The Ragamuffin Gospel
Encyclopedia
The Ragamuffin Gospel is a popular book about Jesus
' gospel by former Franciscan
priest Brennan Manning
. First published in 1990, the title was the inspiration for Christian musical artist Rich Mullins
' group a Ragamuffin Band
. Songwriter musician Michael W. Smith
's glowing review in the foreword supports Manning's simple concept that perhaps the most important tenet of Christianity was grace. Manning argues that Jesus' gospel was one of grace, and that efforts to earn salvation are impossibly misguided. In his book he states that the true meaning of God's grace has been lost in society amidst a constant search to merely please God, as though the Almighty is only a "small minded book keeper," who tallies sins and uses them against humanity. Citing numerous biblical references and utilizing colleagues' stories, Fr. Manning illustrates the simple need for humanity to accept the freedom of God's grace, and it's power to change lives.
Jesus
Jesus of Nazareth , commonly referred to as Jesus Christ or simply as Jesus or Christ, is the central figure of Christianity...
' gospel by former Franciscan
Franciscan
Most Franciscans are members of Roman Catholic religious orders founded by Saint Francis of Assisi. Besides Roman Catholic communities, there are also Old Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, ecumenical and Non-denominational Franciscan communities....
priest Brennan Manning
Brennan Manning
Brennan Manning is an author, friar, priest, contemplative and speaker.Born and raised in Depression-era New York City, Manning finished high school, enlisted in the US Marine Corps, and fought in the Korean War. When Manning returned to the United States, he enrolled at Saint Francis University...
. First published in 1990, the title was the inspiration for Christian musical artist Rich Mullins
Rich Mullins
Richard Wayne "Rich" Mullins was an American Contemporary Christian music singer and songwriter born in Richmond, Indiana. He had two sisters and two brothers....
' group a Ragamuffin Band
A Ragamuffin Band
A Ragamuffin Band is a musical group founded by Rich Mullins in 1993, when he gathered friends from other bands to back him on his A Liturgy, A Legacy, & A Ragamuffin Band album. The band continued to record and tour with Mullins, and even carried on after his 1997 death...
. Songwriter musician Michael W. Smith
Michael W. Smith
Michael Whitaker Smith is a Billboard top ten Billboard Hot 100 recording artist and Grammy Award-winning American singer-songwriter, composer, and actor. He is one of the best-selling and most influential artists in Contemporary Christian music. Smith also has achieved a considerable amount of...
's glowing review in the foreword supports Manning's simple concept that perhaps the most important tenet of Christianity was grace. Manning argues that Jesus' gospel was one of grace, and that efforts to earn salvation are impossibly misguided. In his book he states that the true meaning of God's grace has been lost in society amidst a constant search to merely please God, as though the Almighty is only a "small minded book keeper," who tallies sins and uses them against humanity. Citing numerous biblical references and utilizing colleagues' stories, Fr. Manning illustrates the simple need for humanity to accept the freedom of God's grace, and it's power to change lives.