What do you think?
Rate this book
La firma de Jesús
Como un libro que rompe con los esquemas, La Firma De Jesus se ofrece a cada cristiano que desee vivir por fe y no por mera "religion", a aquellos que reconocen que muchos de los temas teologicos actuales dentro de la Iglesia no son ni actuales ni teologicos, a aquellos que no han olvidado que son seguidores de un Cristo crucificado, a aquellos que no tienen mayor anhelo que tener lña firma de Jesus escrita en las paginas de sus vidas.
Jesucristo proclama: "Mira que estoy a la puerta y llamo". Quiza ya lo has encontrado en la puerta... ¿pero tu de verdad lo conoces? ¿Has sido transformado por su furioso, apasionado e inexplicable amor? Unete a Brennan Manning en un viaje personal para expirimentar el amor de Cristo y vivir con su pasion.
Jesucristo proclama: "Mira que estoy a la puerta y llamo". Quiza ya lo has encontrado en la puerta... ¿pero tu de verdad lo conoces? ¿Has sido transformado por su furioso, apasionado e inexplicable amor? Unete a Brennan Manning en un viaje personal para expirimentar el amor de Cristo y vivir con su pasion.
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1988
180 people are currently reading
1285 people want to read
About the author
Brennan Manning
73 books917 followersRichard Francis Xavier Manning, known as Brennan Manning (April 27, 1934 – April 12, 2013) was an American author, friar, priest, contemplative and speaker.Born and raised in Depression-era New York City, Manning finished high school, enlisted in the US Marine Corps, and fought in the Korean War. After returning to the United States, he enrolled at Saint Francis University in Loretto, Pennsylvania. Upon his graduation from the seminary in 1963, Manning was ordained a Franciscan priest.[2]
In the late 1960s, Manning joined the Little Brothers of Jesus of Charles de Foucauld, a religious institute committed to an uncloistered, contemplative life among the poor. Manning transported water via donkey, worked as a mason's assistant and a dishwasher in France, was imprisoned (by choice) in Switzerland, and spent six months in a remote cave somewhere in the Zaragoza desert. In the 1970s, Manning returned to the United States and began writing after confronting his alcoholism.
In the late 1960s, Manning joined the Little Brothers of Jesus of Charles de Foucauld, a religious institute committed to an uncloistered, contemplative life among the poor. Manning transported water via donkey, worked as a mason's assistant and a dishwasher in France, was imprisoned (by choice) in Switzerland, and spent six months in a remote cave somewhere in the Zaragoza desert. In the 1970s, Manning returned to the United States and began writing after confronting his alcoholism.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
February 13, 2016
After the first few chapters, I wasn't enjoying this book at all. I didn't like the authors writing style and flow. I also found myself not really being thrilled about the message he was sending. However, as I continued reading, I started to realize that despite not always agreeing with what he was trying to say that the overall message, while being hard to hear, was something that I needed to hear. His message of being a true follower of Christ was a hard pill to swallow, but it's the type of medicine that everybody needs a dose of from time to time. By the time I finished the book I had gleaned several quotes and truly enjoyed it. His writing style and flow sort of grew on me and I came to appreciate his anecdotes and random stories that made his point. Overall this book was a great source of information and contains a great message, albeit hard to hear and difficult admitting to need.
September 15, 2019
Parts of this book amazed me with their simple profundity. Other parts just made me shake my head. There's a lot of worthwhile stuff in here that I took to heart, but it's mixed with a lot of theologically iffy ramblings. (Also, is no one going to talk about the fact that Manning re-uses quotes and anecdotes from his writings--sometimes in the very same book? One entire page is lifted almost verbatim from The Ragamuffin Gospel.)
June 26, 2021
I was going to say this book wasn’t for the faint of heart, or those comfortable in their faith…then I changed my mind. It absolutely is for them (and I include myself in that crowd). I come away from this read convicted, uncomfortable, challenged, and frustrated with my own lackluster faith and uncourageous heart…and I have a feeling (both good, and scared, lol) that Manning would say, “Good. That’s the perfect spot for God to start.”
Okay, Lord. Here I am. Knees knocking and all. Bring it.
Okay, Lord. Here I am. Knees knocking and all. Bring it.
June 15, 2013
I really enjoyed much of this book. Manning is widely known as the "grace guy." I started reading, intrigued by the implication of Manning's claim that "radical grace requires a response of radical discipleship."
