Posers, Fakers, and Wannabes: Unmasking the Real You

by Brennan Manning, James Hancock

Be who God made you to be. Adapted for teens and students from Brennan Manning’s best-seller Abba’s Child, this book will help you see how God’s grace sets us free to be who we really are. No more games, no acts, no masks. Discover your identity in Christ and be set free.

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Nonfiction, Religion, Spirituality

182 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2003

About the author

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. Upon his graduation from the seminary in 1963, Manning was ordained a Franciscan priest.[2]

In the late 1960s, Manning joined the Little Brothers of Jesus of Charles de Foucauld, a religious institute committed to an uncloistered, contemplative life among the poor. Manning transported water via donkey, worked as a mason's assistant and a dishwasher in France, was imprisoned (by choice) in Switzerland, and spent six months in a remote cave somewhere in the Zaragoza desert. In the 1970s, Manning returned to the United States and began writing after confronting his alcoholism.

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I didn't like this version as much as Abba's Child, it was still a good read.

[Drew · Rating 2 out of 5]

Manning was such a storyteller. He paints some really beautiful images and illustrations of grace.

Manning preaches Christ's compassion and the tender mercies of God with such zeal and emphasis.

The trouble is that he refuses to work within theological frameworks. He won't use established categories, and it seems he's only experienced the Christian call to hate sin within hypocritical people.

I'm challenged by Manning's expressions to compare my estimation of God's kindness against the Scriptures.

I'm frustrated by Manning's willingness to side with Gandhi against the church, to speak critical words of rebuke. ...for all the talk of God's tenderness it doesn't seem he found a way to put gentleness and correction together.

Lastly, Manning's style or method or mannerisms as a writer are hard to follow. He's not one for logical development, and his meandering quotes, stories, and comments are obnoxious at times.

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adapted from another work, this quick read by Manning is primarily an exhortation to love and be loved. The way Manning writes and the method in which Hancock edits is a perfect combination for younger audiences looking for an overview of the Christian narrative.

The story Manning tells is ultimately one of commitment; the commitment of God to love us, even when we feel or act unlovable, and the commitment we must show to God in the way we live out our love for Christ. This dynamic life of love is set in opposition to the life urged by "the Poser," that side of each of us which seeks to hide, pretend, or gloat for the protection of our self-image. It's a common message, but one that Manning communicates with deep care, concern, clarity, and confession.

Overall, I didn't expect to be drawn into this work, but by the end I found myself paying greater and greater attention to the stories and the life experiences of this man of God, and reminded of the great love story we find ourselves a part of when we begin to listen to the longings of our hearts and the beckoning of Christ.

[Shaun Lee · Rating 1 out of 5]

Honestly I could only force myself to read until page 75. I simply could not connect with the author. I can roughly guess what he is trying to convey but I found that I had to guess what he was trying to imply. It have been quite popular to have been translated into many different languages, so maybe my brain is just wired a little differently.

Unfortunately Manning's approach did not interest me after reading other theologically rich titles on spiritual formation, by James Bryan Smith (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7...) and Kenneth Boa (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...) for example. These two I heartily recommend you read instead.

[Claire Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is exactly what i needed to read two years ago. this would have changed my life. so much of this book seemed like it was written specifically for me. it flowed seamlessly from encouraging us to live as "abba's child" to telling us to step out of the christian mindset and finally to standing up when all others are sitting. endless good quote after good quote.

[Damian Kinsella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brennan's call to action? Give up the mask and get real. This is simply a boiled down version of previous writings, but it's fast pace and easy reading make for a book that almost anyone can get something out of.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have wept as I've read this book. If you struggle with grace, acceptance, and the love of your God...READ THIS BOOK. My friend, loaned me this and I loved it so much I told him I would have to buy him a new copy. MARKED HIS UP! It's truly one of the best books I've read. Simply amazing...

[Tzigane Monda · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read! highly recommended, especially for teenagers! will help with learning to live as yourself under the umbrella of God's love for you and His grace! no need to pretend to be someone you are not. God loves you for you, so stop hiding and be all He has created you to be!

[Brad]

I am reading this book for a class I am taking at AGTS.

[Jolie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing! I would suggest taking your time as you read it or reading through it with a bible study group. Manning really helps readers to grasp what it means to be Abba's child.

[Jeff Revlett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!

[Jt]

loved it