The Gutter: Where Life is Meant to be Lived

by Craig Gross

Why did an all-knowing, all-powerful God send the perfection of His kingdom—His only Son—to the earth through the gutter? Why did Jesus spend so much time, reaching out to people in their own secret, dark places? Why do His followers so often turn away from those very same situations? The Gutter chronicles the author’s journey to the gutter, telling the stories and sharing the insights he gained while spending time with the people who dwell there.The Gutter serves as a manifesto for all different types of people in the those who yearn to impact the culture around them, those who have reassessed their discovery of Christ and want to make their story known, and those who are seeking out new, fresh ways of exhibiting Christ’s love to the poor in spirit.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, Christianity

176 pages, Paperback

First published April 26, 2005

Reviews

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's about sharing the world with different kinds of people and remembering that Christ came for all of us but tended to spend most of his time with people in "the gutter". This is a must read for anyone who claims to be a believer.... seriously, read it and then get over yourself if you haven't already.

[Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best Christian books I have ever read. This book change how I look at things and how I feel about others who are different than myself.

[Emily Perusse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. It shows how much you can do for the world. it made me realize how much we can make a difference in people's lives while at the same time not pushing what we believe on to people. we show our love for God and God's love for us through works and we may tell people about it, but never force it. it made me realize, as a youth leader, how much of a difference I can make in the world, regardless of how big or small the act is.

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

(Note: I'm only just getting round to writing my review ~8 months after finishing the book)
I enjoyed this book. It is filled with stories and anecdotes, and is a call to actually live out what what we have been called to as followers of Jesus (if that's what you are).

The author says that for many Christians the religious journey is about getting away from the gutter, and staying clean or pure, but Jesus was one who moved in the opposite direction, towards the proverbial gutter and those who are stuck there, in order to help them and restore them.

It has certainly challenged me and made me ask in what ways have I isolated myself from those that need help and are in the margins of society.

[Matthew Kern · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the most eye opening books I’ve ever read. This is the first book that made me, as a young person, think about people that live in different circumstances than myself. A lesson in empathy.

[Felicia follum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Check out XXXchurch.com It is the worlds number one christian porn site...just do it.

My boyfriend and I were at a music festival and this book and anotehr were lying on the table. He picked this up and I had other one. We looked at eachother and both said, how we thought the book we were holding was perfect for the other.

So anyways this is the book he chose and it defanately displays my approach to ministry. So I obviously loved it.

See the need. meet the need. the need isnt always the gospel. show them jesus by giving somone shoes. thats just one example. everyones gutter is diferent.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

god isn't neat and clean and pretty. he's in the homeless and in the woman who wanted me to eat dinner with her. and it's not just that he's there, he wants us to be there with him. to understand the NEED and meet them and him in that place.

[Coco · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite books! It is a real lexample of how to meet people where there at. We all have a "gutter" of some kind in our lives and as followers of Jesus we are called to minister to people right in their "gutter".

[4fabfelines Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a awesome boo by the guy who started the XXXChurch.This book shakes up chirstians and pleads with them to go back into to the highways and byways to minister to people that would never come to a church.
Highly recommended, along with Shane Claibornes book Irresistable Reveloution

[Adaniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

We all have a gutter - the place we don't want anyone to come to. I learned how to let Christ find me in my gutter and how to meet others in theirs. Good times.

[Doug · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book helped me to realize some important insight into my own life and why I like to work with Young Life. It is all about going where you came from to share about God with them.

[Craig K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a major wakeup call to the church to not get comfortable in our bubbles but to reach out to a world in need with the love of Christ. Definitely recommend this book!

[Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciated the rather unorthodox take on evangelism. I read a LOT of books at Bible College...but this is one that left a memorable impact!

[Melissa · Rating 1 out of 5]

The Gutter: Where This Book Belongs

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not exactly what I thought it was going to be about. Nevertheless it ended up being better then it started out.

[Nate B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad, lot's of good stories of people going to the place that no one else would bear to go to share Good News and love for today's forgotten.

[Sarah]

Amazing!

[Emil Bredahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book that spoke to me in so many ways.
Really great book that I would like to suggest and give my highest points.
Surely a book to re-read after some month and then again and again.

[Thomas Christianson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inspiring message, and some interesting thoughts on being a light in the darkness.

[Jt]

okay