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Dark Journey Deep Grace: Jeffrey Dahmer's Story of Faith
Crimes unspeakable. A name synonymous with twisted brutality and hate. Jeffrey Dahmer. The most notorious serial killer of our time.A decade ago his story shocked our nation and the world. But we didnt get the whole story. In prison, Dahmers dark journey crossed paths with deep grace. Here is the whole story, told by a man who at first tried to avoid meeting Jeffrey Dahmer, but later became his friend and showed him the light of Gods love. Its an unexpected story of first steps in faith, of surprising questions about the Bible, of light breaking into darkness. A story that will change what you thought you knew about grace. Jeffrey Dahmer. Christian. Grace unspeakable.
176 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2006
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October 30, 2022
The finale of Citizen Dahmer is here, with Dark Journey, Deep Grace!
I haven't mentioned it in any of my reviews so far, but the very first thing I ever heard about Jeffrey Dahmer was that he'd been baptized in prison. I mentioned it to a friend of mine in conversation, and her response was "No way. I don't believe that." The same with a relative: "If Jeffrey Dahmer is in Heaven, I don't want to be there." Obviously they don't believe Dahmer, or anyone like him for that matter, could have had a sincere conversion.
Even I was skeptical when I began this little research project. It was the nexus of my interest in Dahmer, yes, but I too lost hope, probably somewhere between "using the victim's intestines as a masturbatory aid" and A1 sauce being used to flavor cooked human flesh. So, it seemed only natural to save this book for the end - a little light at the end of the tunnel.
A bit of background: Roy Ratcliff is a Wisconsin pastor for the Church of Christ. (This was the same church Dahmer was taken to by his father as a child.) He's a simple family man in a noble profession. He has no alternate agenda, no hidden motives. Like everyone else, he thought he was being pranked when he got a strange call from a fellow minister - apparently Jeffrey Dahmer wanted to be baptized. Once he had confirmed that the rumor was true, he agreed to do it without hesitation. There was some dilly-dallying about how to do it in a maximum security prison, but the problem was easily solved: they used the prison whirlpool. It occurred on the same day of a solar eclipse, and the execution of another serial killer, John Wayne Gacy. Afterwards, Ratcliff requested that he be allowed to visit Dahmer - whom he soon took to calling "Jeff" - every week to study the Bible.
If you're looking for deep theological conversations on the nature of God, the afterlife, good and evil, etc., you'll be disappointed. Roy Ratcliff only knew Dahmer for seven months. It was enough time to build a friendship of sorts, but that's about it. Ratcliff imagined continuing to visit Dahmer until they were both old men or one of them was dead. The latter, of course, proved to be the case. How strange it was that Dahmer sent him a card on Thanksgiving just days before he lay dying on the floor of the prison bathroom.
While this wasn't exactly the grand finale I was hoping for, I did get more insight into the post-trial life (and post-mortem events) of Dahmer. Many of the inmates were at least civil with him, with many referring to him as "J.D.". His job cleaning the bathrooms earned him 25 cents an hour, which he spent primarily on stamps to send letters to his family; a lawyer managed to freeze his salary, demanding it be sent to the victims' families. Jeff fought this, but the matter was never resolved.
I had also wondered to what degree Dahmer was suicidal. His father Lionel described an incident where Jeff was punished for stealing a razor. When he asked him why, he answered, "I took it in case things got too bad." This was within the first year of his imprisonment.
Roy Ratcliff says he asked him directly if he was suicidal, as he grew concerned based on Jeff's interpretation of a particular verse regarding capital punishment. He admitted he had considered it. The next was immediately after the first attempt on Jeffrey Dahmer's life. A Cuban prisoner was trying to be sent back to his homeland, and the only way he saw of doing that was to "kill somebody famous". Dahmer was the only infamous inmate there, so he was made a target. The attempt at slitting his throat while he was sitting in the prison chapel was unsuccessful, and when Ratcliff, remembering how he had desired death, asked him how he felt, his answer had changed completely. He no longer wanted a release; he had already been released through the baptism - through God and faith.
Death would come swiftly regardless. Another inmate, Christopher Scarver, suffered from messianic delusions and believed himself to be Jesus Christ. He took an unweighted barbell from the prison gym and hid it in his uniform. (Ironically, Dahmer also used an unweighted barbell to commit his first murder back in 1978.) When left alone with Dahmer and another prisoner (a wife-killer) to clean the bathrooms, he took out the bar and beat them both to death - Dahmer first, of course. The whole thing played out like a grotesque parody of the scene on the cross, with Scarver serving as a delusional Christ and Dahmer the penitent thief - "Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise," (Luke 23:43). Except I imagine Scarver believed himself the righteous avenger, sending Dahmer to hell. According to him, Dahmer made no noise during the attack, not even when he struck his head repeatedly against the wall. Lionel commented to Ratcliff that "half his face was caved in" when they saw the body. Some would say this violent end was too good for Dahmer.
