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All Is Grace: A Ragamuffin Memoir
It has been over twenty years since the publication of The Ragamuffin Gospel, a book many claim as the shattering of God’s grace into their lives. Since that time, Brennan Manning has been dazzingly faithful in preaching and writing variations on that singular theme – “Yes, Abba is very fond of you!” But today the crowds are gone and the lights are dim, the patches on his knees have faded. If he ever was a ragamuffin, truly it is now. In this his final book, Brennan roves back his past, honoring the lives of the people closest to him, family and friends who’ve known the saint and the sinner, the boy and the man. Far from some chronological timeline, these memories are witness to the truth of life by one who has lived it – All Is Grace.
244 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2011
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3371 people want to read
About the author
Brennan Manning
73 books924 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 415 reviews
October 23, 2011
Wow! Brennan Manning's farewell book really got to me. Through most of the book, I thought it was interesting to read his life story and that the book was "okay." Then as it all came together into a final challenge from the author, made more poignant by the insight into his life that the chapters before gave me, his message hit hard and I thought, "This book is really good!." Then the poem at the end made me cry and closed the deal...THIS BOOK WILL BOTH ENCOURAGE AND HAUNT ME FOR A LONG TIME TO COME. This man will never stand before the spotlights again in this lifetime, but I cannot deny how much the legacy of this broken ragamuffin has shined the light of God's grace upon my own life time and time again.
May 30, 2012
As Yancey says in the forward: "I heard the details of Brennan's life: his loveless childhood, his marathon search for God, his marriage and divorce, his lies and cover-ups, his continuing struggles with alcohol addiction. As you read this memoir, you may be tempted, as I was, to think, 'Oh, what might have been...if Brennan hadn't given in to drink.' I urge you to reframe the thought to, 'Oh, what might have been...if Brennan hadn't discovered grace.'"
At times this book was painful when I'd let myself imagine what it would be like to be married to a man who split his time between speaking at conferences all over the country and drinking himself into oblivion. Brennan then twists the knife by reminding me of myself when he talks about the frustration his wife felt at him for not being willing to be a part of the human race. I know exactly what he is talking about.
I was almost about to accept this memoir as a cautionary tale should I ever think my job is to rescue everyone while neglecting my family and myself but that is oversimplifying a real person who has thousands of layers.
So by the end of the book I finally stopped looking for the trigger that dropped the trapdoor and let myself see the beauty in the wounded healer.
"We are all frail, but you should think of no one as being frailer than yourself." -Thomas a Kempis
At times this book was painful when I'd let myself imagine what it would be like to be married to a man who split his time between speaking at conferences all over the country and drinking himself into oblivion. Brennan then twists the knife by reminding me of myself when he talks about the frustration his wife felt at him for not being willing to be a part of the human race. I know exactly what he is talking about.
I was almost about to accept this memoir as a cautionary tale should I ever think my job is to rescue everyone while neglecting my family and myself but that is oversimplifying a real person who has thousands of layers.
So by the end of the book I finally stopped looking for the trigger that dropped the trapdoor and let myself see the beauty in the wounded healer.
"We are all frail, but you should think of no one as being frailer than yourself." -Thomas a Kempis
May 3, 2013
This is an autobiography of Brennan Manning. While reading it I was moved to tears, not something I am prone to do. I can give no better recommendation.
"My life is a witness to vulgar grace - a grace that amazes as it offends. A grace that pays the eager beaver who works all day long the same wages as the grinning drunk who shows up at ten till five. A grace that hikes up the robe and runs breakneck toward the prodigal reeking of sin and wraps him up and decides to throw a party no ifs, ands, or buts. A grace that raises bloodshot eyes to a dying thief's request - "Please, remember me" - and assures him, "You bet!" A grace that is the pleasure of the Father, fleshed out in the carpenter Messiah, Jesus the Christ, who left His Father's side not for heaven's sake but for our sakes, yours and mine. This vulgar grace is indiscriminate compassion. It works without asking anything of us. It's not cheap. It's free, and as such will always be a banana peel for the orthodox foot and a fairy tale for the grown-up sensibility. Grace is sufficient even though we huff and puff with all our might to try to find something or someone it cannot cover. Grace is enough. He is enough. Jesus is enough.
John, the disciple Jesus loved, ended his first letter with this line: "Children, be on your guard against false gods." In other words, steer clear of any god you can comprehend. Abba's love cannot be comprehended. I'll say it again: Abba's love cannot be comprehended."
