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Experience Jesus. Really: Finding Refuge, Strength, and Wonder through Everyday Encounters with God
New York Times bestselling author John Eldredge reveals the path of the "ordinary mystic," and invites readers into the refuge of experiencing deep, lasting, real communion with Jesus.
In this present age we are all becoming disciples of the Internet. We are addicted to distraction. We idolize our instant access to a never-ending avalanche of information. We think we're finally holding the keys to a better life.
But if that's true, why are we wrestling with ever-increasing levels of anxiety, dissatisfaction, and despair? The fact is, we live in a world of weary, skeptical pragmatism--and it's keeping us from experiencing the God we are dying without.
John Eldredge presents a powerful alternative to the soulless, disenchanted world we find ourselves living in the path of the ordinary mystic. Readers who join Eldredge on this journey will
regain childlike faith in the reality of God's constant, available presence to those who seek him;discover the biblical foundations for the mystical tradition in Christianity; andlearn practices, habits, and prayers that will transform their ability to hear the voice of Jesus in their day-to-day lives.
Every human yearns to return to Eden, to a state of unbroken communion with the God who created us for adventure and intimacy with him. The mystic is awake to the truth that God is still with us--and we experience the refuge of his powerful, healing presence if we learn to open our hearts to him.
In this present age we are all becoming disciples of the Internet. We are addicted to distraction. We idolize our instant access to a never-ending avalanche of information. We think we're finally holding the keys to a better life.
But if that's true, why are we wrestling with ever-increasing levels of anxiety, dissatisfaction, and despair? The fact is, we live in a world of weary, skeptical pragmatism--and it's keeping us from experiencing the God we are dying without.
John Eldredge presents a powerful alternative to the soulless, disenchanted world we find ourselves living in the path of the ordinary mystic. Readers who join Eldredge on this journey will
regain childlike faith in the reality of God's constant, available presence to those who seek him;discover the biblical foundations for the mystical tradition in Christianity; andlearn practices, habits, and prayers that will transform their ability to hear the voice of Jesus in their day-to-day lives.
Every human yearns to return to Eden, to a state of unbroken communion with the God who created us for adventure and intimacy with him. The mystic is awake to the truth that God is still with us--and we experience the refuge of his powerful, healing presence if we learn to open our hearts to him.
256 pages, Hardcover
Published March 4, 2025
742 people are currently reading
4939 people want to read
About the author
John Eldredge
227 books1,920 followersJohn Eldredge is an American author, counselor, and lecturer on Christianity. He is known for his best-selling book Wild at Heart.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
March 5, 2025
Amazing book. This is what every Christian needs to hear. It is written with kindness and understanding. It walks you through the process of being an ordinary Christian to being an ordinary mystic and this is a good thing. I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to deepen and further their relationship with the Triune God.
June 20, 2025
Changed my prayer life forever.
Disciples of the internet vs of Jesus. Not needing how or step by step but faith, trust, follow me.
Modern day Christian mysticism.
St Patrick’s Breastplate.
Refuge. Psalm 91.
Wholistic healing of young places.
Real communion and union with Jesus.
Fire, glory, blood of Christ, breath of God.
Disciples of the internet vs of Jesus. Not needing how or step by step but faith, trust, follow me.
Modern day Christian mysticism.
St Patrick’s Breastplate.
Refuge. Psalm 91.
Wholistic healing of young places.
Real communion and union with Jesus.
Fire, glory, blood of Christ, breath of God.
April 22, 2025
Love Eldredge's tone. Practical teaching on communion with Christ.
