The Ragamuffin Gospel

The Ragamuffin Gospel is a popular book about Jesus' gospel by the Franciscan priest Brennan Manning. First published in 1990, its title was the inspiration for Christian musical artist Rich Mullins' group a Ragamuffin Band. Songwriter and musician Michael W. Smith writes a rave review in the Foreword supporting Manning's simple concept of perhaps the most important tenet of christianity; grace. Manning argues that Jesus' gospel was one of grace, and that human efforts to earn salvation are impossibly misguided. He states in his book that the true meaning of God's grace has been lost in our society as we constantly search to merely please God, as though He is just a "small minded book keeper," who tallies our sins and uses them against us. He cites many biblical references and utilizes stories of his colleagues to put into words the need for us to accept that God's grace is free to those who accept it and it is powerful enough to change our lives.

This book can truly allow an individual struggling under the weight of will-powered religiosity to find freedom.