-pages 122-123
"One Christmas- I must have been ten years old - I spent some time walking the creaky wooden floors of Woolworth's five-and-dime searching for a gift for my mother. I happened upon a little notepad, the kind people used to keep beside telephones. It was multicolored, pastels of pink and green and blue. I'd never seen anything like it. I thought it was gorgeous, surely something that would thrill my mother. Christmas morning came, and we were all there-my parents and grandparents, my brother and sister and me. As my mother began opening my gift, I held my breath in anticipation. She tore the wrapping paper away and just stared at the notepad. "What in God's name am I gonna do with this? What a waste of money!" After what felt like an eternity where all eyes in the room were on me, my mother tossed me the pad, and the Mannings moved on to other gifts. I felt like I'd purchased the Hope Diamond for her, but it wasn't enough. I just didn't understand. I was crushed."
-page 39
""What is the telltale sign of a trusting heart?"
I cannot remember when I wrote it or what might have prompted the question. Yet it is there, evidence of a ragamuffin's lifelong wondering. Here is my answer, the answer that is, as Thomas Merton wrote, "the 'Yes' which brings Christ into the world."
A trusting heart is forgiven and, in turn, forgives.
I know that's true because of an experience I had on a November day in 2003. My mother had been dead and gone for close to ten years. As I was praying about other things, her face flashed across the window of my mind. It was not a worn face like that of an old mother or grandmother, but a child's face. I saw my mother as a little six-year-old girl kneeling on the windowsill of the orphanage in Montreal. Her nose was pressed against the glass; she was begging God to send her a mommy and daddy who would whisk her away and love her without condition. As I looked, I believe I finally saw my mother; she was a ragamuffin too. And all my resentment and anger fell away.
The little girl turned and walked toward me. As she drew closer, the years flew by and she stood before me and aged woman. She said, "You know, I messed up a lot when you were a kid, But you turned out okay." Then my mother did something she'd never done before in her life, never once. She kissed me on the lips and on both cheeks. At that moment I knew that the hurt between my mother and me was real and did matter, but that it was okay. The trusting heart gives a second chance; it is forgiven and, in turn, forgives. I looked at my mother and said, "I forgive you." She smiled and said, "I guess sometimes you do get what you ask for.""
pages 123-124
"My life is a witness to vulgar grace - a grace that amazes as it offends. A grace that pays the eager beaver who works all day long the same wages as the grinning drunk who shows up at ten till five. A grace that hikes up the robe and runs breakneck toward the prodigal reeking of sin and wraps him up and decides to throw a party no ifs, ands, or buts. A grace that raises bloodshot eyes to a dying thief's request - "Please, remember me" - and assures him, "You bet!" A grace that is the pleasure of the Father, fleshed out in the carpenter Messiah, Jesus the Christ, who left His Father's side not for heaven's sake but for our sakes, yours and mine. This vulgar grace is indiscriminate compassion. It works without asking anything of us. It's not cheap. It's free, and as such will always be a banana peel for the orthodox foot and a fairy tale for the grown-up sensibility. Grace is sufficient even though we huff and puff with all our might to try to find something or someone it cannot cover. Grace is enough. He is enough. Jesus is enough.
John, the disciple Jesus loved, ended his first letter with this line: "Children, be on your guard against false gods." In other words, steer clear of any god you can comprehend. Abba's love cannot be comprehended. I'll say it again: Abba's love cannot be comprehended."
-pages 122-123
"One Christmas- I must have been ten years old - I spent some time walking the creaky wooden floors of Woolworth's five-and-dime searching for a gift for my mother. I happened upon a little notepad, the kind people used to keep beside telephones. It was multicolored, pastels of pink and green and blue. I'd never seen anything like it. I thought it was gorgeous, surely something that would thrill my mother. Christmas morning came, and we were all there-my parents and grandparents, my brother and sister and me. As my mother began opening my gift, I held my breath in anticipation. She tore the wrapping paper away and just stared at the notepad. "What in God's name am I gonna do with this? What a waste of money!" After what felt like an eternity where all eyes in the room were on me, my mother tossed me the pad, and the Mannings moved on to other gifts. I felt like I'd purchased the Hope Diamond for her, but it wasn't enough. I just didn't understand. I was crushed."
-page 39
""What is the telltale sign of a trusting heart?"