February 8, 2025
I have long adored John Eldredge's books and always jump at the chance to read the latest and greatest. So, when I spotted this one on NetGalley, I requested it straightaway. This was not my favorite book of his, but it was still a good read. The intro where he spelled out how we are disciples of the internet (the expectation of immediate information) and how that impacts our spirituality, I was nodding my head and craving more. And I enjoyed the ongoing reference to Psalm 91, a Psalm of refuge. I know that some reviewers have taken issue with the terminology of Christian mystic, which was not my struggle. I followed along with that train of thought when Eldredge defined mystic as someone who does not require understanding all things and allowing God to be a bit of a mystery. I think that if God is God, He should not be able to be fully understood by our finite minds and I believe that is the point that was made here. I lost focus in some of the details surrounding the mysticism, however. Nonetheless, this book was packed full of tools to use to help with one's prayer life, working through trauma and overall seeking to encounter Jesus regularly. Though the exact wording of the prayers felt a bit uncomfortable to me, I recognize the need to alter my prayer life and hope to use some of the pattern provided in this book. If you are looking for the means of coming to see Jesus in a more concrete way and seeking refuge in God, this is the book for you. Special thanks to Nelson Books and Netgalley for an advance e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
April 29, 2025
I loved this book in many ways. I am always looking to be closer to Jesus. My goal each day is to make decisions and follow through with them (no matter how small or how big) based on what Jesus would do or what Jesus would want for me. The only way to do that is to know Him. That’s my life’s goal. Everything else will follow. I don’t completely understand everything described about being a mystic, but I do love the explanation that a mystic does not require understanding of all things and allowing God to be a bit of a mystery is a beautiful and faithful thing! I love that and it makes sense. Our minds could never comprehend all that is God, nor should we!!! He is the almighty! Help with prayer life was a huge part of this book that I will take to heart. I desire to encounter Jesus on the reg!
May 11, 2025
Very meaningful…. In our culture, we have become accustomed to instant gratification. We have become “disciples of the Internet”. It’s time we as Christians recognize the harm that has done to us… Am l choosing Jesus daily? Am l communing with Him daily? Am l experiencing Him daily? A life that isn’t centered on Him is dead.
June 7, 2025
This is a great guide for this time we find ourselves in. Will I be a disciple of the internet or a disciple of Christ? Do I truly seek God daily, or do I seek relief in trivial pursuits? I recommend every Christian to read this book with an open mind to experience more of Jesus daily.
April 14, 2025
TBH it was hard to give this 5 stars but I know this book is worthy of it. I think for many years to come I will be happy that I own this book, have read this book and have the ability to consistently return to this book.
This book truly challenged my natural negativity to the mystical side of my walk with Jesus and has and will continue to, push me into this giant aspect of my walk with Christ.
This book has made me long more for Christ. Amen.
This book truly challenged my natural negativity to the mystical side of my walk with Jesus and has and will continue to, push me into this giant aspect of my walk with Christ.
This book has made me long more for Christ. Amen.
February 3, 2025
A timely book for a world where we are so often “discipled by the internet.”
January 8, 2025
3.45⭐️ Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.
I felt very torn on this one. I went into it thinking that we were going to be discussing how to seek and find God’s presence in a technology and distraction-driven world, which the author did start with, but that was only a fragment of the book. We focused on what a mystic in the faith is and how they differ from the majority of Christians today. Since the Enlightenment and Age of Reason, we as a society are driven for data and science and empirical proof. The author discusses how being a Christian is more than just that, which I definitely agree with, but I don’t think logic and reasoning are antithesis to faith. Some of the ways that things were phrased almost felt as if the author was telling us his opinions and his suggestions were completely true and we should follow accordingly, something which often rubs me the wrong way. Also, the fact that the author kept calling God Papa felt derogatory.
That being said, this book did have some solid chapters here and there, especially as it pertained to seeking God over distraction. I still felt as if I learned something from it, which is what I find important.
I felt very torn on this one. I went into it thinking that we were going to be discussing how to seek and find God’s presence in a technology and distraction-driven world, which the author did start with, but that was only a fragment of the book. We focused on what a mystic in the faith is and how they differ from the majority of Christians today. Since the Enlightenment and Age of Reason, we as a society are driven for data and science and empirical proof. The author discusses how being a Christian is more than just that, which I definitely agree with, but I don’t think logic and reasoning are antithesis to faith. Some of the ways that things were phrased almost felt as if the author was telling us his opinions and his suggestions were completely true and we should follow accordingly, something which often rubs me the wrong way. Also, the fact that the author kept calling God Papa felt derogatory.
