
His son is on the roof asking if he can jump off and the man says YES! I wouldn't consider myself an over protective mother, but I certainly don't think I'd have the guts to trust my kids could jump off a roof without hurting themselves. This is how far outside the box Erwin is. When he says live life to the fullest and leave nothing for the next life, he means it. He wants us to give it all! I love this author!
June 15, 2011
McManus is certainly not normal, nor a voice of reason, but he would consider both of those evaluations as complimentary. The book is chock full of powerful quotes that make you reevaluate why we try so hard to achieve the status quo. And it captures a Jesus who was not boring, nice, sweet, or tamed - someone actually worth following. If you yearn to experience a Christianity that isn't boring or safe, I recommend reading this book.
April 21, 2011
Unleashed by Erwin Raphael McManus
A challenge is presented to all Christians to approach their faith in a way that mirrors the times of the Bible. It’s a challenge to not live out a faith in a life of ease and comfort, but to live faith out in the ways that are so far from tradition that it’s barbaric. I like it; it's short sweet and to the point. But I think the message of the book is really the part that I struggle with the most. It is not that I don't completely agree with what McMannus is saying. I do, Christians have become civilized and religious with their relationship. But, I can't help thinking that maybe he missed something in his attempt to show us that there is another way to live out our faith. We all have our own ideas of radical, our own ideas of barbarism. Maybe we don't face our fears by leaving our security to pursue our dreams in Nashville as his daughter did, or to go on missions overseas or at home. Maybe we don't all have the guts to become a public speaker and proclaim the good news. And maybe religion makes sense to us, because what others may see as rituals and going through the motions is really our way of walking out our faith.
Yes, Jesus walked away from his life as a carpenter to fulfill his divine purpose. Yes, he called out to people asking them to follow him. Yes, he came and turned our worlds completely upside down, he challenged the norms of his times and of our own. But the beauty of having a personal God is that we reflect him through our faith, we show the world how we see God. For some that may be more civilized and for others it may be barbaric. God doesn't change, He never has and He never will. But we will; we are constantly changing. As will our reflection of God and who we see him as. John the Baptist didn't see Jesus the same way that Mary Magdalene did. When Peter and Thomas looked at Jesus they saw the same man before them, but they didn't see the same God. And it is all of these different perceptions of God that brings out all of His personality and characteristics. I think that above all, that's kind of the point.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through the Booksneeze book bloggers program. I am under no obligation to write a positive review.
A challenge is presented to all Christians to approach their faith in a way that mirrors the times of the Bible. It’s a challenge to not live out a faith in a life of ease and comfort, but to live faith out in the ways that are so far from tradition that it’s barbaric. I like it; it's short sweet and to the point. But I think the message of the book is really the part that I struggle with the most. It is not that I don't completely agree with what McMannus is saying. I do, Christians have become civilized and religious with their relationship. But, I can't help thinking that maybe he missed something in his attempt to show us that there is another way to live out our faith. We all have our own ideas of radical, our own ideas of barbarism. Maybe we don't face our fears by leaving our security to pursue our dreams in Nashville as his daughter did, or to go on missions overseas or at home. Maybe we don't all have the guts to become a public speaker and proclaim the good news. And maybe religion makes sense to us, because what others may see as rituals and going through the motions is really our way of walking out our faith.
Yes, Jesus walked away from his life as a carpenter to fulfill his divine purpose. Yes, he called out to people asking them to follow him. Yes, he came and turned our worlds completely upside down, he challenged the norms of his times and of our own. But the beauty of having a personal God is that we reflect him through our faith, we show the world how we see God. For some that may be more civilized and for others it may be barbaric. God doesn't change, He never has and He never will. But we will; we are constantly changing. As will our reflection of God and who we see him as. John the Baptist didn't see Jesus the same way that Mary Magdalene did. When Peter and Thomas looked at Jesus they saw the same man before them, but they didn't see the same God. And it is all of these different perceptions of God that brings out all of His personality and characteristics. I think that above all, that's kind of the point.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through the Booksneeze book bloggers program. I am under no obligation to write a positive review.
March 22, 2015
A book written with clarity and a purpose in mind, it was funny, informative and witty. The Barbarian Way is a life lived and cherished by and for Jesus, may we all become barbarian’s someday. An excellent read.
July 12, 2018
The most refreshing read I have had in a decade...maybe longer.
This is a quick read yet every page is full of rich challenges and engaging perspectives on the Christian life. McManus smartly challenges the Christian status quo through Scripture and compelling anecdotes.
This is a quick read yet every page is full of rich challenges and engaging perspectives on the Christian life. McManus smartly challenges the Christian status quo through Scripture and compelling anecdotes.
August 2, 2007
It was ok. The whole point seemed to be go out there and do something for God.
May 17, 2024
This book stirred a few things in me but before getting to that part, here's a realization. I found the first pages a little offensive and I told myself I was going to stop reading if it kept singing the same tune until the mid-point. It did! Fortunately, I also found the wisdom to carry on.
It simply isn't for the faint of heart and if you are one of those people that the author repeatedly describe as domesticated, then you'd be severely offended. This book got to me a few times but everytime time it did, I dug deeper and found hints of the barbarian, that he was describing, in me. Perhaps not in the same manner as what he had written but in some other aspects of life.
I was telling a friend that one has to be self aware or firmly grounded before one can understand this book as it should be understood. I guess I did in ways the author might not have expected.
This book isn't for everybody but if you're up for a little beating, go ahead.
It simply isn't for the faint of heart and if you are one of those people that the author repeatedly describe as domesticated, then you'd be severely offended. This book got to me a few times but everytime time it did, I dug deeper and found hints of the barbarian, that he was describing, in me. Perhaps not in the same manner as what he had written but in some other aspects of life.
I was telling a friend that one has to be self aware or firmly grounded before one can understand this book as it should be understood. I guess I did in ways the author might not have expected.
This book isn't for everybody but if you're up for a little beating, go ahead.
September 28, 2021
This was a fast read, less than 200 pages. It had some interesting ideas and very interesting one liners. Such as this: "This is the simplicity of the barbarian way. If you are a follower of Christ, then you are called to fight for the heart of your King. It is a life fueled by passion -- a passion for God and a passion for people." I found this one to be the most profound and close to my heart. This book I received from my oldest sister when I was back east for my brother's celebration for life. After I write down all the other profound statements from this book, I will return it to my sister for another read-a-holic. Well worth the time to read and no the normal Christian book, in my opinion.
June 10, 2017
This book definitely made me think. Are we too safe and too civilized in the modern church? Probably we are. The book made me uncomfortable in a good way. Will I look out for ways to be more of a Christian barbarian? Most definitely!
May 2, 2022
I really enjoyed reading this book. It gave me a enlightenment of Bible stories and how to live my life as a Christian… I just wish that there would have been goals or challenges at the end to accomplish. Perhaps after reading this book, maybe next steps? So now I know how to live as a barbarian but what are the steps to get there?
September 23, 2013
After listening to several sermons by Erwin, I decided to try out some of his books. This one is the first.
The Barbarian Way:
Erwin is trying to clearly make us see the difference between what Christianity as a movement and Christianity as a part of the culture. Well, I have nothing much to say about this book. It's pretty much the same as his sermon on the topic: that there is a gap between what Jesus want his followers to become and what the community that bear his name is missing out on.
Two thousand years ago, the institution (read: religion) that bore the name of Yahweh, God of the Old Testament, was turned upside down by Jesus (not, not the Messiah, but the Human Jesus), culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem and the Second Temple in the year 70 AD.
Now, two thousand more years have passed. Will something similar happens to Christianity? That remains to be seen...
Soul Cravings:
If you're a Christian, or just a person who's familiar with Christianity, I'm certain that you know some preachers in this world claimed to have seen hell and, yes, sometimes, heaven.
The funny thing is, when you hear them preached in the church, they would regularly speak about "How you can be a blessing," or "how to have the right spouse," or "how to be a good person," or "how you can be more blessed."
I don't say that it's impossible for a person to be brought to hell and heaven by God. I'm saying that if you really has ever seen heaven or hell, you would preach about something more than those practical and bland talk. You would talk about something that is more mysterious and hard to digest, something that is disturbing and real, rather than preaching about what most of the Christian preachers preached about: easy to digest, practical to everyday lives, and yes,
BORING
Erwin once said, "Before a person follow your God, he/she has to become a follower of you. They wouldn't come to your God if they don't like you. And if they don't like you why would they want to know whatever that makes you the way you are? To find an unknown and mysterious God they need a guide [you]."
