The Barbarian Way: Unleash the Untamed Faith Within

Bought Copies for My Wife and Both My Boys!!! Fantastic Read!!! Erwin has a unusual gift for speaking right at you in a way that’s both inspiring and moves you to action. Love all his books!

I’ve read more than a few books by this author, and enjoy his inspiration-packed approach, and wisdom-centric writing style. He often seems to include a lot within a little; he says a lot within a paragraph without needing to waste words. This book says it was written in 2005. Yet I’ve found it helpful even for 2022. Two honest points of humble criticism, are on page 12 where he says “maybe John was alluding to that in the Apocalypse when he told the church of Ephesus that they had lost their first love (Revelation 2:1-4).” My slight but important correction is that John wasn’t telling the church himself anything from himself, he was sharing what was from Jesus. That’s a very important distinction.We know it is Jesus speaking because of this verse:““To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands.”‭‭Revelation‬ ‭2:1‬ ‭ESV‬‬Aside from that, a slight point for me where I would read through and lose interest is from what I would feel are “fluff” sentences; “fillers.” Things that are added for inspiration perhaps but don’t fit, in my humble opinion.All in all, I have appreciated this author’s empathy which bleeds through his work, and I have gleaned from his honing in on his craft of sharing wisdom to make the church think, to challenge the church, and to break the box of believers’ cliches.Well done on this one!

Love this book. I read it about 15 years ago and memories from the book came to my mind time to time. I figured I would refresh those memories by reading a second time. Favorite sections: Erwin's take on John the Baptist and the crash of rhinos. This could be a world changing book if properly applied.

I bought 2 of his books and loved the other one

I have to admit it has been over five years since I've read this book, but this book, hands-down, was the most influential in my understanding of Jesus. Erwin McManus is one of my favorite pastors, and his work here helped ignite the very first fire for Christ in my life.This book is all about understanding that Jesus wants followers who are passionate and, as Erwin says, "untamed" in their faith than they are religious. Erwin has a great testimony, being a native of El Salvador. He is now the pastor of Mosaic over in Los Angeles. His writing (and speaking) is extremely motivational, and the way he writes is so personable that you can't help but relate and feel a deep warmth while you read his works. Couple this with the fact that he is writing about Jesus, and you get a book that helps you hunger like a barbarian for Him!There's not much else to write about this book other than it would have a great place in your library. If you have been feeling spiritually confused, stuck, or perhaps just wondering what Jesus really wants with Christians, this book is the answer.

Good, short, and easy to read. The premise of the book is: to unleash our faith living vicariously through Jesus with reckless abandon... much like barbarians. Wild, counter-culture, risky, and dangerous are all words that come to mind when serving Jesus the "Barbarian Way". The opposite kind of faith is a religion of civilized Christianity. Apathetic, comfortable, and not rocking the boat are words that come to mind.While I as a pacifist didn't quite like the barbaric and militaristic themes used throughout the book, McManus made it very clear that God's kingdom is not brought to the world through power, might, and violence. It is instead brought to this world in the peaceful, loving, and compassionate ways of Christ. The barbaric theme is merely alluding to the radical ways we ought to serve Christ and make His ways known.I thought the author had many good stories and illustrations to drive home key points of the Barbaric Way of life. I won't spoil it, but I particularly liked his story at the end of the book about the naked tug-of-war. You'll have to read it to find out more.This is truly another call for Christians around the world to leave the comforts of civilized Christianity, and be the radical life and disciple that Christ has called us to be.

This book makes you consider where the fire is in your Christian life. Are you a do good comfortable Christian working for Christ the way a Christian should or a powerful force of God's spirit moving to make His kingdom's plan a reality people desire and need.

I don't want to give away the life changing view I have after reading this book. The author always looks at our life's journey, no matter who we are, we will have a more profound way of looking at our journey. As always the author comes across as a pleasant conversation with a stranger, however his view of our destiny is like one on steroids and he inspires us to view the world with fresh eyes. Don't miss reading any of the books he writes, they are all life changing.

I can imagine some people closing this book and turning away. It's about the tenets of hard realism that underlie Christianity. Not a comfortable social club, but a challenge to follow the truth wherever that may lead you. The book is starkly clear about the consequences of sticking by truth in the face of evil, and the fact that there is no way round this - not even for Christ, and not for us. Truly scary stuff but unfortunately that's the reality.

Enjoyed this book. An easy read with a challenging message. He chooses anecdotes often relating to family experiences. These are often amusing but are relevant and help get his point across. He challenges much of our religious practice and encourages us to go and do things rather than hide in our comfortable churches.

very good read. Made me buy another of his books.

Thanks

Amazing read, thought provoking and challenging, everyone should read this book.