Of all of Manning's books, this is his most popular book that encapsulates his entire theology. I personally enjoyed All is Grace his biography of how he got to this book, but this is a fantastic book in and of itself. If you want to read a very readable book about what grace is without the heavy theology, this is the book.

There are wonderful stories in this book and Manning is a fantastic storyteller. He brings his own suffering and feeling of unworthiness to the forefront while examining the grace of God. This book has personally helped me. ( )

God's love, God's grace. Wow.

O evangelho maltrapilho foi escrito para pessoas aniquiladas, derrotadas e exauridas. Pessoas que se acham indignas de receber o amor de Deus. Quem sabe, ignoradas pela comunidade de cristãos por não se encaixarem no perfil de super-homem ou de supermulher que lhes é constantemente exigido. Pessoas cansadas da espiritualidade superficial e consumista. Pessoas que travam inúmeras batalhas interiores por não se sentirem parte de uma comunidade afetiva e acolhedora. É um livro que escrevi para mim mesmo e para quem quer que tenha ficado cansado e desencorajado ao longo do Caminho, confessa o autor. Franco e provocador, o aclamado filósofo e teólogo cristão Brennan Manning estréia em língua portuguesa com sua principal obra, que nos convida a depositar nossa esperança na amplitude da graça, capaz de alcançar pecadores e pobres em espírito, e de resgatar nossa dignidade original. No mínimo, você não ficará indiferente a ela. ( )

I'm still trying to grasp God's love in a way that doesn't contradict Jesus's warning about the strait gate, that only a sliver of fallen humanity will make it to the great wedding. Who will enjoy eternal life? And what does Jesus do for us in this life?

What I loved most about this book was the joyous delight in God's love, even producing a tangible affection, greater than the world's affection, that I don't see often in the church. I want that. His story about the Amish man is especially captivating. His story about an alcoholic's rock-bottom haunts me, and helps me appreciate the desperation of my own situation.

Brennan doesn't go into technical details of his doctrine, but wants the reader to taste the implications of God's amazing love for sinners. But I see why people say he's universalist. He says nothing can separate "anyone" from the love of Christ. That is something I doubt. He also says it's crucial for us to understand that forgiveness precedes repentance. That is something I want to grasp but I have a hard time with it.

It seems like he's saying that being born-again, "seized by the power of a great affection," (which is an awesome description) is the way for Jesus to help us to be loving and humble and more Christ-like. I agree that's biblical, and I desire it, but it's interesting that Brennan avoids discussing its implications for eternity. Jesus talked about Hell on a regular basis. Brennan does share (but does not endorse) "an ancient Christian legend" that sees Hell as a temporary place of torment before Jesus rescues them.

Brennan is the most affectionate Christian writer I've been exposed to, more than John Piper, way more even. And I need more of that. But this gospel isn't enough to address what bothers me most in scripture: false assurance and the strait gate. ( )

I heard Brennan Manning speak at the National pastor's Conference and was very impressed.
Read the book, and all i can say is that manning is a better speaker than writer. ( )