Parable of the Dancing God

by C. Baxter Kruger

In this brief and easy-to-read IVP booklet, C. Baxter Kruger vividly retells the parable of the prodigal son (including the full text of Luke 15:1-32). His fresh interpretation focuses not on the prodigal son, but on the character of the father as it is revealed through his interaction with his two very different sons. Baxter asks you to consider with which son you most identify--the dutiful elder brother or the wayward younger brother. Then he helps you explore the spiritual implications of that identification. Finally, he shows you how an examination of the father of the two sons highlights important aspects of God's character: rejoicing, compassion and more. You'll come away from this short but profound study with new insight into the ways God the Father is at work in your own life.

Genres: Nonfiction, Theology, Christian, Christianity

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you really not understand why I embrace sinners and eat with them? I do this because that is the way God is! Because my Father runs to embrace these sinners and eat with them, indeed He throws a loud and lavish party for them (p. 48).

[Joshua · Rating 4 out of 5]

Central to the Father Heart of God message

[Robin Sampson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book contains the teachings that transformed me from religion to relationship! I spent years steeped in shame, seeking acceptance in religion. This book and Baxter's audio teachings opened my eyes, freed me from shame, and allowed me to accept merciful God’s grace and love.

[Candace Jane Coran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! God likes to dance with us !

We have a God who is no "stick in the mud" I chose this book because I was intrigued by the title and I love everything Kruger writes. Would recommend to all Christians and non believers alike.

[Margie Mae · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book contains feeellsss! I love the 'Honest Questions' part of the book..very timely. A good reminder and manifestation of God's unconditional love and faithfulness. Awesome!

[Bec · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used to think of this as the parable of the prodigal son, that's how it was taught: look at how much this kid stuffed up, but his father welcomed him, but don't be as much of a screw up as that kid.

This book shines a whole new light on this story. Nevermind the judgement of the son, that's not the point, but remembering and returning as the son did, and more importantly, embracing and enjoying as the father does. That's what we're supposed to showing the world, welcoming them to the feast.

I think many still within the chirch, and those disillusioned can really feel this quote from page 17:

"Somewhere along the line, the church and the preaching profession have communicated the message that Christianity is about *being good*, rather than about *being forgiven*. And that means that people feel they have to straighten up, become good, before they are accepted."

And is it any wonder, with the macabre productions churches make of the gospel, that people have lost hope of ever getting there? And the crazy part is that we believed we're supposed to be chasing denominationally approved "goodness", but missed Christ within us: The Christ we're told we don't have. The one full of forgiveness, acceptance and grace.

I think the most hopeful quote is page 24:

"Experiencing the glorious grace of God in the depths of our own sinful failures, living in his grace, feeding on his grace and glorying in him, and thus radiating His grace to all those around us."

This was my first book of this author, and I look forward to the other 3.

[Peter Helms · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great reminder of The Fathers joy over the entire human race inspire of her shortcoming, failures, sins and brokenness.

It is easy to get caught up in our own brokenness and sadness that hovers over this world. This little booklet reminds us to look into the horizon and discover that it was the “Joy that was set before Him that He endured…” yes the joy of a dancing Father who rejoices over each one of us no matter how lost we are or were and who never gives up hope on any of His children no matter how we feel about Him or ourselves.

[Clayton Chase · Rating 5 out of 5]

You may read it here: https://www.gci.org/files/Parable%20o...

[Bob Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

Maybe for the first time, I'm starting to get it. Acceptance by Father does not depend on me. What freedom is in that revelation!

[Matthew Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a gut-wrenching little book about how Jesus goes to all of the religious who are doing everything right and shows them, through the parable at the end of Luke 15, that their doing isn't their problem. Their problem is how they see God. This book can easily be read in under an hour. Do yourself a favor and get this!

[VJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

C. Baxter Kruger is now my favorite writer. He writes and reads like the modern C.S. Lewis and this book certainly hits me straight in the heart with his honest and very timely analysis of the Parable of the Prodigal Son.

[Helen Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent insights about who Papa really is.

This is a wonderful commentary
concerning my favorite parable of Jesus and it contains many truths on many levels and is a great source to understanding God's grace.

[Curtis · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this brief commentary Kruger offers a retitling of the parable of the prodigal son from Luke 15 in order to help the reader understand that this is really a story about the extravagant love of Father God. It is a good reflection and one I hope all are able to experience.

[Richard Forthman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a beautiful depiction of who God is revealing himself to be for me. It is one that shakes off religious standards and resets the mindset of Christ within me. Beautiful parable told from a beautiful perspective.

[Love Marata · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good reminder of God's unconditional love. :)

[david · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simplicity and depth

It's so wonderful to hear the truth soak into your soul in such a simple and profound way. I'm amazed at how powerful a simple story can.

[Marisol Barrera Salamanca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baxter Kruger tiene la capacidad de conectarme con lo más profundo de mi vulnerabilidad en unión con la bella Trinidad. Es sublime, me encanta. Agradecida de ser su traductora, señor Kruger.

[Brian Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

I couldn't tell if the author is an inclusionist or not.