I cannot remember when I wrote it or what might have prompted the question. Yet it is there, evidence of a ragamuffin's lifelong wondering. Here is my answer, the answer that is, as Thomas Merton wrote, "the 'Yes' which brings Christ into the world."
A trusting heart is forgiven and, in turn, forgives.
I know that's true because of an experience I had on a November day in 2003. My mother had been dead and gone for close to ten years. As I was praying about other things, her face flashed across the window of my mind. It was not a worn face like that of an old mother or grandmother, but a child's face. I saw my mother as a little six-year-old girl kneeling on the windowsill of the orphanage in Montreal. Her nose was pressed against the glass; she was begging God to send her a mommy and daddy who would whisk her away and love her without condition. As I looked, I believe I finally saw my mother; she was a ragamuffin too. And all my resentment and anger fell away.
The little girl turned and walked toward me. As she drew closer, the years flew by and she stood before me and aged woman. She said, "You know, I messed up a lot when you were a kid, But you turned out okay." Then my mother did something she'd never done before in her life, never once. She kissed me on the lips and on both cheeks. At that moment I knew that the hurt between my mother and me was real and did matter, but that it was okay. The trusting heart gives a second chance; it is forgiven and, in turn, forgives. I looked at my mother and said, "I forgive you." She smiled and said, "I guess sometimes you do get what you ask for.""
pages 123-124
January 12, 2022
What a fantastic story of grace, humility, and dependence on God. Such a beautiful reminder of how we are never finished growing and always in need of grace.
February 16, 2017
This "review" is simply a pasting of my blog post on this book - http://davehershey.wordpress.com/2012...
Sometimes I get tired of being a Christian, let alone a pastor.
I struggle with doubt: Is God really there or when I pray am I just talking to myself?
I struggle with cynicism: American Christianity is really arguing about ______? Really!?
I struggle with feelings of inadequacy: If only I was as talented/gifted/intelligent/personable/etc. as ________, then I’d be a better campus minister.
Then I read a book like All is Grace, the memoir of Brennan Manning. In this book Brennan Manning bears his soul, being honest about his struggles with alcoholism and his failure as a husband. He does not write as a man whose life is altogether, he does not write from a tower of self-confidence. Instead, he writes as a broken man caught by the love of Jesus.
As I read this book over and over again I thought, yes, I can worship the kind of loving God Brennan Manning keeps talking about.
“Ragamuffins have a singular prayer: “God, be merciful to me, a sinner”” (p.31).
“If I’ve learned anything about the world of grace, it’s that failure is always a chance for a do-over” (p. 162)
“God strips away those falsehoods because it is better to live naked in truth than clothed in fantasy” (p.188).
“My message, unchanged for more than fifty years, is this: God loves you unconditionally, as you are and not as you should be, because nobody is as they should be” (p. 192)
“This vulgar grace is indiscriminate compassion. It works without asking anything of us. It’s not cheap. It’s free, and as such will always be a banana peel for the orthodox foot and a fairy tale for the grown-up sensibility. Grace is sufficient even though we huff and puff with all our might to try to find something or someone it cannot cover. Grace is enough. He is enough. Jesus is enough” (p. 194)
Thank you Brennan Manning.
Sometimes I get tired of being a Christian, let alone a pastor.
I struggle with doubt: Is God really there or when I pray am I just talking to myself?
I struggle with cynicism: American Christianity is really arguing about ______? Really!?
I struggle with feelings of inadequacy: If only I was as talented/gifted/intelligent/personable/etc. as ________, then I’d be a better campus minister.
Then I read a book like All is Grace, the memoir of Brennan Manning. In this book Brennan Manning bears his soul, being honest about his struggles with alcoholism and his failure as a husband. He does not write as a man whose life is altogether, he does not write from a tower of self-confidence. Instead, he writes as a broken man caught by the love of Jesus.
As I read this book over and over again I thought, yes, I can worship the kind of loving God Brennan Manning keeps talking about.
“Ragamuffins have a singular prayer: “God, be merciful to me, a sinner”” (p.31).
“If I’ve learned anything about the world of grace, it’s that failure is always a chance for a do-over” (p. 162)
“God strips away those falsehoods because it is better to live naked in truth than clothed in fantasy” (p.188).