It is this thing that kept me from believing what preachers said. They are just not trustworthy. They can talk all the good things, sometimes so much good that they have preached their own version of God, because if you've read the Bible, you know there's so much chaos and darkness in the Bible.
I wanted a conversation that is thoughtful and honest, and as long as I don't see that, I will not be convinced with whatever those hell and heaven travelers said about.
Now to begin, I don't like how this book opens up. It used the "21 grams" issue that is being used by propagandists all around the world to say, "There is more to you than flesh and blood" (do your research, Erwin!)
But after that, the book just gets better and better. The conversation moves from what is bland into that which is heartfelt and almost personal. It's not the kind of book that says "you need God" although that was what being argued here. Erwin is not your lousy-stupid-next-door-preacher, who preached that GOD-IS-ALL-GOOD-AND-GREAT-AND-LOVING-AND-CARING. He has his own doubts, even his own son had his doubts, and he is a pastor of a church!
He is also honest enough to share those doubts in this book. Every human being needs to know that somehow someway their lives are meaningful. That there is a purpose to their existence in this world. It is not really a harmful impulse to desire meaning for our lives. What is harmful is when that impulse to have meaning drive us to believe what is false but consoling, rather than the truth which is harsh and merciless.
The 'truth'
That the Bible
Might just be
A human creation
That Jesus
Might just be
A false Messiah
That Christianity
Is nothing more
Than another dead end
People all around the world are trying to make sense of life. To understand who we are and where we are. Some went out alone, and in the journey discovered things that are disturbing and grotesque.As John Gray, an English Political Philosopher puts it, "Not everything in religion is precious or deserving of reverence."
Making sense of life
Asking questions
Even questions
About the existence of God
I've set out a few years ago to find answers. I'm progressing very-very slowly now, and in those times when I'm tired of asking, I'm just glad to find a person who can talk about all the deep issues in life like this Erwin.
The Barbarian Way:
Erwin is trying to clearly make us see the difference between what Christianity as a movement and Christianity as a part of the culture. Well, I have nothing much to say about this book. It's pretty much the same as his sermon on the topic: that there is a gap between what Jesus want his followers to become and what the community that bear his name is missing out on.
Two thousand years ago, the institution (read: religion) that bore the name of Yahweh, God of the Old Testament, was turned upside down by Jesus (not, not the Messiah, but the Human Jesus), culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem and the Second Temple in the year 70 AD.
Now, two thousand more years have passed. Will something similar happens to Christianity? That remains to be seen...
Soul Cravings:
If you're a Christian, or just a person who's familiar with Christianity, I'm certain that you know some preachers in this world claimed to have seen hell and, yes, sometimes, heaven.
The funny thing is, when you hear them preached in the church, they would regularly speak about "How you can be a blessing," or "how to have the right spouse," or "how to be a good person," or "how you can be more blessed."
I don't say that it's impossible for a person to be brought to hell and heaven by God. I'm saying that if you really has ever seen heaven or hell, you would preach about something more than those practical and bland talk. You would talk about something that is more mysterious and hard to digest, something that is disturbing and real, rather than preaching about what most of the Christian preachers preached about: easy to digest, practical to everyday lives, and yes,
BORING
Erwin once said, "Before a person follow your God, he/she has to become a follower of you. They wouldn't come to your God if they don't like you. And if they don't like you why would they want to know whatever that makes you the way you are? To find an unknown and mysterious God they need a guide [you]."
It is this thing that kept me from believing what preachers said. They are just not trustworthy. They can talk all the good things, sometimes so much good that they have preached their own version of God, because if you've read the Bible, you know there's so much chaos and darkness in the Bible.
I wanted a conversation that is thoughtful and honest, and as long as I don't see that, I will not be convinced with whatever those hell and heaven travelers said about.
Now to begin, I don't like how this book opens up. It used the "21 grams" issue that is being used by propagandists all around the world to say, "There is more to you than flesh and blood" (do your research, Erwin!)
