From the inspirational author of The Ragamuffin Gospel comes a powerful contemporary retelling of the Parable of the Prodigal Son. Jack Chisholm is “the people’s pastor.” He leads a devoted and growing megachurch, has several best-selling books, and a memorable slogan, “We have got to do better.” Jack knows how to preach, and he understands how to chastise people into performing. What he doesn’t … chastise people into performing. What he doesn’t know is anything about grace.
This year, when it comes time for the Christmas sermon, the congregation at Grace Cathedral will look to the pulpit, and Jack will not be there. Of course, they will have seen plenty of him already–on the news.
After an evening of debauchery that leads to an affair with his beautiful assistant, Jack Chisholm finds himself deserted with chilling swiftness. The church elders remove him from his own pulpit. His publisher withholds the royalties from his books. Worst of all, his wife disappears with their eight-year-old daughter.
But just as Jack is hitting bottom, hopeless and penniless, drinking his way to oblivion, who should appear but his long-estranged father, imploring his prodigal son: “Come home.”
A true companion piece to The Ragamuffin Gospel, The Prodigal illustrates the power of grace through the story of a broken man who finally saw Jesus not because he preached his greatest sermon or wrote his most powerful book, but because he failed miserably. Jack Chisholm lost everything–his church, his family, his respect, and his old way of believing–but he found grace. It’s the same grace that Brennan Manning devoted his life to sharing: profound in nature and coming from a God who loves us just as we are, and not as we should be.
“A wonderfully written story that is as entertaining as it is thought provoking.” –Publishers Weekly, starred review
”. . . the consummate final tale. What they have created is the Ragamuffin at his best, full of hope, full of love, and finally, full of belief in the goodness of God.” –Phyllis Tickle, founding editor, Religion Department, Publishers Weekly
“Brennan Manning’s last work continues the powerful message of grace and forgiveness that has transformed so many lives. The Prodigal will transform you too.” –Mark Batterson, New York Times best-selling author of The Circle Maker
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This book had me in tears – such realistic characters!
Wonderful book!
Wonderful story of God’s grace and second chances. I couldn’t put it down.
It’s so refreshing to read a book with a great moral lesson and believable characters without being preachy–no profanity or unsavory dialog. Loved it.
It seemed a bit shallow. I was disappointed.
An excellent, realistic story, very we well written. Hard to put down. I’ll read it again in the future.
A very well written reselling of the prodigal son. Characters were well developed and relatable.
Enjoyed the plot and the possibility of it being a true story. Even the wrong take at first on the Gospel, it held my interest by the way that the story line led to the way that the preacher discovered the truth and found the peace to live for God!
Really loved this book. I read it as I went through breast cancer reconstruction recovery. I just love to read. This was the thing that captured my interest and could keep me awake and interested. If you’re a fan of how God works in people’s lives in all kinds of ways…even when we don’t really understand…I’d totally recommend.
Only a third of the way through this book. But it is very good. The characters Mr. Manning has fleshed out are realistic and it has Brennan’s long standing plea to us That Our Heavenly Father Deeply loves us and longs for us, no matter how bad we raggamuffins have blown it His arms are outstretched waiting for the prodigals to return to Him!
A great story of a son’s rebellion and his father’s redemptive love.
The story of The Prodigal is timeless in the telling. No matter how successful or unsuccessful we are in life, the choice is ours to make. Although we may have a relationship with the Lord, we still live in the world and are influenced by the temptations of Satan who rules on the earth. Good story.
Anyone who has ever made a big mistake that broke hearts and/or messed up his/her life should definitely read The Prodigal. It opens your eyes to the love, grace, and forgiving nature of God, and of many humans. It teaches that sometimes what seems to be the end may instead be a new beginning to a better happier life. The Prodigal is a wonderful …