There were several chapters and sections that I just couldn't zip through. They were so good and thoughtful that I had to pause and sit with the contents for a bit.
However, I struggled throughout the book to see where it was heading. There wasn't a coherent narrative or movement (not that I could discern). Some chapters felt completely disconnected from the previous or the following chapter. The content wasn't bad. It was just difficult to integrate into the single theme of "radical discipleship," at least in a connected way.
I could see using select chapters and sections out of this book for groups to study, reflect on, and use for meditation.
There were several chapters and sections that I just couldn't zip through. They were so good and thoughtful that I had to pause and sit with the contents for a bit.
However, I struggled throughout the book to see where it was heading. There wasn't a coherent narrative or movement (not that I could discern). Some chapters felt completely disconnected from the previous or the following chapter. The content wasn't bad. It was just difficult to integrate into the single theme of "radical discipleship," at least in a connected way.
I could see using select chapters and sections out of this book for groups to study, reflect on, and use for meditation.
February 8, 2023
I wish I felt like I got more out of this book, overall it was very good but I don’t know if I took a ton away from it- I’ll review the notes I took when going back over it but overall I’d say it’s just good.
February 11, 2020
It should be required reading for every believer. Extraordinary!
August 9, 2008
While I enjoyed some of what Brennan had to say, most of it seemed like random thoughts thrown together into a book. I could not pick out a running theme through his writing and I finished the book and immediately began to wonder, "What have I just read? What was it about? Can I even take anything from this?"
April 5, 2020
Excellent!
June 5, 2021
Second time reading it through, and I’m more and more convinced I could read Brennan’s works only for the rest of my life.
June 5, 2018
Brennan Manning is the one author I cannot get enough of and that I return to time and time again. In his most famous book, The Ragamuffin Gospel, Manning introduces his readers to the concept of grace. That grace is something God gives us which we don't deserve..even if we are prodigals and go our own way. The Signature of Jesus is written as a sequel to that. Yes, there is grace which is freely given, but it is also our responsibility to practice wholehearted discipleship. In the same pattern as his other books, Manning writes in a very poetic fashion, taking ideas and thoughts from other wise guides, and rooting his beliefs in Scripture and also in his personal experience. I have always admired Manning's courage to talk about leaving the monastery to get married and the ways God has transformed his life from being an alcoholic to being sober minded. I always recommend Manning's writing to everyone regardless of how long they have been in the faith. If you are a spiritually immature person, you will benefit greatly from Manning's back to basics style and if you are spiritually mature, you will still find his writings refreshing and invigorating. He is certainly one brilliant writer and scholar.
June 28, 2018
Re-read this book, which first came out in 1988, and I cannot believe how appropriate it is for today. The chapter on “the discipline of the secret” now seems totally prophetic. The chapter on discipleship is challenging and the chapter on “grabbing aholt of God” makes me want to become a hermit for a day or two. So much gold in here, written by a man who was just so kind, so it doesn’t come across as preachy, ever.
October 28, 2021
Brennan Manning has long been a favorite of mine, but I only recently laid ahold of this book of his. He does a masters full job of questioning your assumptions, challenging your beliefs, attacking the faults of Americanized Christianity, building you back up again, encouraging you, and then sending you back out with a challenge. If you have ever wanted a distillation of the Gospels, this is it. www.finding-narnia.com
October 4, 2025
Actually I have had this book and I am re reading it. Brennan Manning's powerful challenge to the modern day church hits the mark.
He also reminded me of other books that I have read and I am now re reading like M. Scott Peck's, The Road Less Traveled also quotes J.D Salinger's Franny and Zoey, one of my all time favorite books and authors.
Back Brennan he paints his idea of the the Signature of Jesus on paper with a fine brush; beautifully said and well written.
He also reminded me of other books that I have read and I am now re reading like M. Scott Peck's, The Road Less Traveled also quotes J.D Salinger's Franny and Zoey, one of my all time favorite books and authors.
Back Brennan he paints his idea of the the Signature of Jesus on paper with a fine brush; beautifully said and well written.
June 16, 2018
Wow!
Even though this book was written years ago, it is so timely. It’s message coincides with everything I’m hearing and sensing that the Lord is saying to His Church. The last paragraph of the book sums it up so well. If you’re searching for meaning in your life, read this book!
Even though this book was written years ago, it is so timely. It’s message coincides with everything I’m hearing and sensing that the Lord is saying to His Church. The last paragraph of the book sums it up so well. If you’re searching for meaning in your life, read this book!