That being said, this book did have some solid chapters here and there, especially as it pertained to seeking God over distraction. I still felt as if I learned something from it, which is what I find important.
April 14, 2025
John Eldridge is at it again.
What this book suffers from the most, is the age old evangelical emphasis upon feelings and subjective emotional experience, as some kind of validation of God’s presence.
This sort of emphasis has bedeviled christians for a long time now, ever since introduced as the fourth column in John Wesley’s “quadrilateral”, where subjective experience is used as a gauge to being “born again”.
Aldridge apparently has a sparse definition of what a “mystic” is, and picks and chooses who are the mystics throughout church history.
One grievous mistake is to categorize Martin Luther as a “mystic”. If there is any doubt about this, one only need to read Luther’s treatise on the subject, called “Against the Heavenly Prophets”, in which he condemns that sort of subjective sensing for God in our feelings that would lead us to extra-biblical beliefs and practices.
Here are some highlights:
(This is taken from the Weimar Edition of Luther’s Works: WA 18:62–125, 134–214).
1. Luther’s Summary Critique of the Enthusiasts
“Whatever does not have its origin in the Scriptures is surely from the devil himself.”
(WA 18:62ff)
He warns against those who claim special revelations or inner enlightenment that contradict the plain meaning of Scripture:
“They allege the Spirit, but they fail to prove it. They want to judge the Scripture, whereas Scripture should judge them.”
2. Experience vs. Scripture
Luther challenges those who substitute personal experience for biblical authority:
“They begin by gazing upon their own thoughts and dreams and despise the external Word. They do not open Holy Scripture, nor do they enter into it to learn. Instead, they wish to float above it with their own revelations, as if the Holy Spirit were given apart from the Word.”
Here, Luther reiterates that the Spirit does not work independently of the Word:
“I too have the Spirit, but I also have the Word which is a sure sign of the Spirit’s presence. Without the Word, however, who can know what spirit it is?”
3. On the Danger of Spiritual Pride and Deception
“They claim to have swallowed the Holy Spirit, feathers and all… But how do they prove it? By words and claims that have no basis except in their own heads!”
This is classic Luther—sharp and sarcastic, but deeply theological. He’s mocking those who claim to be led by the Holy Spirit but whose teachings contradict Scripture.
4. His Doctrine of the “Outward Word”
This is perhaps the theological heart of his critique:
“God gives no one the Spirit apart from the outward Word and sign instituted by Him. For He wants to appear to us not in inward spirits, but through outward things—Word, Baptism, and the Lord’s Supper.”
In other words, subjective experience cannot override or replace the objective Word of God. Luther’s insistence on the “outward Word” stands in opposition to mystical or inner spirituality that lacks Scriptural grounding.
Luther was not a mystic, no matter how John Eldridge wants him to be.
Additionally, Eldridge seems to advocate for consecrating your own communion bread and cup every night. Really?
This has long been considered heresy for its too individualistic “me & Jesus” approach to the Christian faith. Every man becomes his own pope (I am not Roman Catholic, but their criticism about this is spot on). Too much freewheeling DIY Christianity.
Avoid this book at all costs.
What this book suffers from the most, is the age old evangelical emphasis upon feelings and subjective emotional experience, as some kind of validation of God’s presence.
This sort of emphasis has bedeviled christians for a long time now, ever since introduced as the fourth column in John Wesley’s “quadrilateral”, where subjective experience is used as a gauge to being “born again”.
Aldridge apparently has a sparse definition of what a “mystic” is, and picks and chooses who are the mystics throughout church history.
One grievous mistake is to categorize Martin Luther as a “mystic”. If there is any doubt about this, one only need to read Luther’s treatise on the subject, called “Against the Heavenly Prophets”, in which he condemns that sort of subjective sensing for God in our feelings that would lead us to extra-biblical beliefs and practices.
Here are some highlights:
(This is taken from the Weimar Edition of Luther’s Works: WA 18:62–125, 134–214).