But after that, the book just gets better and better. The conversation moves from what is bland into that which is heartfelt and almost personal. It's not the kind of book that says "you need God" although that was what being argued here. Erwin is not your lousy-stupid-next-door-preacher, who preached that GOD-IS-ALL-GOOD-AND-GREAT-AND-LOVING-AND-CARING. He has his own doubts, even his own son had his doubts, and he is a pastor of a church!
He is also honest enough to share those doubts in this book. Every human being needs to know that somehow someway their lives are meaningful. That there is a purpose to their existence in this world. It is not really a harmful impulse to desire meaning for our lives. What is harmful is when that impulse to have meaning drive us to believe what is false but consoling, rather than the truth which is harsh and merciless.
The 'truth'
That the Bible
Might just be
A human creation
That Jesus
Might just be
A false Messiah
That Christianity
Is nothing more
Than another dead end
People all around the world are trying to make sense of life. To understand who we are and where we are. Some went out alone, and in the journey discovered things that are disturbing and grotesque.As John Gray, an English Political Philosopher puts it, "Not everything in religion is precious or deserving of reverence."
Making sense of life
Asking questions
Even questions
About the existence of God
I've set out a few years ago to find answers. I'm progressing very-very slowly now, and in those times when I'm tired of asking, I'm just glad to find a person who can talk about all the deep issues in life like this Erwin.
December 27, 2012
McManus writes very well, and the book is an exciting book to read. I read it in one night, and found it hard to put down. His thesis is very exciting, but it is cobbled together with very poor theology, and many cases of eisegesis. Some of the positives it reinforced are that Jesus doesn't call us to a life of comfort, God will allow us to suffer, and the complacency found in many churches today is a form of dead Christianity. The negatives, however, cause me to dismiss this book as unbiblical, as he pushes a mystical reliance on God speaking to each of us as individuals, apart from scripture, to give us an individual plan that we are to recklessly abandon logic and reason to follow. While this sounds very exciting, it flies in the face of the doctrine of the sufficiency of scripture, and leads to more of an individualistic Christianity (which is contrary to how we are supposed to act communally in submission the body). McManus doesn't discuss any acts of submisson or obedience to fellow Christians, and a careless student of scripture would probably read this book as an allowance to live with a rebelious spirit, something scripture speaks against. For these reasons, I wouldn't recommend it for a believer that wouldn't test it against scripture.
May 15, 2024
This was a mixed bag for me. I get the overall point being made and there’s lots of scripture references and encouragement but…I’m not sure that I agreed with all he said.
I think this book is in danger of being a little ‘ego massage-like’ but I do lean towards cynicism. I agree we need our faith challenged and that we are often too comfortable or ineffective; I just think there’s many roles…as the Bible shows us, where not every Christian or man and woman of faith followed ‘the barbarian way’ that Erwin suggests.
He cites many examples of ‘barbarians’ in God’s word but not every single person was a Moses, Abraham, Elijah, David, Peter, Paul or Gideon…that’s probably my main issue.
There is a small point made about ‘mental health’, which borders on ridiculous and dangerous…worryingly so.
I’d still recommend and I’m going to buy another book by the author so I wasn’t completely put off.
I think this book is in danger of being a little ‘ego massage-like’ but I do lean towards cynicism. I agree we need our faith challenged and that we are often too comfortable or ineffective; I just think there’s many roles…as the Bible shows us, where not every Christian or man and woman of faith followed ‘the barbarian way’ that Erwin suggests.
He cites many examples of ‘barbarians’ in God’s word but not every single person was a Moses, Abraham, Elijah, David, Peter, Paul or Gideon…that’s probably my main issue.
There is a small point made about ‘mental health’, which borders on ridiculous and dangerous…worryingly so.
I’d still recommend and I’m going to buy another book by the author so I wasn’t completely put off.
February 28, 2020
If you’re looking to take your faith to the next level and be encouraged to have the boldness of the early church then this book is for you!
January 24, 2021
The book has good intentions and charges at civilized Christianity without regard!
That’s probably where I should stop but what are the negatives of this line of thinking? It’s kinda easy to take the “Christians should be more proactive and push the norm” platform. You see it all the time from kids returning from church camp or missionaries returning from their field with spiritual highs. Going to church is a good habit that is sorely missed in the online Covid environment. Attacking civilized Christianity is immature and for those of us in the working environment, sometimes restraint alone or turning the other cheek is its own battle.
