Uprising: A Revolution of the Soul

by Erwin Raphael McManus

This book may not be for you! This book is dangerous! It is only for those who are ready to join an uprising?a revolution of the soul that will change an ordinary life into an extraordinary one. It is only for those who want something more out of life, who desire to tap into the divine potential that was placed in them at their creation. You were in God's imagination before you were ever born. All the talent, gifting, and creativity you possess was placed in you by God Himself. Can you imagine the things you could do, the impact you could have on the world, if you tapped into the dreams God has for your life? In A Revolution of the Soul , Erwin Raphael McManus boldly invites you to join the revolution. He illuminates the desperate heart cry of every human being?"I want to live!"?and then serves as a guide on a quest to answer that cry. Find your true purpose and destiny in the pursuit of the passion and character of God. Be a part of a revolution that changes a life of imitation and mediocrity into one of passion and character . . . a radical revolt that will forever change the world!

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Christian Living, Spirituality, Faith, Christianity, Religion

276 pages, Paperback

First published September 4, 2003

About the author

Erwin Raphael McManus is an iconoclast known as a cultural pioneer for his integration of creativity and spirituality. He is an artist, entrepreneur, and cultural thought leader who is also the founder of MOSAIC, a community of faith in Los Angeles California. Known for their innovation, creativity, and artistry, MOSAIC has been named one of the most influential and innovative churches in America.

Engaging such issues as culture, creativity, change, and leadership, Erwin is widely known as a thought-provoking communicator, poet, and wordsmith. His travels have taken him to over 50 countries and he has spoken to over a million people from a wide variety of audiences, from professional sports, Wall Street investors, universities, film studios, and conferences across the world.

McManus is the author of Soul Cravings, Chasing Daylight, and other leading books on spirituality and creativity. His newest book is The Artisan Soul: Crafting your Life into a Work of Art.

Erwin Raphael McManus sees the imagination as the principle vehicle through which we create a better self, a better world, and a better future. He argues that creativity is both uniquely human and the essence of human uniqueness. Creativity, McManus contends, is a natural expression of our spirituality. When we are most fully alive we create out of love all that is good and beautiful and true.

Erwin has a BA in psychology from UNC Chapel Hill, a Masters of Divinity from Southwestern Theological Seminary, and a Doctorate of Humane Letters from Southeastern University.

Reviews

[Dion · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid book on character. I think most people need a book like this. I tried to get a group of guys that I hang with to read it but they all crapped out on me :(

I still think everyone needs to read something like this, especially those of us who are Christ-followers... It's challenging and pastoral.

[Martine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this back in 2005 on a flight from Kazakhstan. I remember highlighting most of the book and unable to put it down. I can't remember a lot of the content... but I believe it was used by God as part of my transformation into knowing Him more. I recommend this book.

[Nayi Lorick · Rating 5 out of 5]

"What for some would be childhood memories are for me mere shadows of a former life"-Erwin McManus. WHAT A BOOK! Mentioned in another book by Dharius Daniel, I so wish I had read this in my 20s. Oh GOD, how differently I would have lived!! Incredible guide to our perspectives...a more in-depth book than "The Four Agreements." Just so sorry I didn't know what this book revealed!!! Auughh JUST SO SORRY...

[Nathalie Grandeza · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is just so full of wisdom. Wisdom that is not easy to swallow. It has a lot of information that would make me change my way of looking at things. It made me admire the author. Indeed, he made a revolution in my soul.

[Austin St John · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I have ever read. Challenging and life transforming.

[Josh Morales · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some really good illustrations. Erwin is great at taking deep concepts and making them easily understood.

[Debora · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good reminder to a sedated soul like mine. Helped me find that zeal again.

[Mark Kemen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for contemplative self reflection.

[Amaris Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A revolution indeed!! If you want to be apart of creating beauty in this world for others, this is the book for you!

[Melody Weldon · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I had to pick any book that had the biggest impact on my life it’s this one. Recommended by a counselor and now I tell everyone I know about it and re read it every now and then

[Janny Smits · Rating 5 out of 5]

Working my way through all his books. This is the best one yet!!!!

[Justin Nichols · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book! Interesting thing about this: I started it back in 2009, but only made it a couple pages into chapter 2. I know I would've gotten some good stuff out of it back then, but I know for certain that having read it now, at this age and in this season, I got ten times more out of it. McManus delivered the incredibly wise content with such passion and grace, challenging the readers in the best way to experience the different areas of growth in the journey: the gauntlets to or quests for honor, nobility, and enlightenment.