1. Luther’s Summary Critique of the Enthusiasts
“Whatever does not have its origin in the Scriptures is surely from the devil himself.”
(WA 18:62ff)
He warns against those who claim special revelations or inner enlightenment that contradict the plain meaning of Scripture:
“They allege the Spirit, but they fail to prove it. They want to judge the Scripture, whereas Scripture should judge them.”
2. Experience vs. Scripture
Luther challenges those who substitute personal experience for biblical authority:
“They begin by gazing upon their own thoughts and dreams and despise the external Word. They do not open Holy Scripture, nor do they enter into it to learn. Instead, they wish to float above it with their own revelations, as if the Holy Spirit were given apart from the Word.”
Here, Luther reiterates that the Spirit does not work independently of the Word:
“I too have the Spirit, but I also have the Word which is a sure sign of the Spirit’s presence. Without the Word, however, who can know what spirit it is?”
3. On the Danger of Spiritual Pride and Deception
“They claim to have swallowed the Holy Spirit, feathers and all… But how do they prove it? By words and claims that have no basis except in their own heads!”
This is classic Luther—sharp and sarcastic, but deeply theological. He’s mocking those who claim to be led by the Holy Spirit but whose teachings contradict Scripture.
4. His Doctrine of the “Outward Word”
This is perhaps the theological heart of his critique:
“God gives no one the Spirit apart from the outward Word and sign instituted by Him. For He wants to appear to us not in inward spirits, but through outward things—Word, Baptism, and the Lord’s Supper.”
In other words, subjective experience cannot override or replace the objective Word of God. Luther’s insistence on the “outward Word” stands in opposition to mystical or inner spirituality that lacks Scriptural grounding.
Luther was not a mystic, no matter how John Eldridge wants him to be.
Additionally, Eldridge seems to advocate for consecrating your own communion bread and cup every night. Really?
This has long been considered heresy for its too individualistic “me & Jesus” approach to the Christian faith. Every man becomes his own pope (I am not Roman Catholic, but their criticism about this is spot on). Too much freewheeling DIY Christianity.
Avoid this book at all costs.
September 18, 2025
John Eldredge’s “Experience Jesus. Really” is written to advocate for Christian mysticism. Eldredge writes with the expectation that his audience will struggle with the book because they have an anti-mystic and anti-supernatural bent. Neither of those are my concerns with the book. I’m grateful especially to Christian authors challenging our anti-supernatural bias in the West.
My concerns with Eldredge’s book are more foundational. What type of mysticism and supernaturalism are we talking about? In establishing both, Eldredge’s relies primarily upon (and in this order) 1) personal experience; 2) others’ experience 3) Christians through the ages. 4) (sparingly) the Bible. The order, obviously, needs to be inverted. The further into the book one travels the more sparing the engagement with scripture is. The result is a semi-gnostic Neil Anderson type spirituality with a magical view of spiritual warfare.
Please look elsewhere if you are seeking to develop deeper intimacy with Christ and grow in your understanding of the supernatural.
My concerns with Eldredge’s book are more foundational. What type of mysticism and supernaturalism are we talking about? In establishing both, Eldredge’s relies primarily upon (and in this order) 1) personal experience; 2) others’ experience 3) Christians through the ages. 4) (sparingly) the Bible. The order, obviously, needs to be inverted. The further into the book one travels the more sparing the engagement with scripture is. The result is a semi-gnostic Neil Anderson type spirituality with a magical view of spiritual warfare.
Please look elsewhere if you are seeking to develop deeper intimacy with Christ and grow in your understanding of the supernatural.
October 22, 2025
John Eldredge has continued to play a significant role in my faith formation, my initiation as a man, and as a father figure in my life. This work didn’t feel significantly new or revelatory for me as my church teaches and practices a large majority of what John presents here in “Experience Jesus. Really.” But it is rich with wisdom regarding spiritual warfare, taking authority in the name of Jesus, and consecrating our lives to God daily (something I absolutely need to do more of). I really appreciated the two chapters on fragmentation and integration, and his distinguishing inner healing prayer from internal family systems and their ultimate goals. My one major complaint is that I hate that he didn’t name this book “Ordinary Mystics” as he wanted to. I understand why, but also don’t think it was a good enough reason. So I am rebelliously going to call this book Ordinary Mystics when I talk about it.