That’s probably where I should stop but what are the negatives of this line of thinking? It’s kinda easy to take the “Christians should be more proactive and push the norm” platform. You see it all the time from kids returning from church camp or missionaries returning from their field with spiritual highs. Going to church is a good habit that is sorely missed in the online Covid environment. Attacking civilized Christianity is immature and for those of us in the working environment, sometimes restraint alone or turning the other cheek is its own battle.
September 26, 2023
Just not for me. I understand that as Christians we must be brave, dutiful, and wild in the proclamation of the name and gospel of Jesus Christ. This book confirms that for more than a hundred pages. But the author never really gives a realistic way of breaking free of the traditional pew dwelling Christians to become a barbaric Christian. Sure, he points to examples. But honestly, I don't believe that every Christian is gifted in the same way. The way his followers serve Jesus will differ from one person to the next.
September 10, 2008
One of my favorites. I give it to people all the time to read. If you're tired of faith the way it is, and believe there must be more to it than what you've experienced so far, you have to read this book. McManus taps into something that is written on our hearts and in our souls and he awakens a longing in us that can't be stopped.
July 31, 2007
McManus is inspirational and insightful. This is a quick read, I think meant to have a little bit every day. Not real substantive, he's definitely trying to make his point to as wide an audience as possible, and he succeeds.
January 13, 2017
If this book doesn't get you fired up to drop everything and follow the Lord in a Barbaric way, I don't know what will. Any christian that is having trouble taking a next step, and fully surrendering to be a Christ follower, should read this book!
May 26, 2017
I see why some of my friends speak so highly of this man. He is a true visionary on how to engage culture. This book will no doubt effect me for a long time to come.
January 5, 2023
I have to reccommend to you a great little book I just read. It is called "The Barbarian Way" by Erwin McManus. I reieved it for my birthday last week and can not give it a high enough reccomendation. It focus is on the fact that the christian faith should not be the simple quiet protected life. Thatb the call to be a christian is a call to risk, to live on the edge, with danger, trials and troubles. That the churh has become domesticated and it lack's appeal because of that.
It is out by Thomas Nelson ISBN 0785264329 Not only do I reccomend it, but they guarantee it, if you buy it and are not satisfied they will replace your money.
Some quick quotes.
"The claim to believe is simply not enough. The call of Jesus is one to action" p.5
"Perhaps the tragedy of our time is that such an overwhelming number of us who declare Jesus as Lord have become domesticated - or, if you will, civilized. We have lost the simplicity of our early faith. Beyond that, we have lost the passion and power of that raw, untaimed, and primal faith." p.12
"The barbarian way is abour love, intimacy, passion, and sacrifice. Barbarians love to live and live to love." p. 13
"The call of Jesus is far more barbaric that either of those. It is a call to live in this world as citizens of an entirely different kingdom." p.32
"your life is unique before God, and your path is yours and yours alone." p. 37
"Just do whatever Jesus calls you to do the moment it is clear to you. Do not procrastinate; do not hesitate; do not deviate from whatever course of action He calls you to." p.53
"When you join the barbarian tribe, you begin to live your life with your eyes and heart wide open. When the spirit of God envelops your soul, your spiri comes alive, and everything changes for you. You are no lobger the same." p.69
....
For those who liked John Eldreges "Wild at Heart" or "Waking the Dead" you will love this book. Take a risk and pick it up, you will either be challenged or angry. If your angry you can get your money back. If your challenged, who knows where it will lead you!
It is out by Thomas Nelson ISBN 0785264329 Not only do I reccomend it, but they guarantee it, if you buy it and are not satisfied they will replace your money.
Some quick quotes.
"The claim to believe is simply not enough. The call of Jesus is one to action" p.5
"Perhaps the tragedy of our time is that such an overwhelming number of us who declare Jesus as Lord have become domesticated - or, if you will, civilized. We have lost the simplicity of our early faith. Beyond that, we have lost the passion and power of that raw, untaimed, and primal faith." p.12
"The barbarian way is abour love, intimacy, passion, and sacrifice. Barbarians love to live and live to love." p. 13
"The call of Jesus is far more barbaric that either of those. It is a call to live in this world as citizens of an entirely different kingdom." p.32
"your life is unique before God, and your path is yours and yours alone." p. 37
"Just do whatever Jesus calls you to do the moment it is clear to you. Do not procrastinate; do not hesitate; do not deviate from whatever course of action He calls you to." p.53
"When you join the barbarian tribe, you begin to live your life with your eyes and heart wide open. When the spirit of God envelops your soul, your spiri comes alive, and everything changes for you. You are no lobger the same." p.69
....