Despite the fact that Dahmer requested he be cremated and have no services held after his death, a memorial was held, with only the family and those they invited allowed to attend. Jeff's brother David showed up anonymously, which I found very interesting - David usually doesn't factor into the story at all. Here he gave a speech which never mentioned Jeff's name; Ratcliff believed he was only there in an attempt to reconnect with his father.
The book ends with two chapters answering two questions: Was he insane, and was he sincere? Ratcliff does not believe Dahmer was insane, and he believes his faith was sincere.
"Imagine the thoughts of serial killer and mutilator Jeffrey Dahmer when he ended up in prison. He felt great remorse, which he confessed on several occasions. He had ruined his life beyond repair. If Wisconsin had the death penalty, he would have earned it. Who could he turn to except God? Certainly no human would hear the cries of his heart and believe the depth of his sorrow. Only God could."
Of course, this is all supported by Dahmer's words in the interview with Stone Phillips - "If a person doesn't think that there is a God to be accountable to, then what's the point of trying to modify your behavior, to keep it within acceptable ranges?"
What do I think, as the least qualified clown on the Internet? ...Well, unlike some people, I wouldn't mind sharing Heaven with Dahmer, if his salvation was true. Why should it matter to me? Who am I to judge the condition of his or anyone else's soul? Only God knows the truth. It is unknowable to me.
But if it is true, what a wonderful thing it must be.
I haven't mentioned it in any of my reviews so far, but the very first thing I ever heard about Jeffrey Dahmer was that he'd been baptized in prison. I mentioned it to a friend of mine in conversation, and her response was "No way. I don't believe that." The same with a relative: "If Jeffrey Dahmer is in Heaven, I don't want to be there." Obviously they don't believe Dahmer, or anyone like him for that matter, could have had a sincere conversion.
Even I was skeptical when I began this little research project. It was the nexus of my interest in Dahmer, yes, but I too lost hope, probably somewhere between "using the victim's intestines as a masturbatory aid" and A1 sauce being used to flavor cooked human flesh. So, it seemed only natural to save this book for the end - a little light at the end of the tunnel.
A bit of background: Roy Ratcliff is a Wisconsin pastor for the Church of Christ. (This was the same church Dahmer was taken to by his father as a child.) He's a simple family man in a noble profession. He has no alternate agenda, no hidden motives. Like everyone else, he thought he was being pranked when he got a strange call from a fellow minister - apparently Jeffrey Dahmer wanted to be baptized. Once he had confirmed that the rumor was true, he agreed to do it without hesitation. There was some dilly-dallying about how to do it in a maximum security prison, but the problem was easily solved: they used the prison whirlpool. It occurred on the same day of a solar eclipse, and the execution of another serial killer, John Wayne Gacy. Afterwards, Ratcliff requested that he be allowed to visit Dahmer - whom he soon took to calling "Jeff" - every week to study the Bible.
If you're looking for deep theological conversations on the nature of God, the afterlife, good and evil, etc., you'll be disappointed. Roy Ratcliff only knew Dahmer for seven months. It was enough time to build a friendship of sorts, but that's about it. Ratcliff imagined continuing to visit Dahmer until they were both old men or one of them was dead. The latter, of course, proved to be the case. How strange it was that Dahmer sent him a card on Thanksgiving just days before he lay dying on the floor of the prison bathroom.
While this wasn't exactly the grand finale I was hoping for, I did get more insight into the post-trial life (and post-mortem events) of Dahmer. Many of the inmates were at least civil with him, with many referring to him as "J.D.". His job cleaning the bathrooms earned him 25 cents an hour, which he spent primarily on stamps to send letters to his family; a lawyer managed to freeze his salary, demanding it be sent to the victims' families. Jeff fought this, but the matter was never resolved.
I had also wondered to what degree Dahmer was suicidal. His father Lionel described an incident where Jeff was punished for stealing a razor. When he asked him why, he answered, "I took it in case things got too bad." This was within the first year of his imprisonment.
