The Ragamuffin Gospel

The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning is a 258 page nonfiction, motivational book that calls Christians to understand the true meaning of God's grace as being a ragamuffin in this world. This book is very complex and has very intense wording that will cause you to have a dictionary or phone on you to continuously research words. Although it may be tiring, it is beneficial to the reader because it allows you to dive deeper and gain a stronger understanding of what the author is trying to illustrate and for you to understand. This book is for readers who are seeking to gain understanding about our gracious God who has a completely different mindset than ours and we must grasp the idea that we are insignificant. However, because of His son Jesus, we have been made righteous in the Father's eyes. It illustrates the picture of a child who is filthy and must gain a desire to go into the father's arms ready to cleanse him/her of previous failures. Furthermore, this book encourages the reader to understand the true meaning of being completely dependent on the fact that God has given us an abundance of His love, mercy, and even more. In addition, the most important teaching in this book is how God sees us beyond our failures and mistakes because He is not a God of track records, but of forgiveness and grace. In all honesty, this book was difficult to read because it made me pinpoint certain aspects of my life that allowed me to realize my ignorance and selfish desires. But, it also allowed me to grasp the idea of my loving Heavenly Father who is not seeking to "pray on my downfall", but to help lift me when I do fall, so that I may bring Him the glory, honor, and praise. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is seeking to gain a deeper understanding about our Heavenly Father who is actively searching for people to pour out His love and grace into with an open mind and heart.