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Abba's Child: The Cry of the Heart for Intimate Belonging
The liberating message of this book is that God longs for us to know in the depths of our being that He loves and accepts us as we are. God is our "Abba", our loving father, who knows us far better than we know ourselves. The shocking revelation of Abba's Child is two-fold: that sin has a greater grip than we realize on our hearts, and that God loves us far more than we ca...more
Paperback, 188 pages
Published
July 1st 1994
by NavPress Publishing Group
(first published 1994)
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First read, not likey. Second read, AWESOME! At first I felt the book condoned all forms of licentious behavior. Your inner King Baby compels you to commit adultery? That's okay just give ol' King Baby a hug, ask your mate for forgiveness saying "King Baby made me do it" and pray for God's grace and you're good to go! Oh but we're it that simple. It's not. What the book does not speak about is God's holiness and our need for reverence for God. A religious self-help book that speaks of both issue...more
Maybe i missed something but this book in my opinion deserves a wowzers!
it exposed the imposter within me without beating me into the ground, leaving me helpless fully aware of my wretchedness.
instead it helped me to face myself in the mirror, accept that, & feel DAD's love for me regardless who im staring at in the mirror, & then provided courage to step into the world with the good news.
the need for intimate belonging pushes us to look for it in so many different places & become so...more
it exposed the imposter within me without beating me into the ground, leaving me helpless fully aware of my wretchedness.
instead it helped me to face myself in the mirror, accept that, & feel DAD's love for me regardless who im staring at in the mirror, & then provided courage to step into the world with the good news.
the need for intimate belonging pushes us to look for it in so many different places & become so...more
3 likes · like · see review
Chapter 1:Come Out of Hiding
It takes a profound conversion to accept that God is relentlessly tender and compassionate toward us just as we are-not IN SPITE of our sins and faults (that would not be totally acceptable), but with them. Though God does not condone or sanction evil, He does not withhold His love because there is evil in us. 19-20
I often hear people say, “When I’m okay, I will go back to God again.” It shows how they view God.
I often hear myself saying, “Esther you need to do this,...more
It takes a profound conversion to accept that God is relentlessly tender and compassionate toward us just as we are-not IN SPITE of our sins and faults (that would not be totally acceptable), but with them. Though God does not condone or sanction evil, He does not withhold His love because there is evil in us. 19-20
I often hear people say, “When I’m okay, I will go back to God again.” It shows how they view God.
I often hear myself saying, “Esther you need to do this,...more
2 likes · like · see review
Self-hatred is the dominant malaise crippling Christians and stifling their growth in the Holy Spirit. The cause of self-hatred is disparaging words from family members, moralizing from the church, and pressure to be successful in the world’s eyes. Alcoholism, workaholism, other addictive behaviors, and escalating suicide rates reflect the magnitude of the problem. To complicate things, our self-rejection leads to the creation of a false self (“the imposter”) to protect us against pain. It’s the...more
My friend Julie recommended this to me last fall to help me along my "journey of self-discovery." I really appreciated Brennan Manning's insight in the first few chapters. His thoughts on the imposter helped me come to terms with my break up, and were a real turning point in my ability to move on. Toward the end he gets a little too preachy, but given how good the rest of the book is, I will forgive him for the last few chapters.
1 like · like · see review
I found Abba's Child to be a very thought provoking book. It presents to us a picture of what it can look like for a Christian to truly know the love of our Heavenly Father.
One of the issues presented in the book is how, often, we create an "Imposter" - a false self who we live through, either trying to be accepted by people or trying to hide our sinful nature. But this is not how we are called to live - we are not called to live falsely, in a masquerade of "goodness" - instead we are called to...more
One of the issues presented in the book is how, often, we create an "Imposter" - a false self who we live through, either trying to be accepted by people or trying to hide our sinful nature. But this is not how we are called to live - we are not called to live falsely, in a masquerade of "goodness" - instead we are called to...more
Tender, academic, integrative. Manning weaves together the arenas of psychology, biblical theology, and spirituality, with a deep concern to address humanity's broken sense of self, rejected identity, and religious tendencies towards legalistic-rule-based-spirituality. His writing style may be hard to get used to at first; it was for me. But after you pass the hump of his intellectual style, the heart of his book is powerful. Absolutely a must read for those hungering for a deeper Christian spir...more
I read Brennan's book at a point in my life when I was extremely wounded by religious institution after having an incredible spiritual experience. I was still wounded several months later read Brennan's book because I missed God. As a contemplative, I breathe the name ABBA and the title of the book is what initially caught my eye. As I read the book, I was returning to the ABBA that I once new and was able to return to a new relationship with the ABBA I knew to be God and not the one so oftenly...more
Great book to read when struggling with understanding how we relate to God and how God relates to us. The book helped undo some of the fundamental do's and dont's of religion and helped me understand grace.