Roy Ratcliff says he asked him directly if he was suicidal, as he grew concerned based on Jeff's interpretation of a particular verse regarding capital punishment. He admitted he had considered it. The next was immediately after the first attempt on Jeffrey Dahmer's life. A Cuban prisoner was trying to be sent back to his homeland, and the only way he saw of doing that was to "kill somebody famous". Dahmer was the only infamous inmate there, so he was made a target. The attempt at slitting his throat while he was sitting in the prison chapel was unsuccessful, and when Ratcliff, remembering how he had desired death, asked him how he felt, his answer had changed completely. He no longer wanted a release; he had already been released through the baptism - through God and faith.
Death would come swiftly regardless. Another inmate, Christopher Scarver, suffered from messianic delusions and believed himself to be Jesus Christ. He took an unweighted barbell from the prison gym and hid it in his uniform. (Ironically, Dahmer also used an unweighted barbell to commit his first murder back in 1978.) When left alone with Dahmer and another prisoner (a wife-killer) to clean the bathrooms, he took out the bar and beat them both to death - Dahmer first, of course. The whole thing played out like a grotesque parody of the scene on the cross, with Scarver serving as a delusional Christ and Dahmer the penitent thief - "Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise," (Luke 23:43). Except I imagine Scarver believed himself the righteous avenger, sending Dahmer to hell. According to him, Dahmer made no noise during the attack, not even when he struck his head repeatedly against the wall. Lionel commented to Ratcliff that "half his face was caved in" when they saw the body. Some would say this violent end was too good for Dahmer.
Despite the fact that Dahmer requested he be cremated and have no services held after his death, a memorial was held, with only the family and those they invited allowed to attend. Jeff's brother David showed up anonymously, which I found very interesting - David usually doesn't factor into the story at all. Here he gave a speech which never mentioned Jeff's name; Ratcliff believed he was only there in an attempt to reconnect with his father.
The book ends with two chapters answering two questions: Was he insane, and was he sincere? Ratcliff does not believe Dahmer was insane, and he believes his faith was sincere.
"Imagine the thoughts of serial killer and mutilator Jeffrey Dahmer when he ended up in prison. He felt great remorse, which he confessed on several occasions. He had ruined his life beyond repair. If Wisconsin had the death penalty, he would have earned it. Who could he turn to except God? Certainly no human would hear the cries of his heart and believe the depth of his sorrow. Only God could."
Of course, this is all supported by Dahmer's words in the interview with Stone Phillips - "If a person doesn't think that there is a God to be accountable to, then what's the point of trying to modify your behavior, to keep it within acceptable ranges?"
What do I think, as the least qualified clown on the Internet? ...Well, unlike some people, I wouldn't mind sharing Heaven with Dahmer, if his salvation was true. Why should it matter to me? Who am I to judge the condition of his or anyone else's soul? Only God knows the truth. It is unknowable to me.
But if it is true, what a wonderful thing it must be.
December 12, 2012
This book was a quick read for me but very enjoyable!! Society tends to just remember the bad things about a person. While this is understandable--his crimes were shocking and heinous--what few people know is what happened to Jeff when he was in prison--besides being killed, before his death he asked Jesus into his heart. I LOVE these kinds of stories!! If Jeff can do it, anyone can do it, and there is hope for everyone, no matter how far you've fallen from grace. As long as you still have breath and feel even a TINY bit guilty for sins and you want to change, there is HOPE for you. If Jeff couldn't be saved, neither could we.
I heard that when he was being beaten to death he told his attacker, "Go ahead and kill me." Some think he had a death wish but I think there was more to the story. I believe he knew who he was in Christ and if you know Jesus, you don't have to fear anything; whether life or death, no matter. Christians can look forward to death with the hope of heaven!!
I heard that when he was being beaten to death he told his attacker, "Go ahead and kill me." Some think he had a death wish but I think there was more to the story. I believe he knew who he was in Christ and if you know Jesus, you don't have to fear anything; whether life or death, no matter. Christians can look forward to death with the hope of heaven!!
August 11, 2011
So often in our Christian life, we have moments of fear, doubt and guilt. ”What was I thinking?”, “How can I ever be forgiven for this?”. These statements are not uncommon. If you think that YOU have sins to worry about I have two words for you: Jeffery Dahmer.
