The Importance of Being Foolish: How to Think Like Jesus

Thought-provoking and challenging, if a little heavy-going in places. This book explains what the Christian life is (or should be) about - relationship, not legislation - and hints at what it means to be 'fools' for Christ. Not fools as in buffoons, but in the eyes of much of the world.

Early chapters deconstruct much of the way we tend to behave, with encouragements to embrace truth and transparency, while moving away from the diversions of security, pleasure and power. Later chapters attempt to unravel ways in which Jesus thought, as demonstrated in the gospels.

Some anecdotes and examples, with plenty of Scriptural backing. Not everyone reading this will agree with all the author says, but it should provoke a lot of thought. show more

Recommended to anyone wanting to take their faith more seriously. show less

Manning's book "The Ragamuffin Gospel" hit me like a bolt of fire and tears. One of the most important books I've read leading me to a better understanding of grace and deepened my relationship with my heavenly father. I told myself that I should not have expectations that this book would be similarly powerful. Yet in the back of my mind I think I still hoped it would be. I was initially disappointed. Probably because of my high expectations. But part of it was because the as the author admitted he was writing some of this because had been challenged to do so. The beginning felt like he was dutifully relating truths with less than his normal passion. He even reused an anecdote I had read before. I set the book aside for a few weeks show more before picking it up again.

The middle and end parts of the book showed Manning writing again with passion about the things he deeply cares about. He wants people to truly understanding how deeply and powerfully God loves them as individuals. And how if we are really are serious about being Christlike and making the world a better place how we can be God's messengers to people that are struggling all around us. A solid thoughtful book worth reading after you read the Ragamuffin Gospel.

Cheers! show less

"Manning invites the reader to move from self-delusion to embracing the truth about who we are and our need for grace. He jolts readers out of their comfort zones. We are preoccupied with security, pleasure, and power. Manning debunks the idea that Jesus calls us to be nice and calls us to vibrant faith in action and directs us to contagious joy, self-love, awe, gratitude, and transparency"

Christianity Today

Everyone who seeks to understand the life of Jesus Christ and the human relationship to Christ's purpose should read this book.