October 22, 2025
John Eldredge has long been my favorite author of teachings about the Christian life & following Jesus. I devour his books like chocolate chip cookies. But... this book, although just as delicious, was harder to digest. Some of his teachings in this book were foreign to me and I found myself initially leaning towards skepticism. I'm not saying his teachings were false, I'm saying his teachings in this book collided with my legalistic church upbringing & Sunday sermon preaching. I will be thinking about these "new" biblical ideas long after closing this book. Some of the concepts seem too good to be true, and yet he backs them up with Scripture. As I read the last words of this book I was filled with conviction as the truths taught have opened my eyes & pricked my heart. Do I recommend this book? Absolutely.
August 5, 2025
Disciples of the internet or Disciples of Jesus?
How much do I truly seek God daily?
Do I have a child-like Faith?
John Eldredge raises important questions that all Christians should be asking themselves these days. He takes his time walking you through these questions and more getting you to deepen your faith. Eldredge gives you specific prayers and guidelines for how to walk with Jesus, some of them rubbed me the wrong way but I could see the clear intention and love behind them.
Overall, this was a great book for those wanting to deepen their faith and become modern-day mystics.
Thank you Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
How much do I truly seek God daily?
Do I have a child-like Faith?
John Eldredge raises important questions that all Christians should be asking themselves these days. He takes his time walking you through these questions and more getting you to deepen your faith. Eldredge gives you specific prayers and guidelines for how to walk with Jesus, some of them rubbed me the wrong way but I could see the clear intention and love behind them.
Overall, this was a great book for those wanting to deepen their faith and become modern-day mystics.
Thank you Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
September 16, 2025
I couldn't really get into this one and didn't finish it because my library loan was up. The first chapter or two was really good but I didn't connect very well with the writing style. I think I would pick it up again at some point but am moving on for now.
I did go through the accompanying module in the Pause app and felt like that was beneficial. So maybe the reading just felt redundant to me after that.
A few key points from what I read:
- We are being discipled by the internet instead of Christ.
- Ordinary mysticism (aka an inner life of communion with God) can and should be the norm for Christians.
I did go through the accompanying module in the Pause app and felt like that was beneficial. So maybe the reading just felt redundant to me after that.
A few key points from what I read:
- We are being discipled by the internet instead of Christ.
- Ordinary mysticism (aka an inner life of communion with God) can and should be the norm for Christians.
June 8, 2025
This book was a slow build. I enjoyed the style and experience. It’s to be read as more of a devotional, with intentional pauses at each chapter. The prayers included are an absolute highlight, and a resource I will continue to use. If anything, I felt that author held back a great deal, perhaps for fear of alienating a portion of his audience. Perhaps that is the danger of becoming a bestselling author. If we were to have John Eldridge in a room, I believe he would tell stories more candidly and with greater detail than he felt freedom to share in this book. I’m encouraged in my walk with Jesus as a result of this book.
August 10, 2025
When John Eldridge says we have become disciples of the internet not disciples of Christ I think truer words were never spoken. This is a wake up call for us Christians who have tilled an uneven ground as we have fallen asleep. The beauty of Eldridge is that he backs up his diagnosis with true and thoughtful prescriptions! He never leaves you hanging.
November 16, 2025
I truly appreciate Eldredge’s encouragement to rely more on the power of God accessible to us in prayer. He stretches me beyond that with encouragement to exercise spiritual authority over darkness (spirits, curses, etc). I think that is valid, though not part of my daily routine. Nor do I think it should be necessarily. It is very easy (for me) to focus too much on the darkness when our call is to focus on God.
More specifically, Eldredge points out that if healing for the mind is only available to those who have access to good counseling (think licensed, trained professional counselors - which I do take advantage of), then what of those outside? The healing power of the Holy Spirit is available to all believers everywhere and we don’t have to solely depend on paid professionals to help others. We can pray for them. Eldredge gives clear direction and many stories of how this works. I am very glad he reminded me of that.