“My message, unchanged for more than fifty years, is this: God loves you unconditionally, as you are and not as you should be, because nobody is as they should be” (p. 192)
“This vulgar grace is indiscriminate compassion. It works without asking anything of us. It’s not cheap. It’s free, and as such will always be a banana peel for the orthodox foot and a fairy tale for the grown-up sensibility. Grace is sufficient even though we huff and puff with all our might to try to find something or someone it cannot cover. Grace is enough. He is enough. Jesus is enough” (p. 194)
Thank you Brennan Manning.
October 12, 2011
This review first appeared on my blog, Jacob's Café (http://jacobscafe.blogspot.com/2011/1...).
Brennan Manning has long emphasized the importance of grace and God's unconditional love. His speaking and books have touched thousands, if not millions. While I have heard wonderful things about him, I realized I have never actually read any of his works. So my first direct encounter with Manning was through his memoir, All is Grace: A Ragamuffin Memoir.
This book is an exemplar of the power of grace through all circumstances and actions. I was not aware of Manning's history and controversy, although the fact that he has kept and grown in his faith through it all makes me respect him even more so. I think his mantra that God loves us as we are, not as we should be is profound, simple, complex, and deeply meaningful. This reminder can remove shame, which inhibits change, and moves us toward openness and freedom to love God and accept love from God.
An element that particularly stood out over the course of this book was the clear way human relationships affect our relationship with God. The psychological community interested in spirituality have described this in terms of God image. However, Manning's experience with his mother, father, grandparents, siblings, church, and wife vividly demonstrate the power of how we may trust God more or less based on our ability to trust other. And even more so, how much we are willing to believe God loves us because others have or have not loved us.
While only God can love perfectly, this is an important reminder to consistently engage in loving acts and love people as they are. This helps them see the face of God, which is the ultimate evangelism. Manning has done just that for innumerable people.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Brennan Manning has long emphasized the importance of grace and God's unconditional love. His speaking and books have touched thousands, if not millions. While I have heard wonderful things about him, I realized I have never actually read any of his works. So my first direct encounter with Manning was through his memoir, All is Grace: A Ragamuffin Memoir.
This book is an exemplar of the power of grace through all circumstances and actions. I was not aware of Manning's history and controversy, although the fact that he has kept and grown in his faith through it all makes me respect him even more so. I think his mantra that God loves us as we are, not as we should be is profound, simple, complex, and deeply meaningful. This reminder can remove shame, which inhibits change, and moves us toward openness and freedom to love God and accept love from God.
An element that particularly stood out over the course of this book was the clear way human relationships affect our relationship with God. The psychological community interested in spirituality have described this in terms of God image. However, Manning's experience with his mother, father, grandparents, siblings, church, and wife vividly demonstrate the power of how we may trust God more or less based on our ability to trust other. And even more so, how much we are willing to believe God loves us because others have or have not loved us.
While only God can love perfectly, this is an important reminder to consistently engage in loving acts and love people as they are. This helps them see the face of God, which is the ultimate evangelism. Manning has done just that for innumerable people.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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February 11, 2018All is Grace is Brennan Manning's long awaited autobiography, which he agreed to publish five years ago. It isn't the most complete account of his life, but it's written with the heart and soul that Manning brings to all of his works. His life truly reflects what he has told others countless times throughout his life: "God loves you just as you are, not as you should be."
Manning recounts his life from his childhood, giving special attention to his mother and father, and how their influence affected his life later. He also talks in detail about his marriage and divorce, something he has never done in his other books. Of special interest were times he spent in Alabama and in France, living with the Little Brothers of Jesus. If you've read his other works extensively, some of the stories will be familiar. But they are told in fresh perspective, with many years of experience and wisdom added.
There are photographs interspersed throughout the book, as well as letters written by several of his friends. Philip Yancey wrote a touching foreward in honor of his friend. A great read for anyone who has loved Manning's work.
Manning recounts his life from his childhood, giving special attention to his mother and father, and how their influence affected his life later. He also talks in detail about his marriage and divorce, something he has never done in his other books. Of special interest were times he spent in Alabama and in France, living with the Little Brothers of Jesus. If you've read his other works extensively, some of the stories will be familiar. But they are told in fresh perspective, with many years of experience and wisdom added.
There are photographs interspersed throughout the book, as well as letters written by several of his friends. Philip Yancey wrote a touching foreward in honor of his friend. A great read for anyone who has loved Manning's work.
March 12, 2012
This is a fine memoir from a man that has written love-drenched words throughout his career. He is not perfect, but that is one of the reasons I love Brennan Manning. What a fitting finale to read after completing all his other literary works. I'm thankful for the inspriation this book brings - raw, brash, lucid, and from the deeps of the heart. All is grace...it most certainly is!