For those who liked John Eldreges "Wild at Heart" or "Waking the Dead" you will love this book. Take a risk and pick it up, you will either be challenged or angry. If your angry you can get your money back. If your challenged, who knows where it will lead you!
June 15, 2018
I Picked up this book at the local used bookstore because it stood out amongst the other books for surrounding it in the Christian section. Lotta books have titles that focus on peace and love and other softer, yet important things. While the book may seem generic, I feel it’s message is important one that churches have forgotten.
We live in an age where religion is almost worn as an accessory, people would rather say they are Christians then go out and actually be one. Churches are dying because of the hypocrisy and the lack of accountability. This man says that we should return to the primal, more barbaric ways of Christianity.
This of course isn’t to say be awful people who plunder and lay waste. What I feel he’s basically saying is that we need to step away from what’s comfortable, what feels safe, and be willing to take more risks. What really got me for this book is the energy, something that feels more authentic than a lot of other books that I read. This book would definitely Speak to individuals who feel lost in the contemporary Christian ready, I know a few men who I plan on recommending this book too.
We live in an age where religion is almost worn as an accessory, people would rather say they are Christians then go out and actually be one. Churches are dying because of the hypocrisy and the lack of accountability. This man says that we should return to the primal, more barbaric ways of Christianity.
This of course isn’t to say be awful people who plunder and lay waste. What I feel he’s basically saying is that we need to step away from what’s comfortable, what feels safe, and be willing to take more risks. What really got me for this book is the energy, something that feels more authentic than a lot of other books that I read. This book would definitely Speak to individuals who feel lost in the contemporary Christian ready, I know a few men who I plan on recommending this book too.
January 26, 2020
Halfway through the book I would've given this 5 stars but it really crashed in the second half of the book. There is a lot of good in it but a couple really dangerous principles that could get believers in trouble and lead them to attribute things to God that simply are not from Him. In particular his story about telling the unbeliever that God would show her how much he loved her by making it snow in the next 24 hrs sets a dangerous precedent for Christians to follow. This coupled later by his line that if we don't act when God speaks to us that God will harden his heart towards us and stop speaking to us. This is dangerous and I would like to know his biblical basis for this statement. This book is a great pep talk speech, without alot of substance, just alot of generalities. Since it's relatively short this is to be expected. I would not recommend this book to someone who is a new believer or someone that doesn't have much theological grounding.
June 19, 2021
Hands-down one of the best books I’ve read. Erwin MacManus is not only a spiritual giants of this generation but also just an incredible leader with a gift for writing.
This entire book is talking about how we as Christians have been civilized and how we need to become “barbarians” again.
This book will challenge you and push you to your limits. Do we think John the Baptist, the apostle Paul, and even Jesus himself were civilized Christians? Absolutely not. These men were barbaric in their acts because they had such profound faith.
“I wonder how many of us have lost our barbarian way and have become embittered with God, confused in our own faith because God doesn’t come through the way we think He should.”
“if the safest place to be is in the center of the will of God, then why is it that the biblical word for witness is actually the word for martyr?”
10/10 Incredible read. Would highly recommend.
This entire book is talking about how we as Christians have been civilized and how we need to become “barbarians” again.
This book will challenge you and push you to your limits. Do we think John the Baptist, the apostle Paul, and even Jesus himself were civilized Christians? Absolutely not. These men were barbaric in their acts because they had such profound faith.
“I wonder how many of us have lost our barbarian way and have become embittered with God, confused in our own faith because God doesn’t come through the way we think He should.”
“if the safest place to be is in the center of the will of God, then why is it that the biblical word for witness is actually the word for martyr?”
10/10 Incredible read. Would highly recommend.