To be fully formed in humility, integrity, and courage; to think and act in gratitude, wholeness, and generosity; and to walk wholly in faithfulness, perseverance, and wisdom-- these are the facets that make up a person of good character. These are the things that the Holy Spirit is guiding me to learn and apply in my life, so I can help others grow as I'm developing, and to be a man of God who makes an impact in people's lives as we expand the Kingdom together.

This is a VERY rich book, and I'm extremely grateful that I read it. Now to continue trekking down the paths that allow these things to be formed in me. Always learning, earnestly hoping, and consistently praying for God to establish transformational truths deep within my spirit and soul, so I can live with no regrets and pass on an honorable legacy to my children's children. Tough but beautiful, and definitely worth the decades of effort.

[Wes F · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and have a good number of quotes from it to digitize. My favorite section was the one that discussed perseverance/endurance--with its resultant fruit of wisdom. Don't most of us want to become wiser and to have more wisdom for the challenges of our own lives--as well as to be able to help others? It all starts with being faithful in the little things and persevering through the smaller issues/difficulties--and as character is developed through those trials (James 1), we grow in wisdom.

[Tyler · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my least favorite of Erwin's books. It is still filled with great thoughts, but I found it to be a really difficult read. It could have just been the time in my live that I was reading it, because I have several friends who have very similar taste in books, that absolutely loved this one. I'll just say that if you like other books from this author, you'd probably get a lot out of this as well.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book from Erwin. His notes on gratitude was convicting. Lots of great quotes. Some of the ones I will try to hold on to are:
"When we grow in wisdom of God, we begin to recognize that everything connects."

"All of life is sacred. Because creation so naturally meets our needs, we must not for a moment think we have no need for its Creator. Creation is here to draw us back to God."

[Jonathan · Rating 2 out of 5]

A tough read I had to fight to finish. McManus has more than a few insights. However, his manner of writing is so confusing and frustrating that the objective often gets lost in the woods. The result is a book that you constantly want to put back on your shelf. This book should be reduced to a pamphlet.

[Jesse Braswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The love of God is a strange but wonderful truism in this world. In order to understand it, we have to experience it fully. Then we can not help but to show it. It flows through us.

Erwin does a great job of getting us to examine ourselves. He causes me to look at things through new eyes. Love his examples.

[Thomas Kinsfather · Rating 4 out of 5]

What makes a life significant? McManus speaks about the foundations of a meaningful life of character as only he can. Erwin's words are always challenging and full of hope. The follower of Jesus can lead a life of significance, not by way of discipline, but by transformation. Uprising is a wonderful picture of what a follower of Jesus looks like.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

McManus is the modern day St. John of the Cross. He has something to say, but he only says it in broad, intangible language. I saw wisdom in his writing, but not teaching. Insight but not application. I was dying for a story or an illustration to bear out his points. Overall, his insights make it worth the read though, especially toward the very end of the book.

[David Herrick · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had a really really hard time getting into this book. There was some good stuff sprinkled throughout, but as a whole it just never really connected with me for some reason. It's basically a book about having good character. Others might enjoy it, but I didn't like it that much.

[Ebookwormy1 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read it. liked it. McManus is a wierd and engaging bird. Some good discussion in our group. But it didn't stick with me. Perhaps to profound, or maybe McManus is just in a creative zone beyond me, to make a practical, lasting, impact.

[Justin · Rating 2 out of 5]

As much as I loved Chasing Daylight, I was surprised that I couldn't get into this one at all. A few times I felt inspired or motivated, but either the author or I couldn't sustain it. Maybe I'll return to it another time.

[Jordan Barr]

I love the break down of key Christian virtues. It truly gave me some insight into tough concepts. Don't just live, live to the fullest. Christianity is not dull and this book will help you figure out how to never let it be.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to dig deeper on what's more about your faith in Jesus, read this. At the end I realized I was just about .9% of what's really in store for me. God is indeed bigger than what big actually means!

[Liam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m pretty sure I read this back when I first became a believer. I remember it being very good, but looking back I may have some reservations on the theology. But mostly I forget entirely. 4 stars I guess?...

[Chris Wheatley · Rating 2 out of 5]

felt like he was trying to much.

[Terry Farber · Rating 4 out of 5]

A challenging book both to read and to apply.

[Larry Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

great book

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

my favorite mcmanus book! great character development book.

[Ron Lohrbach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Erwin McManus challanged me with Biblical truth and life application. Recommend it for those similiar to me on a spiritual journey.