Dark Journey, Deep Grace is a book that the world will find disgusting, repulsive and try to use it as ammunition against the Christian faith. The believer will find it disgusting and repulsive as well, but not for the same reasons the world will. The believer will find it disgusting because of Mr. Dhamer’s acts, but the world will find it disgusting because the author belives that Mr. Dhamer is saved. Ultimately I found the book humbling. Humbled by this wonderful example of God’s grace, his forgiveness, his faithfulness and his amazing ability to love us, Jeffery Dhamer included, despite our sin. Once we are able to wrap our head around the astonishing forgiveness provided by God, the assault the world will try to use against believers will have no affect against us and we can see it for what it really is: an amazing story of redemption, showcasing the beauty of Godly love.
The book details Jeffery’s horrific crimes, apprehension by authorities, and his glorious turn around after being put in prison for his crimes. I don’t want to go into too much detail as I think this book would be great for everyone (provided they can handle the graphic nature and description of his crimes). It is a testament to the power of guilt, but the even greater power of truth, forgiveness, repentance and love all glorifying God in the process.
If you are being tormented by perpetual guilt, read this book. It will give you a stirring example of how God can forgive anything, even the horrific crimes committed by the late Mr. Dhamer.
God bless.
-Neil
Dark Journey, Deep Grace is a book that the world will find disgusting, repulsive and try to use it as ammunition against the Christian faith. The believer will find it disgusting and repulsive as well, but not for the same reasons the world will. The believer will find it disgusting because of Mr. Dhamer’s acts, but the world will find it disgusting because the author belives that Mr. Dhamer is saved. Ultimately I found the book humbling. Humbled by this wonderful example of God’s grace, his forgiveness, his faithfulness and his amazing ability to love us, Jeffery Dhamer included, despite our sin. Once we are able to wrap our head around the astonishing forgiveness provided by God, the assault the world will try to use against believers will have no affect against us and we can see it for what it really is: an amazing story of redemption, showcasing the beauty of Godly love.
The book details Jeffery’s horrific crimes, apprehension by authorities, and his glorious turn around after being put in prison for his crimes. I don’t want to go into too much detail as I think this book would be great for everyone (provided they can handle the graphic nature and description of his crimes). It is a testament to the power of guilt, but the even greater power of truth, forgiveness, repentance and love all glorifying God in the process.
If you are being tormented by perpetual guilt, read this book. It will give you a stirring example of how God can forgive anything, even the horrific crimes committed by the late Mr. Dhamer.
God bless.
-Neil
July 4, 2017
This book ministered to my heart. God's forgiveness and grace are immeasurable.
October 8, 2022
I am so moved by this book
July 17, 2021
Great read about great grace. It really shows the humanness of Jeffrey Dahmer and gives you a heart for the man.
January 10, 2025
A friend from my church small group mentioned this book once in a group discussion about God’s salvific and common grace. All I knew of Jeffrey Dahmer was that he killed and ate human beings, and that Netflix had made a show about it (which is inappropriate, imo). My friend mentioned that Jeffrey Dahmer was saved in prison, and indeed, I agreed that Christ’s death was sufficient to save someone as horrible as Jeff Dahmer, or anyone for that matter. A few weeks later I was handed the book and I got to reading.
The pastor who baptized and ministered to Jeffrey Dahmer wrote the book on Jeff’s conversion and the story of his faith journey. And while Jeff’s conversion came before their relationship, it is fitting he told this story. The author does a fine job at telling Jeff’s story in a fair and balanced way, even spending a chapter detailing his crimes in the least gruesome way possible. I did not care to read this chapter, and I almost stopped reading the book because of it, but I’m glad I pressed through it. In retrospect, this book would have lost credibility if it did not acknowledge the details of his crimes.
While I have countless issues with restoration theology (the theological origins of the Church of Christ), I do feel that the author was fair in addressing these many issues throughout the book. I do not believe that Jeffrey Dahmer’s baptism was a saving act. The author very clearly does, as a minister in the church of Christ. This is my primary issue with the text, as I do not believe this is good theology of salvation. Our salvation in Christ Jesus is by grace alone through faith alone. Despite this theological difference, there are of course many believers in the Church of Christ, and indeed both the author and Jeffrey Dahmer show fruit of the spirit.
The author makes several fantastic theological points throughout this text. They are as follows:
- If God saved and made the apostle Paul, a murderer and persecutor of Christians, a key New Testament writer and the greatest of theologians, God can save Jeffrey Dahmer. If you do not believe this, then you do not believe in the sufficiency of Christ’s death and resurrection to save sinners from the wrath of God.