January 31, 2018
I’ve yet to read a book by Manning that disappointed me. This farewell song of grace was no exception.
May 9, 2022
Second time through, and well, just as painfully needed as the first. May Abba teach me to say that refrain each day along with Brennan, now eternally: “all is grace”.
May 3, 2024
Now a prodigal I’ll always be
yet still my Father runs to me.
All is grace.
yet still my Father runs to me.
All is grace.
April 21, 2012
I was impacted by Manning's vulnerability and willingness to share such raw emotions and heart-wrenching incidents from his life (particularly from his childhood). The description of his vivid, life-altering encounter with Jesus back in 1958 was deeply moving. "All is grace" could not be more true - reminds me of Martin Luther's revelation that we are all "saved by grace" (a revelation that led him to action, ushering in a cultural reformation). There is no doubt that I certainly need an ever-deepening understanding of His grace. There are some great quotes to learn from throughout this memoir, as well.
At the same time - I'm wrestling with how a man can claim to have such dramatic encounters with the Lord and still remain in such bondage. I don't doubt that those encounters occurred but I also don't doubt the freedom available through Christ. At times, it's easy to see the brokenness of this man who understands (to a degree) the grace of God; but at other times, it seems that that grace is treated so flippantly. Towards the end of the memoir, in response to "the" question, "how could you relapse into alcoholism after your Abba encounters?" he answers simply, "these things happen." This response left me dissatisfied, even disappointed. Surely there is more to it than that. Perhaps the regrets of his life, and his willingness to share them with the world, will motivate us to do all it takes to not end up in that same place of regret.
At the same time - I'm wrestling with how a man can claim to have such dramatic encounters with the Lord and still remain in such bondage. I don't doubt that those encounters occurred but I also don't doubt the freedom available through Christ. At times, it's easy to see the brokenness of this man who understands (to a degree) the grace of God; but at other times, it seems that that grace is treated so flippantly. Towards the end of the memoir, in response to "the" question, "how could you relapse into alcoholism after your Abba encounters?" he answers simply, "these things happen." This response left me dissatisfied, even disappointed. Surely there is more to it than that. Perhaps the regrets of his life, and his willingness to share them with the world, will motivate us to do all it takes to not end up in that same place of regret.
November 27, 2011
I really don’t know where to start as this is a tremendous memoir by an amazing man. I have thoroughly enjoyed this audio and would recommend this to anyone who enjoys memoirs/biographies. As Brennan himself says he is a survivor and is very honest about his life. It is upsetting at times but very inspirational throughout.
I identified with his Irish Catholic roots and the baggage accompanying it, something I haven’t really thought about much before, but which makes a lot of sense.
Maurice England is just perfect as the narrator, and as I don’t know what the author’s voice sounds like, he was Brennan to me, sharing his life and God’s amazing grace.
I feel very privileged to have listened to this wonderful memoir. There is so much in this audio that I think I’ll have to listen more than once to fully appreciate it.
Thanks to christianaudio.com’s Reviewers Program for this copy
I identified with his Irish Catholic roots and the baggage accompanying it, something I haven’t really thought about much before, but which makes a lot of sense.
Maurice England is just perfect as the narrator, and as I don’t know what the author’s voice sounds like, he was Brennan to me, sharing his life and God’s amazing grace.
I feel very privileged to have listened to this wonderful memoir. There is so much in this audio that I think I’ll have to listen more than once to fully appreciate it.
Thanks to christianaudio.com’s Reviewers Program for this copy
July 9, 2012
This book reminded me that only people who wrestle constantly with their flesh can TRULY know what Grace is and delight in it. It is ALSO a reminder to me of how we can encourage one another, but no man or woman should EVER be lifted up as Jesus.
Brennan Manning was a very human human. It makes me love him all the more that he revealed these things about himself. Most preachers keep them hidden. As if portraying yourself as something you're not is the way to show others Christ.
I see the grace of Father deeply in this man's life.
Right after CS Lewis, Brennan Manning is the next person I would like to have a glass of wine and a chat with at the Resurrection. ;)
Brennan Manning was a very human human. It makes me love him all the more that he revealed these things about himself. Most preachers keep them hidden. As if portraying yourself as something you're not is the way to show others Christ.
I see the grace of Father deeply in this man's life.
