This book is a pretty good example of the scandal of grace. At times I found myself wondering how, in the face of Manning's experience of God's love and forgiveness he still struggled so mightily,and fell so often and spectacularly, but then I would realize that this is precisely his point: that grace finds us where we are, as we are, as often as it needs to, and that this is a reflection of who God is as. I also realize that it was precisely this aspect of God's character, his unrelenting and furious grace, that kept Manning returning to God even at his lowest points, and that in this Manning perhaps came to understand God in a way that few others do.

I expected some deep revelations from this book and instead there was simply perfect transparency. and it turns out that’s what I needed, to see both the humanity AND the heart of someone I admire so deeply.

This is a very simple memoir that almost feels more like a practical list or recitation of all major events in Manning's life than a true "memoir." Nevertheless I've been interested in him for some time and the information in this book will provide helpful background for reading The Ragamuffin Gospel.

I am quite the crier in real life, but not so much in books. This book made me cry, so it gets five stars.

In all seriousness, this was a quick but profound read. Yet, it was quite accessible. The vulnerability Manning showed in writing this memoir is striking and rare. His message of unqualified grace, to which he dedicated his life, is profoundly moving.

This book would probably appeal to people who subscribe to, are open to, or are respectful of, the Christian faith.

So very grateful I was given a hard copy of this book rather than Kindle-ing it. There is something so comforting about page after page penciled with underlining and notes. "The Ragamuffin Gospel" was transformative for me in 1997--and yet I've continued to flounder from that day on. Grace for one like me? Broken and battered and prideful? Thank God, yes. And thank God for others on the journey and needed reminders. This book was affirming and heartbreaking all at once. That Jesus is Abba and more than enough has never been more real. Blessings and rest on Mr. Manning.

This "review" is simply a pasting of my blog post on this book - http://davehershey.wordpress.com/2012/05/02/all-is-grace/

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.

brennan breaks you with his honest truths and love. in a good way. makes you feel, makes you love, makes you think