August 11, 2018
Manning has a unique ability to give a good kick in the pants whilst preventing you from condemning yourself. He paints a picture of radical discipleship and always leads the reader to Jesus, the Spirit and our Abba Father. A book to be savoured rather than gulped. I hope to re-read it in the years to come (not something I say very often).
April 3, 2019
Manning is one of my favorite nonfiction writers. He speaks so profoundly about love, goodness, and grace; the source of all being Jesus Christ. Discipleship is difficult at times, if we truly follow Jesus. However, He invites all of us, ragtag misfits, to join in the good life. Profound, simple. It's all about love- get religiosity out of here.
March 24, 2023
I am a fan of Manning, but…
As a Brennan Manning fan, I really found this hard to read. It has its moments, but seems to me to be answering critics of the beautiful Ragamuffin Gospel. I could be wrong, but it just read so defensively. This was my least favorite book of his so far.
As a Brennan Manning fan, I really found this hard to read. It has its moments, but seems to me to be answering critics of the beautiful Ragamuffin Gospel. I could be wrong, but it just read so defensively. This was my least favorite book of his so far.
June 25, 2008
The greatest need for our time is for the church to become what it has seldom been: the body of Christ with its face to the world, loving others regardless of religion or culture, pouring out in a life of service. offering hope to a frightened world, and presenting itself as a real alternative to the existing environment.
downward mobility:
path of power vs. path of powerlessness
road to success vs. road to servanthood
board road of praise/popularity vs. narrow road of ridicule/rejection
God utters me like a word containing a partial thought of himself. A word will never be able to comprehend the voice that utters it. But if I am true to the concept that God utters in me, if I am true to the thought in him I was meant to embody, I shall be full of his actuality and find him everywhere in me and find myself nowhere. I shall be lost in him. - Thomas Merton
faith in Jesus- forces us to pursue the mind of Christ to embrace a lifestyle of prayer, unselfishness, goodness, and involvement in building his kingdom, not our own
God gives us the boat and the oars, but then tells us, "It's up to you to row." Making positive acts of faith is like training this faculty; it is developed by training as the muscles are developed by gymnastics. - Carlo Caretto
we are disciples only as long as we stand in the shadow of Christ (36)
Jesus demands nothing less than the placing of our own egos and desires on the Cross (37)
Power forces us to change; only love can move us to change. Power affects behavior; love affects the heart (41)
La vie est dure - Life is hard (but it's too dull to be anything else; 43)
Change your life. Strike out in a new direction. Come follow me and allow yourself to be radically discipled. - Jesus (55)
graces mediated through the crucified Christ:
courage to take up the cross- accepting my cross and allowing him to share
willingness to forgive- gaining an attitude/lack of fear of judgment and not judging
discovery of where true wisdom lies
surrender of the heart to reckless love
basic truth- Christ loved (pronoun) beyond worthiness and unworthiness, beyond boundary, limit or breaking point
More pleasing to me than all prayers, sacrifices, and good words is that you would believe I love you. - Marjory Kemp
The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very act of existence is an act of rebellion. - Albert Camus
There can be no vulnerability without risk; there can be no community without vulnerability, there can be no peace - and ultimately no life - without community. - Scott Peck
Keep a clear eye toward life's end. Do not forget your purpose and destiny as God's creature. What you are in his sight is what you are and nothing more. Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take with you nothing you have received - fading symbols of honor, trappings of power - but only what you have given: a full heart entitled by honest service, love, sacrifice, and courage. - Francis of Assisi
Living by faith consists of constantly redefining and reaffirming our identity with Jesus, measuring ourselves against him - not measuring him against our church dogmas and local heroes (86)
If the LORD Jesus Christ has washed you in his own blood and forgiven you all your sins, how dare you refuse to forgive yourself? (101)
paschal spirituality- daily death to sin, selfishness, dishonesty, degraded love in order to rise to newness of life (111)
1. Christocentric: through Christ, with Christ, and in Christ
2. awareness of the community of God's people
3. looks upon human nature as fallen but redeemed- flawed but, in essence, good
4. stamped with the signature of Christ: the Cross
5. joyful and optimistic
6. promotes unity without uniformity
7. regards persons as free
*LORD, make me what I should be; change me, whatever the cost*
A friend is someone who knows everything about you and still accepts you. - St. Augustine
Success is never final; failure is never fatal. It is courage that counts. - Winston Churchill
contemplative spirituality emphasizes need for change in consciousness:
- new way to see God, others, self, and the world
- we must come to see reality differently
- leads us in silence into the love that is the center of our being (202)
"centering prayer"
1. relax the body and quiet the spirit; be present to God dwelling in the depths of your being
2. choose a sacred word or phrase; repeat it inwardly, slowly, and often
