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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The story and characters were so real they just leaped off the page, and I could hardly put this book down. The ending was bittersweet but totally authentic and brought soul-deep satisfaction as well as tears.
So real to life and how easy it is to let relationships crumble.
A beautiful and entertaining way to share a life-changing message.
I enjoyed this book, it reinforced the belief that giving is better then receiving and also Gods abundance of forgiveness and love.
Honest and open, helpful to realize that everyone has there demons.
Brilliant
I loved how the characters were so open with their doubts and the difficulties of living Christian in a world so seemingly pointed in the other direction. Most Christians can and will relate on some level. I thought the writing was very good, the story a true morality tale of wrong turns that made clear the difference in religion and relationship …
I really enjoyed this book . . . a story of redemption. You will enjoy it too.
This book shows what it’s like to be a Christian leader who sins, as we all do, and how he comes to redemption. Very realistic. All doesn’t go well but there is forgiveness for all of us.
A great book. Well developed story. Profound and beautiful look at God’s love for us. A story of reconciliation, restoration and redemption—both with God and each other.
Great! Many good life lessons! Everyone can find something they can relate to!
Thought provoking.
Brennan Manning writes with such insight and sensitivity. This book will draw you closer to God!
I really love the story, it reflects everyone’s life. Ordered two and sent it for my best friends!
Brennan Manning always drives points home without fluff. His dissection of the story of the prodigal is excellent and applies to regular people wanting to remain close to God.
Well written and a great theme.
Anything Brennan Manning has written I find to be encouraging.
Loved this story!
Too trite and predictable.
Excellent story inspired by Jesus’ parable of the Prodigal Son.