Right after CS Lewis, Brennan Manning is the next person I would like to have a glass of wine and a chat with at the Resurrection. ;)
September 8, 2022
This memoir is a powerful testimony of God's grace and our humanity. I was very moved to read Manning's unvarnished commentary on his life. The foreword and reader testimonies were powerful and helpful additions. And I do believe being familiar with Manning's previous work helps the reader more fully appreciate the memoir.
I am among those whose lives have been touched by Manning's ministry. Reading this memoir built on powerful memories and lessons I previously gained from hearing him speak and reading his work.
I am among those whose lives have been touched by Manning's ministry. Reading this memoir built on powerful memories and lessons I previously gained from hearing him speak and reading his work.
September 8, 2012
What struck me most about this memoir was realizing that Brennan was in and out of his addiction to alcohol all of his life. I heard him speak in Conway in the late 90s. It was nice to physically see him but his talks were simply parts of his books cut and pasted together. I learned from his memoir that he was drinking to black out stage during this time.
I am going blank on the mind disorder that he currently has, but it is a result of years of alcohol abuse and dependence. For me, this made his understanding of grace all the more genuine and powerful.
I am going blank on the mind disorder that he currently has, but it is a result of years of alcohol abuse and dependence. For me, this made his understanding of grace all the more genuine and powerful.
January 17, 2015
Don't expect this to be an easy-to-read, sweetness-and-light book. It's not. Though he has written some of the most meaningful inspirational books available, Manning has had a hard life and he pulls no punches in this memoir dictated to John Blasé shortly before his death. He failed as a marine, as a Catholic priest, and as a husband and step-father. Most of his failures were caused by his inability to stop drinking alcohol. Any further information from me would spoil it for you, but suffice it to say that the title of the book tells you it's all going go come out OK.
September 7, 2021
4.4. Manning was a lifelong alcoholic and broken man whose writing pastored me 4 years ago when life began breaking me and my “airtight” theology didn’t offer what I believed it would. God’s love broke through the bullshit and I enjoyed reading these memoirs from a man who lived loved and shared God’s love
August 26, 2023
I loved this very much. Thank you, Brennan Manning.
May 17, 2021
Favorite excerpts:
1. These words are pulled from Fil Anderson's book, "Breaking the Rules":
My highest hope is for all of us to stop trying to fool others by appearing to have our act together. As people living in intimate union with God, we need to become better known for what and who we actually are. Perhaps a good place to begin would be telling the world--before the world does its own investigation-that we're not as bad as they think. We're worse. At least I know that I'm worse.
Let's get real. For every mean-spirited, judgmental thing some preacher has said, I've thought something nastier, more hateful and more cutting about one of my neighbors. For every alleged act of homophobia by my fellow Christians, I've done something stupid to demonstrate my manliness. For every brother or sister whose moral failure has been exposed, I've failed privately. No matter how boring followers of Jesus may appear to be to the outsiders, they don't know the half of it; trust me.... If we really believe the gospel we proclaim, we'll be honest about or own beauty and brokenness, and the beautiful broken One will make himself know to our neighbors through the chinks in our armor--and in theirs. (pages 178-179 of "All Is Grace")
2. “In Jesus, God has put up a "Gone Fishing" sign on the religion shop. He has done the whole job in Jesus once and for all and simply invited us to believe it - to trust the bizarre, unprovable proposition that in him, every last person on earth is already home free without a single religious exertion: no fasting till your knees fold, no prayers you have to get right or else, no standing on your head with your right thumb in your left ear and reciting the correct creed - no nothing. . . . The entire show has been set to rights in the Mystery of Christ - even though nobody can see a single improvement. Yes, it's crazy. And yes, it's wild, and outrageous, and vulgar. And any God who would do such a thing is a God who has no taste. And worst of all, it doesn't sell worth beans. But it is good news - the only permanently good news there is - and therefore I find it absolutely captivating.
1. These words are pulled from Fil Anderson's book, "Breaking the Rules":
My highest hope is for all of us to stop trying to fool others by appearing to have our act together. As people living in intimate union with God, we need to become better known for what and who we actually are. Perhaps a good place to begin would be telling the world--before the world does its own investigation-that we're not as bad as they think. We're worse. At least I know that I'm worse.
Let's get real. For every mean-spirited, judgmental thing some preacher has said, I've thought something nastier, more hateful and more cutting about one of my neighbors. For every alleged act of homophobia by my fellow Christians, I've done something stupid to demonstrate my manliness. For every brother or sister whose moral failure has been exposed, I've failed privately. No matter how boring followers of Jesus may appear to be to the outsiders, they don't know the half of it; trust me.... If we really believe the gospel we proclaim, we'll be honest about or own beauty and brokenness, and the beautiful broken One will make himself know to our neighbors through the chinks in our armor--and in theirs. (pages 178-179 of "All Is Grace")
2. “In Jesus, God has put up a "Gone Fishing" sign on the religion shop. He has done the whole job in Jesus once and for all and simply invited us to believe it - to trust the bizarre, unprovable proposition that in him, every last person on earth is already home free without a single religious exertion: no fasting till your knees fold, no prayers you have to get right or else, no standing on your head with your right thumb in your left ear and reciting the correct creed - no nothing. . . . The entire show has been set to rights in the Mystery of Christ - even though nobody can see a single improvement. Yes, it's crazy. And yes, it's wild, and outrageous, and vulgar. And any God who would do such a thing is a God who has no taste. And worst of all, it doesn't sell worth beans. But it is good news - the only permanently good news there is - and therefore I find it absolutely captivating.
October 12, 2020
Just the thought of this book makes me emotional. The majority of the christian faith I once knew no longer holds the life-giving qualities it once had. But Brennan Manning still represents something to me that I know I cannot find in the secular world.
The christian faith I once knew had managed to bury me years-deep into shame. At some points I thought I would never escape, or perhaps drown. Brennan Manning was a shovel, a rope, a ladder, an image of myself that I had never seen elsewhere. Brennan's authenticity, vulnerability, and all-encompassing acceptance was a breath of fresh air, a crack in the door that eventually led to my escape.
While I do not see the world as Brennan did, I am certain I will see Brennan in myself till the very end. Forever grateful for his ragamuffin life and his sacred words.
1. “Do you believe that the God of Jesus loves you beyond worthiness and unworthiness, beyond fidelity and infidelity—that he loves you in the morning sun and in the evening rain—that he loves you when your intellect denies it, your emotions refuse it, your whole being rejects it. Do you believe that God loves without condition or reservation and loves you this moment as you are and not as you should be.”
2. “My message, unchanged for more than fifty years, is this: God loves
you unconditionally, as you are and not as you should be, because
nobody is as they should be. It is the message of grace…A grace
that pays the eager beaver who works all day long the same wages
as the grinning drunk who shows up at ten till five…A grace that
hikes up the robe and runs breakneck toward the prodigal reeking
of sin and wraps him up and decides to throw a party no ifs, ands,
or buts…This grace is indiscriminate compassion. It works without
asking anything of us…Grace is sufficient even though we huff and
puff with all our might to try to find something or someone it cannot
cover. Grace is enough…Jesus is enough.”
The christian faith I once knew had managed to bury me years-deep into shame. At some points I thought I would never escape, or perhaps drown. Brennan Manning was a shovel, a rope, a ladder, an image of myself that I had never seen elsewhere. Brennan's authenticity, vulnerability, and all-encompassing acceptance was a breath of fresh air, a crack in the door that eventually led to my escape.
While I do not see the world as Brennan did, I am certain I will see Brennan in myself till the very end. Forever grateful for his ragamuffin life and his sacred words.
1. “Do you believe that the God of Jesus loves you beyond worthiness and unworthiness, beyond fidelity and infidelity—that he loves you in the morning sun and in the evening rain—that he loves you when your intellect denies it, your emotions refuse it, your whole being rejects it. Do you believe that God loves without condition or reservation and loves you this moment as you are and not as you should be.”
2. “My message, unchanged for more than fifty years, is this: God loves
you unconditionally, as you are and not as you should be, because
nobody is as they should be. It is the message of grace…A grace
that pays the eager beaver who works all day long the same wages
as the grinning drunk who shows up at ten till five…A grace that
hikes up the robe and runs breakneck toward the prodigal reeking
of sin and wraps him up and decides to throw a party no ifs, ands,
or buts…This grace is indiscriminate compassion. It works without
asking anything of us…Grace is sufficient even though we huff and
puff with all our might to try to find something or someone it cannot
cover. Grace is enough…Jesus is enough.”
August 2, 2017
Lo fascinante de Brennan Manning es que fue un monumental pecador, un fracasado, un alcohólico reincidente, un sacerdote que renunció para casarse, y que luego se divorció, y aún así haya sido uno de los hombres de Dios más inspiradores del último siglo con su sencillo mensaje "Dios nos ama tal cual somos, no como deberíamos ser". A Brennan le gusta identificarse como andrajoso y se hace amigos con otros andrajosos espirituales, que en realidad lo somos todos, argumenta él, aunque no todos lo quisieran reconocer. Al llegar al final de sus días, no deja de enfatizar el mensaje del escandaloso amor de Dios, y que todo es gracia, todo es por gracia, y no una gracia barata, sino una gracia gratuita y vulgar, en sus palabras. Al final del libro se incluyen algunas cartas de algunos autodenominados Notables Pecadores, un grupo de amigos de Brennan que se apoyan entre sí, y en esas cartas cuentan los testimonios de como Dios obró a través de Brennan en sus vidas, los cuales fueron casi tan impactantes como las palabras de Brennan. Este libro lo recomiendo a cualquiera que quiera familiarizarse con el trasfondo de este conocido autor y orador, y también a cualquiera que se siente como un andrajoso espiritual, para que se dé cuenta que no está solo.
July 3, 2019
Manning recounts his life story in All Is Grace, expressing his theology-not through preaching-but in the manner in which grace has acted upon his life. Manning's memoir of alcoholism, need for acceptance, and searching for more, is not at all shocking until the reader pairs this with the knowledge that Manning is a well-known preacher/speaker. He is the hypocritical Christian that we usually shun. Grace stories are my favorite, but All Is Grace is a different version, one where grace does not arrive during one plot changing moment, but where grace is offered and received daily. In enjoyable writing, Manning shows that the gospel is for everyone, at all times, especially during the dark moments.
I wish Manning had presented more of his theology in sermon form, not just through his biography, but All Is Grace is also a sort of companion piece to the Ragamuffin Gospel, and I suppose I could just suck it up and reread that wonderful book.
All Is Grace is short and sweet. Of course it is a great reminder of grace on our own sinful lives, but reading Manning's memoir teaches that everyone has a story, and many stories are difficult and dark, and perhaps we can offer a bit more grace.
I wish Manning had presented more of his theology in sermon form, not just through his biography, but All Is Grace is also a sort of companion piece to the Ragamuffin Gospel, and I suppose I could just suck it up and reread that wonderful book.
All Is Grace is short and sweet. Of course it is a great reminder of grace on our own sinful lives, but reading Manning's memoir teaches that everyone has a story, and many stories are difficult and dark, and perhaps we can offer a bit more grace.
December 3, 2018
Written near the end of his life in 2011, with assistance from John Blase, Brennan Manning reflects on his life's journey in a deeply honest way. As a fan of all of his writing, I was especially moved by the conversational way he writes to his readers so that they might truly know him and recognize that all of his life--with many dark chapters--is grace. One of my favorite stories was from a speaking engagement in Charlotte, NC in 2009 when his mind went completely blank. He asked his audience to pray for him and they gave him a standing ovation, for his silence. Grace. The book concludes with touching letters written to him by the men in his Notorious Sinners group about the life-changing impact Manning has had in their lives.
December 31, 2021
The title says it all! Searingly honest writing that liberates the soul. This book is transformational for the reader who looks in the mirror and sees what lies beneath the surface of respectable faith, capturing as it does the essence of God's continual grace that covers my continual failures. Brennan Manning's life challenges all our conceptions about living for God because no matter how messy his life was externally, he came to know that God loved him as he was, not as he wanted him to become. Life-changing.
March 30, 2019
“My message, unchanged for more than fifty years, is this: God loves you unconditionally, as you are and not as you should be, because nobody is as they should be...Some have labeled my message one of “cheap grace.” In my younger days, their accusations were a gauntlet thrown down, a challenge. But now I’m old and I don’t care.” (192)
“If asked whether I’m finally letting God love me, just as I am, I would answer, ‘No, but I’m trying.’” (184)
“If asked whether I’m finally letting God love me, just as I am, I would answer, ‘No, but I’m trying.’” (184)
April 9, 2018
I have several friends I greatly respect who have long adored Manning. That’s never been me. But this was a great read, his last book, I believe.
April 17, 2019
Challenges anyone's faith journey...
February 6, 2020
Read via audiobook. Engaging narrator for the very moving story of Brennan's life.
June 23, 2020
“It was in those golden moments that I was battered by wave after wave of the theology of delight, that God not only loves me but also likes me.”
Brennan Manning
Brennan Manning
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