3. when distracted, return to listening to your word or phrase
4. (20 minutes) conclude with Lord's prayer, favorite psalm (203-4)
Eighty percent of life is showing up. - Woody Allen
approach to prayer (structure)
1. let yourself be loved by God - mode of receiving
2. respond to God's love through adoration
abandon myself completely to the loving hands of God
3. meditate on a gospel passage: 3-10 verses
4. close with a prayer of intercession/petition
if intense desire is lacking, fall on your knees to the God you half-believe in and beg for the gift (212)
mentions:
Toxic Faith - Steve Arterburn & Jack Felton
The Cost of Discipleship - Bonhoeffer
The Scent of Love - Keith Miller
Your God is Too Small - J.B. Phillips
downward mobility:
path of power vs. path of powerlessness
road to success vs. road to servanthood
board road of praise/popularity vs. narrow road of ridicule/rejection
God utters me like a word containing a partial thought of himself. A word will never be able to comprehend the voice that utters it. But if I am true to the concept that God utters in me, if I am true to the thought in him I was meant to embody, I shall be full of his actuality and find him everywhere in me and find myself nowhere. I shall be lost in him. - Thomas Merton
faith in Jesus- forces us to pursue the mind of Christ to embrace a lifestyle of prayer, unselfishness, goodness, and involvement in building his kingdom, not our own
God gives us the boat and the oars, but then tells us, "It's up to you to row." Making positive acts of faith is like training this faculty; it is developed by training as the muscles are developed by gymnastics. - Carlo Caretto
we are disciples only as long as we stand in the shadow of Christ (36)
Jesus demands nothing less than the placing of our own egos and desires on the Cross (37)
Power forces us to change; only love can move us to change. Power affects behavior; love affects the heart (41)
La vie est dure - Life is hard (but it's too dull to be anything else; 43)
Change your life. Strike out in a new direction. Come follow me and allow yourself to be radically discipled. - Jesus (55)
graces mediated through the crucified Christ:
courage to take up the cross- accepting my cross and allowing him to share
willingness to forgive- gaining an attitude/lack of fear of judgment and not judging
discovery of where true wisdom lies
surrender of the heart to reckless love
basic truth- Christ loved (pronoun) beyond worthiness and unworthiness, beyond boundary, limit or breaking point
More pleasing to me than all prayers, sacrifices, and good words is that you would believe I love you. - Marjory Kemp
The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very act of existence is an act of rebellion. - Albert Camus
There can be no vulnerability without risk; there can be no community without vulnerability, there can be no peace - and ultimately no life - without community. - Scott Peck
Keep a clear eye toward life's end. Do not forget your purpose and destiny as God's creature. What you are in his sight is what you are and nothing more. Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take with you nothing you have received - fading symbols of honor, trappings of power - but only what you have given: a full heart entitled by honest service, love, sacrifice, and courage. - Francis of Assisi
Living by faith consists of constantly redefining and reaffirming our identity with Jesus, measuring ourselves against him - not measuring him against our church dogmas and local heroes (86)
If the LORD Jesus Christ has washed you in his own blood and forgiven you all your sins, how dare you refuse to forgive yourself? (101)
paschal spirituality- daily death to sin, selfishness, dishonesty, degraded love in order to rise to newness of life (111)
1. Christocentric: through Christ, with Christ, and in Christ
2. awareness of the community of God's people
3. looks upon human nature as fallen but redeemed- flawed but, in essence, good
4. stamped with the signature of Christ: the Cross
5. joyful and optimistic
6. promotes unity without uniformity
7. regards persons as free
*LORD, make me what I should be; change me, whatever the cost*
A friend is someone who knows everything about you and still accepts you. - St. Augustine
Success is never final; failure is never fatal. It is courage that counts. - Winston Churchill
contemplative spirituality emphasizes need for change in consciousness:
- new way to see God, others, self, and the world
- we must come to see reality differently
- leads us in silence into the love that is the center of our being (202)
"centering prayer"
1. relax the body and quiet the spirit; be present to God dwelling in the depths of your being
2. choose a sacred word or phrase; repeat it inwardly, slowly, and often
3. when distracted, return to listening to your word or phrase
4. (20 minutes) conclude with Lord's prayer, favorite psalm (203-4)
Eighty percent of life is showing up. - Woody Allen
approach to prayer (structure)
1. let yourself be loved by God - mode of receiving
2. respond to God's love through adoration
abandon myself completely to the loving hands of God
3. meditate on a gospel passage: 3-10 verses
4. close with a prayer of intercession/petition
if intense desire is lacking, fall on your knees to the God you half-believe in and beg for the gift (212)
mentions:
Toxic Faith - Steve Arterburn & Jack Felton
The Cost of Discipleship - Bonhoeffer
The Scent of Love - Keith Miller
Your God is Too Small - J.B. Phillips
January 6, 2018
Una vez más Brennan Manning nos presenta la fe apuntando al amor extraordinario de Dios y las demandas del Evangelio teniendo muy presente la realidad de nuestra naturaleza.