More specifically, Eldredge points out that if healing for the mind is only available to those who have access to good counseling (think licensed, trained professional counselors - which I do take advantage of), then what of those outside? The healing power of the Holy Spirit is available to all believers everywhere and we don’t have to solely depend on paid professionals to help others. We can pray for them. Eldredge gives clear direction and many stories of how this works. I am very glad he reminded me of that.
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July 20, 2025This book was great. I loved the practicality, time for reflection built into the chapters, and the history of the Christian mythic. John has an amazing writing style that cuts right to the point with amazing storytelling weaved in.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC
April 15, 2025
John Eldredge has a unique way of making the pursuit of God exciting, desirable, and attainable. Can’t recommend this book enough.
July 22, 2025
Beautiful, prophetic, Holy Spirit led, and humbling. Just the right book to read on bedrest in the ICU for a week. lHighly reccomend to all followers ofJesus.
August 16, 2025
GUYS PLEASE READ THIS BOOK I WANNA TALK ABOUT IT WITH PEOPLE. This book had launched me into a journey into the world of the Mystics because of its claims. I am unsure which are insightful and which are downright irresponsible (perhaps there's a mix of the two in each one). Elredge challenges our modern notions in every page and it's up to the reader to decide how much they will open themselves up to his words. Regardless, I would surprise to see a follower of Jesus pick up this book and not gain anything from it. Attribute it to curiosity, a desire for novelty, naïveté, or the Spirit but something about this book really captivated me.
November 24, 2025
This feels like sitting down with a trusted mentor and asking about what they are hearing from God lately, and finding it incredibly timely and necessary
August 15, 2025
I was looking forward to "Experience Jesus, Really", by John Eldredge, as I wanted to deepen my understanding of the Bible and continue to build my relationship with Christ. Psalm 91 is one of my favorite Psalms that comforts me, and Author Eldredge, provided a solid breakdown ot this Psalm that spoke to me. In addition, his advice of "turning your heart towards Jesus", is another point that I can focus on in everyday living. The prayers he offered in the book: meaningful and insightful.
However, I was not fond of the "mystical/mysticism" approach troughout the book. As I am not familiar with Christian Mysticism, I wasn't sure what I was supposed to grasp or take away. It threw me off a bit, as the "mysticism" approach had me considering stars and astrology versus Jesus. I felt that this topic took away from the spiritual connection to Jesus, one would assume, given the title. I had to investigate the definition of mysticism as it pertains to religion. Even with me knowing the definition, comprehending it's purpose based on the book, still had me a bit muddled. The mysticism just didn't fit for me.
Again, this book has some good insights and encouraging points and prayers. Some of which I now incorporate in my daily devotional and prayer time. As it drives home the point " turn to Jesus in everything and always"!
Appreciate Netgalley for this Camp NetGalley read.
However, I was not fond of the "mystical/mysticism" approach troughout the book. As I am not familiar with Christian Mysticism, I wasn't sure what I was supposed to grasp or take away. It threw me off a bit, as the "mysticism" approach had me considering stars and astrology versus Jesus. I felt that this topic took away from the spiritual connection to Jesus, one would assume, given the title. I had to investigate the definition of mysticism as it pertains to religion. Even with me knowing the definition, comprehending it's purpose based on the book, still had me a bit muddled. The mysticism just didn't fit for me.
Again, this book has some good insights and encouraging points and prayers. Some of which I now incorporate in my daily devotional and prayer time. As it drives home the point " turn to Jesus in everything and always"!
Appreciate Netgalley for this Camp NetGalley read.
October 12, 2025
Read "Knowing God" by J.I. Packer instead.
Oof. The first 4 chapters were decent. It went downhill from there. Eldredge doesn't seem to have a great flow with this book as it starts with mysticism and then jumps to trauma. I had just had a lot of issues with this book.
-First, I did like that he exposes that many people are discipled by the internet. many Christians will turn to the internet first before Jesus.