Frist book of his I read, the year was 1997 it was a gift to me by my mentor Dave Rodriguez
I have re-read it a few times.
I have re-read it a few times.
Abba's Child is a very thought provoking book about what it might look like for a Christian to truly believe and then live life as one dearly and eternally loved by God (our Heavenly Father; our Abba).
I really liked the section about living falsely as The Imposter vs. the truth that as a Christian, it is Christ's life, Chist's love that is to flow through me to others, no matter who they are or in what condition I meet them. He talks a lot about living in the present reality that Christ is slive...more
I really liked the section about living falsely as The Imposter vs. the truth that as a Christian, it is Christ's life, Chist's love that is to flow through me to others, no matter who they are or in what condition I meet them. He talks a lot about living in the present reality that Christ is slive...more
1 like · like · see review
Jun 07, 2009
Stevie
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
christian,
books-owned
Poignant Quotes:
The sorrow of God lies in our fear of Him, our fear of life, and our fear of ourselves.
In my experience, self-hatred is the dominant malaise crippling Christians and stifling their growth in the Holy Spirit.
Often breakdowns lead to breakthroughs.
If we conceal our wounds out of fear and shame, our inner darkness can neither be illuminated nor become a light for others…but when we dare to live as forgiven men and women, we join the wounded healers and draw closer to Jesus.
Living ou...more
The sorrow of God lies in our fear of Him, our fear of life, and our fear of ourselves.
In my experience, self-hatred is the dominant malaise crippling Christians and stifling their growth in the Holy Spirit.
Often breakdowns lead to breakthroughs.
If we conceal our wounds out of fear and shame, our inner darkness can neither be illuminated nor become a light for others…but when we dare to live as forgiven men and women, we join the wounded healers and draw closer to Jesus.
Living ou...more
I've really been failing at my goal of reading and REVIEWING 52 books this year, so this review is written way after I read this book, and will hopefully be an accurate summary of my thoughts on this book. :)
Brennan Manning is a passionate writer who includes pieces of his own story with vulnerability, even when they don't reflect well on him. I appreciate that authenticity very much. This book is mostly about allowing God to determine our identity, rather that controlling it ourselves. This is...more
Brennan Manning is a passionate writer who includes pieces of his own story with vulnerability, even when they don't reflect well on him. I appreciate that authenticity very much. This book is mostly about allowing God to determine our identity, rather that controlling it ourselves. This is...more
The only regret I have about this book is how long it sat on my bookshelf unread. Brennan Manning writes with the most authentic transparency about his humanness, failures, and stumbling quest to follow Christ. It felt like the confessions and humble wisdom-sharing of a long time friend to read this book. I was affirmed in my present condition as a desperately needy but fiercely loved child of God, and I was encouraged to struggle on to know God more fully and become more authentically who I was...more
I read this book because I want to learn to be my true self with God, and in so doing learn to show mercy. God is not that impressed with sacrifice-Hosea 6:6 unless it is the living type Rom 12:1. I wrongly tend to think of my "personal trials" as a sacrifice, what is not quite right today type stuff. Vain and petty, I know but maybe progress is in the recognizing the truth.
I own this book; best devotional book that ever "found me" in a library. I went to the library not even looking for this title and I just happen to pick up this book and just got so caught up in it.
If your longing to connect to the Father of Lights (God) this is a great devotional companion to the Bible to read through, make notes and re-read again.
If your longing to connect to the Father of Lights (God) this is a great devotional companion to the Bible to read through, make notes and re-read again.