- We are all capable of what we view as the worst and most heinous sins. The only thing that prevents each of us from descending into a life of horrible acts is God’s grace. Jeffrey Dahmer was declared sane by psychologists. He grew up with urges that he was never taught, in other words, he had a sin nature just like all of us. Nobody teaches a child to be selfish, they are simple born as such. The very same can be said for all sins we find ourselves most tempted. Because of Adam and Eve, we are all conceived sinners. This is something for us all to think about, as it is easy for us to say “oh well I would never do that”, but you are capable. You have the same sin nature as the Apostle Paul, as Jeffrey Dahmer. After the fall, we are all totally deprived, meaning there is not one part of the human nature not affected by sin.
“So many people are confused about what forgiveness of sins means. They cannot distinguish crimes against the state and sins against God—which probably reflects the general vision people have about God.” This goes for both believers and unbelievers for certain.
- “ If human beings are nothing more than refined slime or complicated amoeba, then killing other creatures, especially those less clever than you, is justifiable. But once you accept the reality that humans are specially created in the image of God, the value of human life changes. Once Jeff embraced his faith in God, his view of humanity changed. He began to value human life and recognized his responsibility to protect, not destroy it.” This is one of the most fascinating parts of Jeff’s story. The atrocious acts he committed resulted not only from his strong desires to carry them out, but a feeling of no accountability, brought on by a logical conclusion of nihilism in the atheistic worldview. Indeed, if there is no God, no creator, there is no morality. Each and every occurrence on this earth is random, chaotic, and meaningless.
While I would not consider this book required reading, I do think the story contains powerful Gospel truth. It is readable in 1-3 sittings, so the commitment isn’t massive. I’m glad my friend lent me the book, as it contains many great theological reminders.
The pastor who baptized and ministered to Jeffrey Dahmer wrote the book on Jeff’s conversion and the story of his faith journey. And while Jeff’s conversion came before their relationship, it is fitting he told this story. The author does a fine job at telling Jeff’s story in a fair and balanced way, even spending a chapter detailing his crimes in the least gruesome way possible. I did not care to read this chapter, and I almost stopped reading the book because of it, but I’m glad I pressed through it. In retrospect, this book would have lost credibility if it did not acknowledge the details of his crimes.
While I have countless issues with restoration theology (the theological origins of the Church of Christ), I do feel that the author was fair in addressing these many issues throughout the book. I do not believe that Jeffrey Dahmer’s baptism was a saving act. The author very clearly does, as a minister in the church of Christ. This is my primary issue with the text, as I do not believe this is good theology of salvation. Our salvation in Christ Jesus is by grace alone through faith alone. Despite this theological difference, there are of course many believers in the Church of Christ, and indeed both the author and Jeffrey Dahmer show fruit of the spirit.
The author makes several fantastic theological points throughout this text. They are as follows:
- If God saved and made the apostle Paul, a murderer and persecutor of Christians, a key New Testament writer and the greatest of theologians, God can save Jeffrey Dahmer. If you do not believe this, then you do not believe in the sufficiency of Christ’s death and resurrection to save sinners from the wrath of God.
- We are all capable of what we view as the worst and most heinous sins. The only thing that prevents each of us from descending into a life of horrible acts is God’s grace. Jeffrey Dahmer was declared sane by psychologists. He grew up with urges that he was never taught, in other words, he had a sin nature just like all of us. Nobody teaches a child to be selfish, they are simple born as such. The very same can be said for all sins we find ourselves most tempted. Because of Adam and Eve, we are all conceived sinners. This is something for us all to think about, as it is easy for us to say “oh well I would never do that”, but you are capable. You have the same sin nature as the Apostle Paul, as Jeffrey Dahmer. After the fall, we are all totally deprived, meaning there is not one part of the human nature not affected by sin.
“So many people are confused about what forgiveness of sins means. They cannot distinguish crimes against the state and sins against God—which probably reflects the general vision people have about God.” This goes for both believers and unbelievers for certain.
- “ If human beings are nothing more than refined slime or complicated amoeba, then killing other creatures, especially those less clever than you, is justifiable. But once you accept the reality that humans are specially created in the image of God, the value of human life changes. Once Jeff embraced his faith in God, his view of humanity changed. He began to value human life and recognized his responsibility to protect, not destroy it.” This is one of the most fascinating parts of Jeff’s story. The atrocious acts he committed resulted not only from his strong desires to carry them out, but a feeling of no accountability, brought on by a logical conclusion of nihilism in the atheistic worldview. Indeed, if there is no God, no creator, there is no morality. Each and every occurrence on this earth is random, chaotic, and meaningless.