May 12, 2019
I heard this author on "The School of Greatness" podcast and I enjoyed the interview so much I decided to read this book. The book describes how I have imagined a Christian should live his life. Being someone who has read the Holy Bible several times front to back, I am uncomfortable calling myself a Christian. This is because I know how special and an honor it is to call yourself a Christian. If everyone taught as I do there would very few people that would call themselves Christians and I am not going to impose my opinion on others.
But it was refreshing to read about someone who sees it the way I do but is actually living it out. I admire the author's faith and how he lives it out and he is now someone I look up too. It takes courage and the willingness to be seen by your peers as crazy to make a change like the change Christ made.
But it was refreshing to read about someone who sees it the way I do but is actually living it out. I admire the author's faith and how he lives it out and he is now someone I look up too. It takes courage and the willingness to be seen by your peers as crazy to make a change like the change Christ made.
December 11, 2023
What a read. This commentary on the modern church is a convicting message for believers to live recklessly for God and to take heart and be encouraged from the early church and the disciples of Christ. When Christ- followers became "civilized" and religious, the fire was diminished and the passion for God quenched. This book explores how we, as radical followers of Christ, can reignite our hearts and step into the calling of every believer: to be a fierce warrior, a spiritual mystic, and a soul on fire for the Lord. Everyone who follows Jesus should read this.
There are so many good quotes, but this one sticks out:
"When we are born again, we are dropped not into a
maternity ward, but into a war zone. Our birthplace is less mother's womb and more battlefield earth. Maybe the first word we hear should not be 'welcome', but jump' There is no trial run, no practice life."
10/10
There are so many good quotes, but this one sticks out:
"When we are born again, we are dropped not into a
maternity ward, but into a war zone. Our birthplace is less mother's womb and more battlefield earth. Maybe the first word we hear should not be 'welcome', but jump' There is no trial run, no practice life."
10/10
August 20, 2025
Not for me. It leans into "I'm.not Christian, I'm a passionate follower of Christ", creating a black-and-white divide that shouldn't exist for a nuance of humanity among religion. As a Conan fan, I definitely see the relevance of over-civilized institutions pushing the individual to the back burner and demonizing personal quests for redemption and relationship. For a book that heavily sermons fighting for Jesus (agreeable), he seems to scoff at modern followers with a voice for Scripture and even compartmentalizes past eras as "missing the point", as though they should have never fought back against tyranny, genocide, or invasion, to name a few. I'm sure I miss the point of the book and accept that from anyone who enjoyed it, but the book also missed the point of presenting
August 25, 2025
The impetus for this book was a challenge to domesticated religion. The antagonist being civilization of Jesus and his disciples, the author explores the men who Jesus called and contrasts with modern men. The author sees the simplicity of faith in the time of Jesus (e.g. passionate, fearless, joyful in suffering) as call to action.
It wraps up in a really weird way by comparing tigers and lions with an analogy akin to "work as team". My biggest takeaway from this book was that playing the game of church (see social club) will make you feel safe and secure, but that isn't what Jesus called anyone to, nor did he practice. If you find yourself in need of religion over God, then the benefits of your faith are more valuable than the benefactor.
lp
It wraps up in a really weird way by comparing tigers and lions with an analogy akin to "work as team". My biggest takeaway from this book was that playing the game of church (see social club) will make you feel safe and secure, but that isn't what Jesus called anyone to, nor did he practice. If you find yourself in need of religion over God, then the benefits of your faith are more valuable than the benefactor.
lp
July 25, 2018
Ok
I’m a big fan of Erwin. I love listening to him and find that he often proposes new and thought provoking concepts. So I’m not sure if what I am about to share is the product of reading what was new over a decade ago.
There were a number of great insights and thought provoking claims. I went back and forth between wanting Erwin to be right and the inescapable feeling that the Barbarian way is a hipster version David Platt’s Radical. I also grow tired of empty critiques of Christianity. Often the problem is not Christianity but the trappings of religions in the guise of Christianity.
I’m a big fan of Erwin. I love listening to him and find that he often proposes new and thought provoking concepts. So I’m not sure if what I am about to share is the product of reading what was new over a decade ago.
There were a number of great insights and thought provoking claims. I went back and forth between wanting Erwin to be right and the inescapable feeling that the Barbarian way is a hipster version David Platt’s Radical. I also grow tired of empty critiques of Christianity. Often the problem is not Christianity but the trappings of religions in the guise of Christianity.
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