-"Content about Jesus is not the same as communion with Jesus." I agreed with this point, but I will say that content about Jesus is helpful even though Eldredge says it's often a distraction. Content (as long as it is Biblically sound) can help grow in your knowledge of Him, understanding of Him, and relationship with him based on that understanding and knowledge. Also, Eldredge....YOU MAKE CONTENT ABOUT JESUS. So your books, podcasts, etc. are a distraction is what you're saying?
-Eldredge seems as if he is terrified of the dark forces of this world. Are we in a spiritual war? Yes. But believers have the Holy Spirit. Does this mean that nothing bad will ever happen to a Christian? No. But let us not forget that God brings both good times and bad times.
"I create the light and make the darkness. I send good times and bad times. I, the Lord, am the one who does these things."
Isaiah 45:7
Let us not forget either, that Satan and his demons need permission from God to do anything.
When Eldredge was talking about his family vacation and all the bad things that happened, he blamed it on the fact that they didn't get a "yes" from God to go on vacation. With that mindset, it seems that he thinks anything that bad happens must be from the enemy. That is not biblical.
I couldn't even muster past 60% of this book because it started going downhill so fast. Like I said, a few good nuggets, but overall I would not recommend this to fellow Christians.
Oof. The first 4 chapters were decent. It went downhill from there. Eldredge doesn't seem to have a great flow with this book as it starts with mysticism and then jumps to trauma. I had just had a lot of issues with this book.
-First, I did like that he exposes that many people are discipled by the internet. many Christians will turn to the internet first before Jesus.
-"Content about Jesus is not the same as communion with Jesus." I agreed with this point, but I will say that content about Jesus is helpful even though Eldredge says it's often a distraction. Content (as long as it is Biblically sound) can help grow in your knowledge of Him, understanding of Him, and relationship with him based on that understanding and knowledge. Also, Eldredge....YOU MAKE CONTENT ABOUT JESUS. So your books, podcasts, etc. are a distraction is what you're saying?
-Eldredge seems as if he is terrified of the dark forces of this world. Are we in a spiritual war? Yes. But believers have the Holy Spirit. Does this mean that nothing bad will ever happen to a Christian? No. But let us not forget that God brings both good times and bad times.
"I create the light and make the darkness. I send good times and bad times. I, the Lord, am the one who does these things."
Isaiah 45:7
Let us not forget either, that Satan and his demons need permission from God to do anything.
When Eldredge was talking about his family vacation and all the bad things that happened, he blamed it on the fact that they didn't get a "yes" from God to go on vacation. With that mindset, it seems that he thinks anything that bad happens must be from the enemy. That is not biblical.
I couldn't even muster past 60% of this book because it started going downhill so fast. Like I said, a few good nuggets, but overall I would not recommend this to fellow Christians.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2025
I am trying to not overstate or be hyperbolic, but this is a true blue paradigm shift. This past year or so has been an eye opening one, where I have become increasingly more aware of the Unseen Realm and our part on it.
Some of what I've read and have been taught was fascinating, but I didn't really know what to do with it. Information without transformation.
John Eldredge's book here tells you everything to do about it, from becoming an Ordinary Mystic to engaging on spiritual warfare in Christ's authority. Understand that I've been a Christian and a minister for years and much of the teachings in this book are considered fringe or for the Saints of the church. This is not correct. John teaches in a pastoral and authoritative manner. He's like the spiritual father many of us Disciples of the Internet have never experienced. I don't usually double dip when it comes to books, but this is one case where it's highly recommended. The audiobook has additional riffs and teachings on the written content. The text could easily be highlighted through and through.
Please read this book, please listen to it, and please take your time!
This will be a book referred back for years to come, I'm sure.
Some of what I've read and have been taught was fascinating, but I didn't really know what to do with it. Information without transformation.
John Eldredge's book here tells you everything to do about it, from becoming an Ordinary Mystic to engaging on spiritual warfare in Christ's authority. Understand that I've been a Christian and a minister for years and much of the teachings in this book are considered fringe or for the Saints of the church. This is not correct. John teaches in a pastoral and authoritative manner. He's like the spiritual father many of us Disciples of the Internet have never experienced. I don't usually double dip when it comes to books, but this is one case where it's highly recommended. The audiobook has additional riffs and teachings on the written content. The text could easily be highlighted through and through.
