Reading the Gospels without knowing the personality of Jesus is like watching television with the sound turned off. The result is a dry, two dimensional person doing strange, undecipherable things.
In BEAUTIFUL OUTLAW, John Eldredge removes the religious varnish to help readers discover stunning new insights into the humanity of Jesus. He was accused of breaking the law, keeping bad company, heavy drinking. Of being the devil himself. He was so compelling and dangerous they had to kill him. But others loved him passionately. He had a sense of humor. His generosity was scandalous. His anger made enemies tremble. He'd say the most outrageous things. He was definitely not the Jesus of the stained glass.
In the author's winsome, narrative approach, he breaks Jesus out of the typical stereotypes, just as he set masculinity free in his book, Wild at Heart. By uncovering the real Jesus, readers are welcomed into the rich emotional life of Christ. All of the remarkable qualities of Jesus burst like fireworks with color and brilliance because of his humanity.
Eldredge goes on to show readers how they can experience this Jesus in their lives every day. This book will quicken readers' worship, and deepen their intimacy with Jesus.
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"In this book...which I have in print and on audio and listen to several times a year...John reveals the man Jesus...and the Son Jesus...and through that, reveals God's love and the power that love brings into our lives. It removes the religious fog...the reason Jesus came...to reveal the Father...and the way to him. It reveals the real relationship our Father desires for us and with us. It reveals God's heart for the simplest of us...and each of us are far short of understanding the fullness of our Father. I love this book...and the heart of the man who dared to write it. Thank you, John..."
— denny43 (5 out of 5 stars)
“Eldredge repeats tales from the Gospels to reveal a leader who was both humorous and confrontational, generous and moody. Eldredge clearly loves his subject, almost chuckling in delight at Jesus’ antics. Readers get an intriguing glimpse of Jesus waiting his turn in line, ‘snorting’ in anger, and artfully outsmarting his enemies...readers will find a three-dimensional Jesus and may find themselves re-reading scripture with an eye on characters’ feelings.”
— Publishers WeeklyEldredge's trademark passion and personal transparency offer another inspiring challenge that could revolutionize lives as did his Wild at Heart.”
— Christian Retailing, Editor's Pick" This is the most amazing description of Jesus I have ever read. I've led a discussion group twice and have read it three times and I will continue to reread it. As my friend said after our group, "It puts Jesus right here, right now." "
— Toni, 2/10/2014" Outstanding. Relates to everyday life and the time period of the time of jesus. I could reread this many times over. Fantastic "
— Debra, 2/7/2014" This was one of those all-time enlightening books. This moves the character of Jesus beyond that of, "Jesus is love," to the true makeup of His character as both humanity and divinity. It proved, through the various references, His playfulness, fierceness, generosity, humility, etc...and ultimately challenges readers to take on these same characteristics in their lives. "
— Andraea, 2/4/2014" Life-changing, transformative, and a book I'll give over and over again as a gift. "
— Liz, 1/28/2014" Very interesting and thought-provoking. He makes some good points but I do think he takes his points too far occasionally. "
— Carol, 1/26/2014" I read this book because it was given to me -- and it was a treat! This book disassembles the religiousness that has been built up around Christ. "A wing nut talking about Jesus does far more damage thatn fifty atheists." In its stead, is a clear picture of the Jesus who walked the earth and who heals hurts today. "
— Laura, 1/18/2014" I hate to give this book a bad review, as I'm normally very fond of Eldredge, but this one just seemed...lost. It had moments, but as a whole it was scattered and unfocused. It was like a compilation of lots of good thoughts, but that didn't necessarily fit together and in no real order. It was also pretty evident that Eldredge was dealing with some things personally, as a feeling of bitterness/sadness (anger even?)seemed to permeate the otherwise promising content. Since I'm already a Christian, I felt that I could grasp the message he was trying to convey, but I would not recommend that someone of weak faith read this, as it lashes out pretty harshly at the Christian community. "
— Ashley, 1/15/2014" Eldredge presents Jesus in a fresh way, no small task. One of his goals is to wipe away the religious fog that surrounds Jesus and replace it with just loving him. Beautiful Outlaw is a good book for seekers or for seasoned saints. I dare say your view of Jesus will grow. "
— Rick, 1/13/2014" I loved this book! John really made me think about the way Jesus is portrayed by society, the Bible, and church. I love the way he describes how Jesus truly is - that he is humorous, firey, passionate, comforting, loving, and all-around awesome! "
— Molly, 1/3/2014" Good and helpful for the most part. I preferred "The Jesus We Missed" in this "humanity of Christ" genre. "
— Andrew, 12/14/2013" Good, particularly in challenging superficial spirituality "
— Sean, 12/2/2013" (sigh)I read this because a relative sent it to me. He/she meant well. There is nothing original in this book. By now we should be beyond having imaginary playmates. "
— John, 11/24/2013" This book could change your life. Read it. "
— Philip, 11/18/2013" Has some good insights, but not as powerful as John's wild at heart series. "
— To.jfoster, 9/14/2013" This book was AMAZING! It is everything the title promises! And, the book reads like a conversation with a good friend. "
— Kirstin, 3/19/2013" This book is Phenomenal...making so much sense to my brain and heart!!! "
— Kristin, 12/30/2012" God has used John Eldredge's writings to set me free from many lies that I have made agreements with. John is so open and honest about his relationship with Jesus that it is impossible to NOT want to know about the hope that he has. "
— Traci, 9/18/2012" Some people say all of John Eldredge's books start to sound the same, but this one stands out. Several good takeaways about the character of Christ and tests for "religious fog." "
— Amy, 7/25/2012" Very good look at the various personality traits of Jesus--most of them often overlooked--and the way they combine into a truly unique individual. An unafraid look at the human of Jesus without neglecting the divine, either. "
— Mike, 4/11/2012" five starts! the subtitle says it all - i really enjoyed his perspective on Jesus and who He is. This is a Biblical Jesus that I can get on board with. anyone who is feeling like they don't really know who Jesus is and feels far away from Him, should read this book. "
— Dcbk, 1/24/2012" I want to bask in the love of Jesus. "
— Barbara, 1/21/2012" Great book. I need to read it again and really let it sink in. "
— Claire, 1/12/2012" Love the way John Eldredge sees Jesus, through the stories we know.His lens of the word gives new insight into this man who became flesh and dwelt among men. "
— Roseann, 11/8/2011" This book opened my eyes to see that many times the Jesus I think I am worshipping is completely different than the Jesus I should be worshipping.This book bring out His real personality - his playfulness, his fierceness and his love - in ways I had never seen before. Highly recommended. "
— Nathan, 11/6/2011" A book that needs read more than once to fully appreciate, but I liked the unique perspective that Eldredge takes on Jesus. Worth a read and a discussion. "
— Tracy, 10/9/2011" If the idea of religion turns you off, then this is the book for you. John Eldredge brings to light the true personality of Jesus, not what many of us have believe due to religious influence. This is truly a life changing book if you are seriously about an intimate relationship with God. <br/> "
— 3impressions, 10/4/2011John Eldredge is the founder and codirector, with his wife, of Ransomed Heart Ministries in Colorado Springs, Colorado, a fellowship devoted to helping people recover and live from their heart. He is the author of numerous books, including Epic, Waking the Dead, Wild at Heart, and The Journey of Desire. He lives in Colorado with his wife, Stasi, and their three sons. He loves living in the Rocky Mountains so he can pursue his other passions, including fly-fishing, mountain climbing, and exploring the waters of the West in his canoe.