While I would not consider this book required reading, I do think the story contains powerful Gospel truth. It is readable in 1-3 sittings, so the commitment isn’t massive. I’m glad my friend lent me the book, as it contains many great theological reminders.
November 18, 2022
REVIEW OF EBOOK; NOVEMBER 17, 2022
I had finished listening to two Dahmer books and was looking for books that could shed some light on how someone ends up a serial killer. As I searched the internet I stumbled across an article mentioning that Dahmer becoming a Christian in prison. Being a Christian, my curiosity was, naturally, piqued. Again, I naturally suspected it wasn't a real conversion and was just a temporary thing. Dahmer had, after all, never stuck to anything he took on and would abandon it after a few weeks, sometimes sooner.
Anyway, I bought Dark Journey, Deep Grace written by Roy Ratcliff, the pastor who baptized Dahmer and words can't adequately express what I felt as I turned the pages.
If Anne E Schwartz's Monster horrified me and A Father's Story left me no wiser about how to ensure my kids and grandkids don't grow up to be serial killers, Ratcliff's account of how he came to believe Jeffrey's conversion and was genuine had me alternating between tears and praise. To appreciate the post-conversion Jeffrey one would have to read at least of the books on Dahmer's crimes.
I grew up in a non-Christian home and my grandparents prayed to a variety of gods. I experienced the supernatural powers of these gods throughout my childhood until I was 27 and became a Christian (without anyone having shared the Gospel with me!) so I understand where Jeffrey was coming from when he was so concerned about doing what was right in God's eyes now that he was a Christian.
And while I have learnt a lot about my faith and Theology over the years, just one little thing Jeffrey said during an NBC interview summed up my faith and why I believe in God and Jesus Christ. Dahmer was asked how did he feel while committing his crimes? His reply: “I felt that I didn’t have to be accountable to anyone,” he said. "Since man came from slime, I was accountable to no one.” Before his conversion, Dahmer was Godless and believed in Evolution. After his conversion all Jeffrey cared about was whether he was doing right in God's eyes.
I was glad that Radcliff covered all the questions that came to my mind as I read. He didn't gloss over anything and, as far as I was concerned, paid respect to all my questions and concerns about Jeff's spiritual journey. Hr covered Jeff's own words about how he felt about his crimes, about his sentencing and I closed the book with a lump in my throat.
Jeff was killed not long after his baptism but from what he shared with Ratcliff, it was right and just for him to die for what he did.
I had finished listening to two Dahmer books and was looking for books that could shed some light on how someone ends up a serial killer. As I searched the internet I stumbled across an article mentioning that Dahmer becoming a Christian in prison. Being a Christian, my curiosity was, naturally, piqued. Again, I naturally suspected it wasn't a real conversion and was just a temporary thing. Dahmer had, after all, never stuck to anything he took on and would abandon it after a few weeks, sometimes sooner.
Anyway, I bought Dark Journey, Deep Grace written by Roy Ratcliff, the pastor who baptized Dahmer and words can't adequately express what I felt as I turned the pages.
If Anne E Schwartz's Monster horrified me and A Father's Story left me no wiser about how to ensure my kids and grandkids don't grow up to be serial killers, Ratcliff's account of how he came to believe Jeffrey's conversion and was genuine had me alternating between tears and praise. To appreciate the post-conversion Jeffrey one would have to read at least of the books on Dahmer's crimes.
I grew up in a non-Christian home and my grandparents prayed to a variety of gods. I experienced the supernatural powers of these gods throughout my childhood until I was 27 and became a Christian (without anyone having shared the Gospel with me!) so I understand where Jeffrey was coming from when he was so concerned about doing what was right in God's eyes now that he was a Christian.
And while I have learnt a lot about my faith and Theology over the years, just one little thing Jeffrey said during an NBC interview summed up my faith and why I believe in God and Jesus Christ. Dahmer was asked how did he feel while committing his crimes? His reply: “I felt that I didn’t have to be accountable to anyone,” he said. "Since man came from slime, I was accountable to no one.” Before his conversion, Dahmer was Godless and believed in Evolution. After his conversion all Jeffrey cared about was whether he was doing right in God's eyes.
I was glad that Radcliff covered all the questions that came to my mind as I read. He didn't gloss over anything and, as far as I was concerned, paid respect to all my questions and concerns about Jeff's spiritual journey. Hr covered Jeff's own words about how he felt about his crimes, about his sentencing and I closed the book with a lump in my throat.
Jeff was killed not long after his baptism but from what he shared with Ratcliff, it was right and just for him to die for what he did.