Please read this book, please listen to it, and please take your time!
This will be a book referred back for years to come, I'm sure.
March 15, 2025
As I was perusing new releases on NetGalley I was intrigued by John Eldridge's latest book. What believer doesn't want to experience more of Jesus more authentically, after all? I've read one of Eldridge's earlier and found it impactful in my prayer life and spiritual journey. I hoped for the same from this book, and while that may yet be the case, I do have a few hesitations.
First, at the onset of the book, Eldridge mentions the difficulties believers might have in connecting with Jesus due to our high connection to the interwebs/apps/technology and while I wholeheartedly agree with this, I expected that to be a theme running through the book with, perhaps, suggestions on disconnecting so one can reconnect with Almighty God. That was not the case although there were a few passing mentions throughout the rest of the narrative.
Next, Christian mysticism. For many, this is quite a foreign concept in their spirituality. I did appreciate Eldridge's gentle introduction to this idea and how a continuously flowing connection with God is both beneficial and frankly the goal of the Christian life, however towards the last third of the book, things got a little too "woo-woo" for me. Eldridge is without a doubt a passionate individual in terms of his realtionship with Christ, but some of his ideas may feel a little challenging for some readers.
All that said, what I appreciate about Eldridge through all his books is the way he models his personal prayer life. He puts it all out there which for many can be helpful. A prayerful life can be challenging and, more than anything, most who pray desire a deep connection with their God. While one may not agree with or connect with all of the concepts presented here, Eldridge provides a powerful prayer resource for anyone looking to enhance their prayer life.
First, at the onset of the book, Eldridge mentions the difficulties believers might have in connecting with Jesus due to our high connection to the interwebs/apps/technology and while I wholeheartedly agree with this, I expected that to be a theme running through the book with, perhaps, suggestions on disconnecting so one can reconnect with Almighty God. That was not the case although there were a few passing mentions throughout the rest of the narrative.
Next, Christian mysticism. For many, this is quite a foreign concept in their spirituality. I did appreciate Eldridge's gentle introduction to this idea and how a continuously flowing connection with God is both beneficial and frankly the goal of the Christian life, however towards the last third of the book, things got a little too "woo-woo" for me. Eldridge is without a doubt a passionate individual in terms of his realtionship with Christ, but some of his ideas may feel a little challenging for some readers.
All that said, what I appreciate about Eldridge through all his books is the way he models his personal prayer life. He puts it all out there which for many can be helpful. A prayerful life can be challenging and, more than anything, most who pray desire a deep connection with their God. While one may not agree with or connect with all of the concepts presented here, Eldridge provides a powerful prayer resource for anyone looking to enhance their prayer life.
February 24, 2025
What a great book! Lots of tools and helpful concepts. I really enjoyed this latest John Eldredge book!
November 5, 2025
2.5 stars [Christian Living]
(W 1.94, U 2.6, T 2.89)
Exact rating: 2.48
After this one I have read 7 books by Eldredge—ones published in 1997, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2022, and now 2025. While that is not enough data to make a definitive statement, it is enough to proffer this general, provisional opinion: his earlier books were more cohesive and impactful; the later ones are less so, and seem to emphasize too much of the experiential. I wish he had named the book what he first wished to: something with 'Christian Mystic' in the title, I think. That would have been more indicative and less incongruous with the material.
(W 1.94, U 2.6, T 2.89)
Exact rating: 2.48
After this one I have read 7 books by Eldredge—ones published in 1997, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2022, and now 2025. While that is not enough data to make a definitive statement, it is enough to proffer this general, provisional opinion: his earlier books were more cohesive and impactful; the later ones are less so, and seem to emphasize too much of the experiential. I wish he had named the book what he first wished to: something with 'Christian Mystic' in the title, I think. That would have been more indicative and less incongruous with the material.
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