May 28, 2009
Penny
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
75-book-challenge-2009,
church-book-club
I read this book for one of my book clubs. The insights and quips balance the theological topics. I had the privilege of hearing Brennan Manning speak several years ago. Even in a room filled with hundreds, it was like having a fireside chat with him. Reading this book was the same. Even better, it reminded me of the greatest conversations of all...those with Abba!
Brennan Manning was one of the guys through whom the Lord hacked the leafy intellect I used to be so proud of to make me better . Years ago, I was ambushed by Manning's "Abba's Child". At that point, my so brainy ways and arrogance were so challenged and happily vanquished... so cool! TYJ
Excellent book that will make you question your conceptions of God in a really good way. I was grateful to read this book and for the ways it opened my eyes to seeing myself as loved by God. God wants to be known as a father and wants us to understand our inheritance as children.
Everyone should read this book every month or so. Manning brings an authenticity that shocks the reader into humility. When Manning writes about The Imposter, you know he's writing about you. If you are open, if you are willing, this contents of this book will change your life.
Mar 23, 2011
Lori
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
People who are tired of religious rhetoric and looking for more
Shelves:
faith-building,
2011
Wow! I thought I had read Brennan Manning before, I suppose because I know so many who have referred to so much of his work, but this was my first experience with reading his work in person. Wow! I listened to this one first, but kept re-winding and wanting to savor more of what he said, so I went out and found a used copy so that I can underline and ponder it more in depth. It was an excellent listen, initially and can easily be listened to in segments. I thought the narrator captured just the...more
A book to break your heart with the reminder of how loved you are. I love that Brennan Manning never beats around the bush, but says over, and over, and over, how loved we are by God, how great our call is, and how little everything else is in comparison.
Absolutely life changing! For someone who has struggled for years with my own sense of self-worth and what brings meaning and value to life, the truths Brennan Manning presents in this book were exactly the answers I needed to hear. I felt like whole chapters of this book were written just for me. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking to gain a greater glimpse into what it means to be Beloved by our Abba Father.
THE most life-changing spiritual book i've ever read. totally transformed my walk with the Lord ... learned what it means to be the beloved of the Father, to find my identity in His love. so wonderful, so good for the soul.
I read this last year in my women's group. It is so deep that I was glad to have other women to discuss it with. It is a book that I hope to read again every couple of years to remind myself of all of its goodness. Loved it!
An excerpt of Chip Ingram's thoughts: "If we believe the acceptance and intimacy that’s possible with our Father, it will transform our relationship with him, our view of others, and how we relate to others."
Love it! Life is such a process of revealing the lies, seeking the truth and struggling to know the difference between the two, both internally and externally and all of which is relational.
This book was transformative for me. The perfect message for a weary heart. Definitely worth a read. I especially appreciate the honesty that comes from his own mistakes/brokenness.
"When we stand on our own two feet and claim responsibility for our unique self, we are growing in personal autonomy, fortitude, and freedom from the bondage of human approval."
"May I say once more--this essential energy of the soul is not an ecstatic trance, high emotion or a sanguine stance toward life: It is a fierce longing for God, an unyielding resolve to live in and out of the truth of our belovedness. The love of Christ (not our love for Him but His love for us) impels us. The integratio...more
"May I say once more--this essential energy of the soul is not an ecstatic trance, high emotion or a sanguine stance toward life: It is a fierce longing for God, an unyielding resolve to live in and out of the truth of our belovedness. The love of Christ (not our love for Him but His love for us) impels us. The integratio...more
Also amazing. Some of what's in this one is identical to that in Ruthless Trust...but that's ok. It was all good food for thought.
I will be rereading both these books immediately, taking notes the second time around.
I will be rereading both these books immediately, taking notes the second time around.
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Richard Francis Xavier Manning, known as Brennan Manning (April 27, 1934 – April 12, 2013)was an American 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. After returning to the United States, he enrolled at Saint Francis University in Loretto, Pennsylvania....more
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“Define yourself radically as one beloved by God. This is the true self. Every other identity is illusion.”
—
183 people liked it
“In a futile attempt to erase our past, we deprive the community of our healing gift. If we conceal our wounds out of fear and shame, our inner darkness can neither be illuminated nor become a light for others.”
—
144 people liked it
More quotes…
Sep 30, 2008 08:19am