March 9, 2023
An incredible memoir on the power of God’s unending and sufficient grace! Read in a couple days and thoroughly enjoyed the insights on my brother in Christ, Jeff’s, transformation from death to life!
“If a person doesn’t think that there is a God to be accountable to, then what’s the point of trying to modify your behavior to keep it within acceptable ranges? That’s how I thought anyway. I always believed the theory of evolution as truth, that we all just came from the slime. When we died, you know, that was it, there is nothing, and I’ve since come to believe that the Lord Jesus Christ is truly God, and I believe that I, as well as everyone else, will be held accountable to Him.”
-Jeffrey Dahmer
“If a person doesn’t think that there is a God to be accountable to, then what’s the point of trying to modify your behavior to keep it within acceptable ranges? That’s how I thought anyway. I always believed the theory of evolution as truth, that we all just came from the slime. When we died, you know, that was it, there is nothing, and I’ve since come to believe that the Lord Jesus Christ is truly God, and I believe that I, as well as everyone else, will be held accountable to Him.”
-Jeffrey Dahmer
February 22, 2023
This is a very sweet book and it made me feel that Jeff was truly converted and loved God. I feel Roy Ratcliff is a true Christian and Jeff was lucky to have such a compassionate, thoughtful, knowledgeable human being as a spiritual companion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2021
Roy Ratcliff recounts his visits, relationship and the pestering media brought on by his baptism of the infamous Jeffrey Dahmer and explains why he felt obligated to deal with such matters. Surprisingly, Ratcliff even mentions the positive impact he gained through his visitations with Dahmer as he saw this baptism as an opportunity to do the impossible: create a murderous man into an image of Christ.
Although this is a short read, it still manages to take a deep analysis into the subject of Dahmer. Without being too preachy, Ratcliff recognizes the importance of the creation of human life and how easy it is to take one’s life once it is devalued through the disconnection of spirituality in general.
Although this is a short read, it still manages to take a deep analysis into the subject of Dahmer. Without being too preachy, Ratcliff recognizes the importance of the creation of human life and how easy it is to take one’s life once it is devalued through the disconnection of spirituality in general.
September 17, 2022
Interesting perspective and experience!
November 2, 2022
An amazing read! A story of an unexpected friendship leading two men on a journey of repentance, finding forgiveness, and ending in eternal redemption only available because of the love of Christ. A profound testament to the work of God in even the darkest of souls.
June 27, 2014
This is a great book that shows everyone is worthy of God's Grace. God is looking at a "heart change." Yes, even Jeffrey Dahmer is worthy of forgiveness. In the words of the author...Jesus' blood wasn't too thin as to not be sufficient enough to save Jeff. The world needs more people like Roy Ratcliff.
January 10, 2018
This was an interesting short read. Much different than the other books I have read about Jeffrey Dahmer.
Even though I'm not a believer and have no intention to find my way to God, I'm glad Jeff did.
Even though I'm not a believer and have no intention to find my way to God, I'm glad Jeff did.
March 23, 2019
I expected to not like this that much cause I imagined it would be kinda preach-y(no pun intended) but it turned out to be a very good, and sad read. I think anyone would benefit from reading this book, to try and understand that criminals are human too.
July 1, 2018
As a Christian and as someone who has always had a fascination with Jeff, this was the perfect read for me. Awesome.
November 17, 2023
I got what I wanted.
I'm young so I'm not directly concerned by this story. Last year when the Netflix series came out, my mom only watched it. And she loved it. She was so sad for him. I always mocked her. I told her that people complaining about these series were right, it creates empathy for the villain. I was ignorant.
Only weeks ago, a smal portion of the last episode came to me on Instagram reels. I was so surprised. I was shocked. I immediately watched it. Naturally, it pushed me to want more of that faith part in Jeffrey's life. Here it is.
It gives me the events with a new faith perspective. And most importantly, this book gives more closer access to the person he became. I only gave 4 stars because the way it was edited is not what I prefer generally. There were so many jumps, I mean I know he died but why tell me that every chapter almost? Then, the baptizm part came out before the Christian conversion I was eager to read.
Except the way it was put together, I really liked the content of this book. Not for everyone I get it but I wish more people can look the beauty of faith, mercy, love, friendship, new birth.
TW: I didn't watch the series because the nature of his crimes are disturbing for any sane human, that's why I also picked this book. Unfortunately, there were a chapter that mentions some of the things I didn't want. So anyone who wants to focus on his life after prison, make sure to skip the chapter 3. It's only brief but still. Don't read alone after midnight like I did.