Un libro que nos llena de esperanza y nos desafía a caminar con Dios sin esconder nuestras debilidades.
Un libro que nos llena de esperanza y nos desafía a caminar con Dios sin esconder nuestras debilidades.
January 15, 2020
Al principio fue difícil empezar a leerlo, pero mientras avanzaba más me metía en sus historias y el amor y emoción con la contaba su historia. Creo que este libro me ayudó a volver a mi hábito de lectura, y además a enamorarme nuevamente de los libros... gracias Brennan
February 8, 2022
Challenges you to really be a practitioner of your faith and reflect on what it means to be a child of God. If you are searching for renewed insight into what faith is all about, then you will enjoy this book.
January 21, 2025
Signature of Jesus
This book focuses on the personal relation we need to have with
Jesus as Lord and friend. Chapters like did Jesus laugh? Meditative prayer. Spending silent time with Our savior and forever time with HIM! worthy the read! I recommend it!
This book focuses on the personal relation we need to have with
Jesus as Lord and friend. Chapters like did Jesus laugh? Meditative prayer. Spending silent time with Our savior and forever time with HIM! worthy the read! I recommend it!
February 16, 2025
It kept getting better and better. Faith is not a set of beliefs. I make it too complicated when it is simply practicing the presence of God/Jesus/Holy Spirit daily. Oh hard that is! Yet here I am beginning again.
February 20, 2025
Um livro que deixa você se auto questionando, o que a cruz me responde de volta? Qual o peso da morte de Jesus na minha vida? Qual é a assinatura de Jesus?
Um dos livros mais impactantes que já li, já repassei a minha irmã para que a mesma leia e aconselho a todos os crentes a ler!!!
Um dos livros mais impactantes que já li, já repassei a minha irmã para que a mesma leia e aconselho a todos os crentes a ler!!!
April 25, 2025
A beautiful description of the call of Christ to discipleship
My wife and I read this together out loud slowly chapter by chapter and we couldn’t resist constantly saying amen and hallelujah. Lord Jesus Christ, son of David, have mercy on me the sinner.
My wife and I read this together out loud slowly chapter by chapter and we couldn’t resist constantly saying amen and hallelujah. Lord Jesus Christ, son of David, have mercy on me the sinner.
May 18, 2025
Algo que me encanta de todos los libros de Brennan es que me acercan a un Jesús cercano, este en particular definitivamente nos hace comprender su sacrificio ❤️🔥✝️
Gracias Jesús por la cruz, tu resurrección y porque el final no es la muerte, sino la vida❤️🩹
Gracias Jesús por la cruz, tu resurrección y porque el final no es la muerte, sino la vida❤️🩹
October 2, 2025
Before I begin, Brennan Manning is one of my favorite authors. He chalked me to truly hold on to the good things I claim to believe in. But this book was not his best work. He confessed in the book that finances are a motivation for him writing this book. And I could tell. It didn’t offer me much substantially. But it is Brennan Manning, so it still had its moments.
April 7, 2018
Great read! Wonderful insights on prayer and moving from a life of beliefs to a life abundant in faith. I liked it better than Abba's Child.
May 5, 2019
This was the first book I read after becoming a Christian. It created beautiful foundation of grace that has only continued to grow through Brennan's teaching.
Read
August 11, 2019DNR-Recc'd from Jeff (from pharmacy)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews