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Above All
The worship song "Above All," performed by Michael W. Smith, went quickly from its #1 spot on radio playlists to a cherished place in hearts, homes, and worship services everywhere. Now the words that millions have been singing will bear fresh fruit as one of Christianity's most insightful and trusted authors personalizes the biblical truths in each phrase of the song.
143 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 18, 2003
3 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
About the author
Brennan Manning
73 books915 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 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 16, 2018
3.75/4
A great companion to the song and the Easter season. The sacrifice of Jesus is undeserved and completely free for all of us.
A great companion to the song and the Easter season. The sacrifice of Jesus is undeserved and completely free for all of us.
January 21, 2019
The writing in this book was very good. The formatting, and editing unfortunately left something to be desired. I would definitely recommend it as a book to read. just be prepared for breaks inserted in the middle of the author’s sentences.
September 24, 2023
I love Manning, but not my favorite.
February 16, 2012
It is no secret that I enjoy reading Brennan Manning. His writing his clear and concise, penned with an open vulnerability that invites his readers to examine their lives for the places where they are “loved Raggamuffins.” When I found this small book in one of my discount dealers, I was excited – a book by a favorite author which I had yet to read. Reading it proved to be less than I had expected, not because of its content (it speaks to a specific topic with consistency) but because of its brevity.
When the book was published (in 2003), the popular worship song “Above All” [© 1999 Integrity`s Hosanna! Music (Admin. by Crossroad Distributors Pty. Ltd.) LenSongs Publishing (Admin. by LenSongs Publishing, Inc.)] was just gaining traction. It is a theologically sound, enjoyable modern “hymn,” and Mr. Manning was sufficiently touched by it to write a meditation of it, hence the writing of this volume.
Mr. Manning’s conversion was nothing short of extraordinary, involving a vision of his future that was frightening to his very core. He speaks of this conversion frequently and each time he does so, there is a sense of wonder – he wonders how something so magnificent could have happened to him. He has tested the bounds of the Grace shown him on countless occasions and has found that the limits of that Divine Gift have yet to be located. It is this sense of awe that makes his writing so engaging.
As with his previous writing, this book lends itself to reflection. Even the parts that are repetitive lend place of new focus, much like a favored place of meditation is always welcoming but rarely brings about the same insight. There is much in this small book that is to be found in his previous writings. This book would be best used as a Holy Week reflection, using the divisions as daily points of quiet and engagement.
When the book was published (in 2003), the popular worship song “Above All” [© 1999 Integrity`s Hosanna! Music (Admin. by Crossroad Distributors Pty. Ltd.) LenSongs Publishing (Admin. by LenSongs Publishing, Inc.)] was just gaining traction. It is a theologically sound, enjoyable modern “hymn,” and Mr. Manning was sufficiently touched by it to write a meditation of it, hence the writing of this volume.
Mr. Manning’s conversion was nothing short of extraordinary, involving a vision of his future that was frightening to his very core. He speaks of this conversion frequently and each time he does so, there is a sense of wonder – he wonders how something so magnificent could have happened to him. He has tested the bounds of the Grace shown him on countless occasions and has found that the limits of that Divine Gift have yet to be located. It is this sense of awe that makes his writing so engaging.
As with his previous writing, this book lends itself to reflection. Even the parts that are repetitive lend place of new focus, much like a favored place of meditation is always welcoming but rarely brings about the same insight. There is much in this small book that is to be found in his previous writings. This book would be best used as a Holy Week reflection, using the divisions as daily points of quiet and engagement.
May 20, 2010
When I began this book, I didn't have high hopes for it. Now that I've finished this book, I see there is no hope at all for it. Through the whole thing, Manning toys with the idea that God loves us (and by "us," manning means everyone, not only Christians) and died to show that love, not to satisfy any wrath for sin. Indeed, Manning disqualified himself from my good graces with the following statement:
Please, don't waste your time reading this one.
"Likewise, the god whose moods alternate between graciousness and fierce anger, the god who is tender when we are good and relentlessly punishing when we are bad, the god who exacts the last drop of blood from his Son so that his just anger, evoked by sin, may be appeased, is not the God revealed by and in Jesus Christ. And if he is not the God of Jesus, he does not exist." (Manning, "Above All", pgs 58-59)
Please, don't waste your time reading this one.
October 3, 2025
The focus of the book is the song of the same title. Sung by Michael W Smith, it moved Brennan Manning deeply, and he wrote this as a devotional study of the words, and the theology behind them.
The writing is inspiring and encouraging, with a few personal anecdotes and much to ponder. It reminds readers what the words of this familiar song mean, and how the love of God is, for each of us, ‘above all’.
It's a beautifully made book which would make a lovely gift, but it's very short. There are only six chapters, and it's made longer by some attractive (but unnecessary) line drawing illustrations in between and even in the middle of each chapter.
I would recommend it to anyone, particularly those who might be feeling discouraged or unloved. I'd have given five stars if it had been rather longer.
Longer review: https://suesbookreviews.blogspot.com/...
The writing is inspiring and encouraging, with a few personal anecdotes and much to ponder. It reminds readers what the words of this familiar song mean, and how the love of God is, for each of us, ‘above all’.
It's a beautifully made book which would make a lovely gift, but it's very short. There are only six chapters, and it's made longer by some attractive (but unnecessary) line drawing illustrations in between and even in the middle of each chapter.
I would recommend it to anyone, particularly those who might be feeling discouraged or unloved. I'd have given five stars if it had been rather longer.
Longer review: https://suesbookreviews.blogspot.com/...
October 31, 2012
Book Closing: Well, that didn't take long - but that's ok. The 140 pages could be read in a sitting, but could also be used as the basis for a few days of devotion. This quick little read is classic Brennan - forcing you to contemplate that Jesus isn't quite in the box that you might want to put him in, but making you want to go even deeper in understanding the God whom Brennan is trying to point you to.
I would recommend this book for someone who is looking for someone looking for day-long reflection, or a week of devotions on the grace of God.
Oh, and I would do my best to forget that Michael W. Smith ever had anything to do with this book.
I would recommend this book for someone who is looking for someone looking for day-long reflection, or a week of devotions on the grace of God.
Oh, and I would do my best to forget that Michael W. Smith ever had anything to do with this book.
October 30, 2009
As far as I know, Brennan Manning has one message: we are loved unconditionally. Once again, this is his message in Above All, which contains reflections based on the Michael W. Smith song of the same title. Somehow, for me, it is never the wrong time to be reminded of this truth. Thanks be to God.
This book is also good food for my vain pleasure in checking books off a list. It can be read in 2 hrs or less.
This book is also good food for my vain pleasure in checking books off a list. It can be read in 2 hrs or less.
July 21, 2011
Jesus Christ, in whom the fullness of divinity dwells, is not to be boxed, tamed, defined, interred or disinterred, made plausible or comprehensible, explained or explained away, reduced to polemic, located within or beyond creation, liberated or captivated, housebroken or temple broken.
A brief that involves bits and pieces of his other works along with new....bits and pieces.
Always a 5 star!!!
A brief that involves bits and pieces of his other works along with new....bits and pieces.
Always a 5 star!!!
April 17, 2010
This was $.25 at McKays. It was worth reading for that, but after working at a publishing company, it was apparent that they wanted to make money off of about 20 pages worth of material, so they tied it in with a popular (at the time) song, and used some "tricks" and a ton of fillers to make it come across as a 120 page book.
November 15, 2013
I normally really enjoy Brennan Manning's work, but this was mostly a reiteration of parables with pretty pictures. It could be good for some needing encouragement or an introduction to Christ, but it was not one to expand my understanding of who God is.
September 24, 2011
This book takes the lyrics of one of my favorite songs (Above All by MWS) and explores the depth of Christ's love for me. I'm sure the main reason I like it so much is because the song moves me.
October 28, 2013
This brief book gives lots of food for thought. I'm still thinking about it days after finishing it.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews