Customer Reviews

Relentless Tenderness of Jesus, The

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

The first comment I have to make is that this book isn't new. It's the ?Lion and Lamb? repackaged. I was part way into reading this when I had to ask myself ?gee, doesn't Brennan have any new stories?? Then, after reading about a prayer breakfast with Reagan, I went to check the copyright date and found that this book was first published back in the eighties. No wonder the stories seemed out of date and no wonder I kept asking myself ?haven't I read this before??

While it's true that there was some additional information added, I felt a bit cheated, after all, I got this book as a Fathers Day gift but I really didn't need it, I already had ?Lion and Lamb? in my collection. Oh well.

Ok, the book, whether we are talking about the current title, or the former, is a good insight into the burning desire the Father has for His children. You and me. Brennan Manning has a way of getting across the fact, over and over again, that God truly and deeply loves us, wants to be close to us, wants to be an intimate part of our daily lives.

There are several chapters here on the true meaning of Christmas. What the baby Jesus really means. What it really means to look at the Christ.

Brennan hits home on many things he says. You won't really read this book without stopping to ask yourself ?Why?? and ?How?? and then thinking it's all impossible at the same time noticing a bit of faith growing and sprouting.

To be fair I must review the writing and style not just the content. It isn't always easy reading, the author, in my opinion, tends to ramble a bit and he doesn't bother to make easy chapter and paragraph breaks and headers. I often get lost in reading his books. To be totally honest, I never finished ?Lion and Lamb? and perhaps that is why I found ?The Relentless Tenderness of Jesus? in my hands. I finished it and got something out of it. But it wasn't always easy.

The message, however, is A+ and 5+ stars. I've heard Brennan speak, and he's a true man of God, a leader, a mystic and a brother in Christ. He has something special to communicate and I highly recommend this and his other works.

Manning has never written a bad book, so this is no exception. However, I take great exception to Christian publishers' tactic of reissuing a book under a new title years later with no clue on the cover that this book has appeared before. This book was published as "Lion and Lamb" around 1986, and I didn't realize until I got home that what I was holding was a reissue. It also happened to me with John Guest's "In Search of Certainty" (original title), which was reissued as something else, and a book on contemporary Christian music. I've never seen this happen with secular books. Nevertheless, if you never read "Lion and Lamb," read this book. Manning is one of our sanest Christian writers.

This book was written by a Catholic Priest that finally discovered the incredible person behind his faith...Jesus!

Manning does a masterful job of describing the personality of Jesus and our relationship to him. He had a background as a writer as well, so his writing style is really a joy to read. (much better than my writing style (that is to say I have none) see my book Christ Through Me at ChristThroughMe.com for evidence) You can definitely tell that He has a lot of wisdom and experience in His spiritual walk.

This book really focuses on the love and (obviously) tenderness of Jesus. Something that I don't think many Christians understand and would do good to read about!

Another thing that I liked about this book was the short exercises at the end of each chapter. To get the most out of it, remember to follow along with the exercises as He suggests in the beginning of the book!

This guy dares to speak the truth, even at the risk of offending the "church" or many in the church who want to skate by without experiencing the true person of Jesus and what he wants of us. I have never read a book so blunt, honest and profound when it comes to how Jesus loves us and wants the same kind of love to eminate from us. But, I warn, this is not a simple feel-good "God is love" kind of book; it is challenging, thought-provoking and very convicting. If you have ever been burned by the church or just feel uncomfortable about church, but still are seeking God, I highly recommend this book because it takes everything back to the basics (without being basic or overly-simplistic), which is who Jesus really is. Highly recommend to everyone!

An encounter with Jesus:) That's what this book is! If you've ever wanted to know God, really know Him, and embrace how He feels about you, you need to read this book. Brennan Manning's writing is so real and transparent. I consistently longed to read this book. With real, but gentle words this book is an experience of the love of Jesus and the hope we have in him. In the Relentless Tenderness of Jesus, there is freedom!!

"Relentless tenderness" is a phrase worth pondering as well as "ruthless trust" is. Brennan, in his usual style and gift of love and intelligent
pondering of the Scripture has created another masterpiece to cherish.
Bask in Jesus' relentless tenderness and let your spirit soar and find the places that need to be opened to the Master's love.

I understand why this book, as well as Manning's others, have received mixed reviews. This book has been scary to think about. When you've worked so hard to be in good standing with God, a message like this is threatening. This is a good message, though! Manning explains that you should do good things, but that it should be because you love Jesus... not because you're trying to earn your way in to heaven. Brennan Manning has really helped me understand the preciousness of grace, through his a lot of his writing. I understand the concern, but you have to read the entire message before you put it down. It's a powerful testimony of Jesus' love and mercy. It's a powerful testimony to the inability of humans to earn grace. It goes beyond the image of God as a score keeper, who needs to tally everyone's good deeds and bad deeds. It talks about the TRUE power of Jesus' earthly life. It really has broken into my injured and torn heart, which was masquerading as proud and deserving. The most pious people are the most broken, often times! We can't earn a thing, so do walk in ignorance any longer! Don't be afraid to read this book!!! It will make you more compassionate to yourself, others, and God. :-) Happy reading!

Brennan Manning is a great author, and does an exemplary job of giving an accurate picture of Jesus Christ in His divine humanity, and the kind of relationship he desires to have with his own.

One sentence in the book changed my life. "God's love is base on no thing." I can't tell you how much I needed to hear that. God loves me for no reason other then love itself. Manning writes in a way that brings peace to my soul. If you are in a dry place and needing a love letter from Jesus, then The Relentless Tenderness of Jesus is a good choice. While some have difficulty with Manning's message of God's grace, I have found nothing in his writings that contradicts solid biblical theology. Obviously, as you can see from the small amount of negative critiques, Manning does have his detractors, but all his writings have ever done for me is to allow me to experience God's love and share it with others.
Pastor Adam Stadtmiller Author:Give Your Kids the Keys: Navigating Your Child to a Personal and Sustainable Faith

Great book. Brennan Manning is a simple man with profound impact through his writings