I'm young so I'm not directly concerned by this story. Last year when the Netflix series came out, my mom only watched it. And she loved it. She was so sad for him. I always mocked her. I told her that people complaining about these series were right, it creates empathy for the villain. I was ignorant.
Only weeks ago, a smal portion of the last episode came to me on Instagram reels. I was so surprised. I was shocked. I immediately watched it. Naturally, it pushed me to want more of that faith part in Jeffrey's life. Here it is.
It gives me the events with a new faith perspective. And most importantly, this book gives more closer access to the person he became. I only gave 4 stars because the way it was edited is not what I prefer generally. There were so many jumps, I mean I know he died but why tell me that every chapter almost? Then, the baptizm part came out before the Christian conversion I was eager to read.
Except the way it was put together, I really liked the content of this book. Not for everyone I get it but I wish more people can look the beauty of faith, mercy, love, friendship, new birth.
TW: I didn't watch the series because the nature of his crimes are disturbing for any sane human, that's why I also picked this book. Unfortunately, there were a chapter that mentions some of the things I didn't want. So anyone who wants to focus on his life after prison, make sure to skip the chapter 3. It's only brief but still. Don't read alone after midnight like I did.
October 9, 2022
This was interesting and had some excellent points about God's forgiveness for all, regardless of the evilness or unusualness than their sins. The story was told in a fairly clear and concise way. There was only one short section on Jeffrey Dahmer's crimes, and while it didn't dwell on them graphically it gave a concise sense of their heinousness. The writing sometimes had a bit of a self-justifying feel, and even though I came away with no doubts of the author's sincerity, I did get some defensive vibes about the author's publicity for his connection to Jeffrey Dahmer, which was a little distracting.
Overall pretty interesting and thought provoking, but not a life-changer.
Overall pretty interesting and thought provoking, but not a life-changer.
January 21, 2025
A wonderful read. He does an exceptional job at explaining how the baptism was set up and the aftermath. I really love the message here because it just proves that Jesus came to save everyone. It’s unfortunate that Jeffrey committed those terrible crimes. Some might even call him One of the worst sinners yet God came to save even him.
I really enjoyed this book. I feel as though the minister was very respectful to the real people mention in this book yet there was enough details to tell a full story.
I really enjoyed this book. I feel as though the minister was very respectful to the real people mention in this book yet there was enough details to tell a full story.
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January 5, 2024I will not be rating this book as it is a testimony of Roy and Jeffrey Dahmer but wow this book was an honor to read! I loved reading their testimonies and seeing how god worked in both of their lives. This story shows how gracious god is and what a savior he is! This opens my eyes as a Christian myself on how god works in people’s lives, even ones like Jeffrey Dahmer and how much he loves all his children.
July 19, 2024
I have always found Jeffrey Dahmer's story fascinating. I was raised in and preach for churches of Christ, so it is even closer to my heart. I appreciate this story and Roy Ratcliff (though he is wrong about instrumental music). The grace of God is an amazing thing. Oh the faces that must have been when Jeffrey Dahmer entered heaven!
January 27, 2025
One sitting read. Couldn't put it down. It expanded my horizons on grace and humanity. I loved it and would gladly read it again right now, Interesting story, great writing, and I like Ron's non biased opinion of Jeffrey. He showcased his story but did not leave out the harsh or strange details.
May 4, 2023
Amazing Grace. How sweet the sound. Truly. God is good.
July 18, 2023
A fascinating and provocative story about the depths of God's grace and forgiveness.
November 15, 2023
Interesting, not too deep.
March 27, 2024
Histoire et témoignage qui me sont chères. Très fort d'apprendre la vie aussi bouleversée par la foi.
April 18, 2025
God's grace is sufficient for all who humble themselves and truly seek Him with a sincere heart and desire. This story is another example of God's mercy and grace for us.
June 21, 2025
“I couldn’t figure out why he was being so legalistic about his faith” said the guy telling him he needed to be baptized and take communion every week in order to be saved.
August 1, 2024
Holy cow! This book was absolutely phenomenal!!! As someone who is a Christian and as someone who is fascinated by true crime, this book gave WONDERFUL insight into the grace offered to us by God in Jesus’ death on the cross, that Jesus’ blood does indeed cover the sins of someone like me as well as someone like Jeffery Dahmer through salvation, and Jeffery Dahmer’s salvation and spiritual journey while in prison serving his sentence for his crimes. Whether you believe in God or not, I think this book is most definitely worth your time!!
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