Importance of Being Foolish: How to Think like Jesus

( 3 )
Hardcover
$21.29
BN.com price
$21.95 List Price (Save 3%)
Marketplace (New and Used)
from
$0.34
$21.95 List Price (Save 98%)
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
All (24)  
Used (14)  
New (10)  
Close
Sort by
Page 1 of 3
Showing 1 – 10 of 24 (3 pages)
Not Currently Available
$0.34
(Save 98%)
Clickgoodwill
Seller since 2012

Feedback rating:

(73)

Condition:

New — never opened or used in original packaging.

Like New — packaging may have been opened. A "Like New" item is suitable to give as a gift.

Very Good — may have minor signs of wear on packaging but item works perfectly and has no damage.

Good — item is in good condition but packaging may have signs of shelf wear/aging or torn packaging. All specific defects should be noted in the Comments section associated with each item.

Acceptable — item is in working order but may show signs of wear such as scratches or torn packaging. All specific defects should be noted in the Comments section associated with each item.

Used — An item that has been opened and may show signs of wear. All specific defects should be noted in the Comments section associated with each item.

Refurbished — A used item that has been renewed or updated and verified to be in proper working condition. Not necessarily completed by the original manufacturer.

Good
Very minimal damage to the cover no holes or tears, only minimal scuff marks minimal wear binding majority of pages undamaged minimal creases or tears. Book may have writing, ... underlining, highlighting, wear to cover and corners, notes in margins, writing Read more Show Less

Ships from: Indianapolis, IN

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

  • •Canadian
  • •International
  • •Standard, 48 States
  • •Standard (AK, HI)
  • •Express, 48 States
  • •Express (AK, HI)
$1.99
(Save 91%)
New Chapter Recycling
Seller since 2010

Feedback rating:

(3285)

Condition: Good

Ships from: Lakewood, WA

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

  • •Canadian
  • •International
  • •Standard, 48 States
  • •Standard (AK, HI)
  • •Express, 48 States
  • •Express (AK, HI)
$1.99
(Save 91%)
Blue Cloud Books
Seller since 2010

Feedback rating:

(2520)

Condition: Good
This book has a light amount of wear to the pages, cover and binding. Blue Cloud Books ??? Hot deals from the land of the sun.

Ships from: Phoenix, AZ

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

  • •Canadian
  • •International
  • •Standard, 48 States
  • •Standard (AK, HI)
  • •Express, 48 States
  • •Express (AK, HI)
$1.99
(Save 91%)
Goodwill Discount Books
Seller since 2010

Feedback rating:

(747)

Condition: Acceptable
May have marks or highlighting Shows moderate shelf wear.

Ships from: North Las Vegas, NV

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

  • •Canadian
  • •International
  • •Standard, 48 States
  • •Standard (AK, HI)
  • •Express, 48 States
  • •Express (AK, HI)
$2.25
(Save 90%)
Open Books Ltd
Seller since 2011

Feedback rating:

(82)

Condition: Acceptable
2005 Hardcover Acceptable No dj Open Books is a Non-profit literacy organization and proceeds from the sale benefit literacy programs.

Ships from: Chicago, IL

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

  • •Canadian
  • •International
  • •Standard, 48 States
  • •Standard (AK, HI)
  • •Express, 48 States
  • •Express (AK, HI)
$4.24
(Save 81%)
Extremely_Reliable
Seller since 2007

Feedback rating:

(3184)

Condition: Good
Buy with confidence. Excellent Customer Service & Return policy.

Ships from: Richmond, TX

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

  • •Canadian
  • •International
  • •Standard, 48 States
  • •Standard (AK, HI)
$5.99
(Save 73%)
Book Closeouts
Seller since 2012

Feedback rating:

(9675)

Condition: Like New
GREAT Bargain Book Deal - like new - some may have small remainder mark - Ships out by NEXT Business Day - 100% Satisfaction Guarantee!

Ships from: Buffalo, NY

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

  • •Canadian
  • •International
  • •Standard, 48 States
  • •Standard (AK, HI)
  • •Express, 48 States
  • •Express (AK, HI)
$6.29
(Save 71%)
Christianbookbag
Seller since 2008

Feedback rating:

(1006)

Condition: Like New
Multiple copies are available. Brand new and unread, may have remainder mark (a black mark generally put on the bottom edge of the book by the publisher).

Ships from: Westlake, OH

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

  • •Standard, 48 States
  • •Standard (AK, HI)
$6.50
(Save 70%)
Colorado's Used Bookstore, Inc.
Seller since 2008

Feedback rating:

(437)

Condition: Good
Has edge and corner wear to book and dust jacket,pages are clean and tight. All U.S. orders shipped with tracking number and email confirmation.

Ships from: Englewood, CO

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

  • •Canadian
  • •International
  • •Standard, 48 States
  • •Standard (AK, HI)
  • •Express, 48 States
  • •Express (AK, HI)
$7.94
(Save 64%)
SweetPlumBooks
Seller since 2012

Feedback rating:

(10)

Condition: Very Good

Ships from: Beaufort, NC

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

  • •Canadian
  • •International
  • •Standard, 48 States
  • •Standard (AK, HI)
  • •Express, 48 States
  • •Express (AK, HI)
Page 1 of 3
Showing 1 – 10 of 24 (3 pages)
Close
Sort by
NOOK Book (eBook)
$9.99
BN.com price

Available on NOOK devices and apps

  • Nook Devices
  • NOOK
  • NOOK Color
  • NOOK Tablet
  • Tablet/Phone
  • NOOK for iPad
  • NOOK for iPhone
  • NOOK for Android
  • NOOK for Android (Tablet)
  • NOOK Kids for iPad
  • PC/Mac
  • NOOK Study
  • NOOK for PC
  • NOOK for Mac

Want a NOOK? Explore Now

More About This Book

Overview

In the eyes of the world, Jesus was a fool. He did not abide by the rules of his day; the people he associated with were shunned by society; his Sermon on the Mount reads likea primer on being left behind, stepped on, and ignored. In order for us to truly be the people Jesus wants us to be, we too must learn to become "foolish."

Becoming a Christian is not a magical enterprise by which we are automatically transformed into better people. We must train to become who God intends us to be. In The Importance of Being Foolish, bestselling Christian author Brennan Manning teaches us how to think like Jesus. By reorienting our lives according to the gospel we may appear to be fools in the eyes of the world, but Manning reveals that this is exactly what Jesus wants.

In a powerful exploration of the mind of Christ, Manning reveals how our obsession with security, pleasure, and power prevents us from living rich and meaningful lives. Our endless struggle to acquire money, good feelings, and prestige yields a rich harvest of worry, frustration, and resentment. Manning explores what Christ's mind was truly focused on: finding the Father, compassion for others, a heart of forgiveness, and the work of the kingdom.

Coming from the gentle yet compelling voice of Brennan Manning, The Importance of Being Foolish is a refreshing reminder of the radical call of Jesus and the transforming love of God.

Editorial Reviews

From Barnes & Noble
The author of The Ragamuffin Gospel and Abba's Child offers another book of unconventional, refreshingly real interpretations of what it means to be Christian. The writing of this former street preacher is deeply personal and strikingly spare.
Christian Retailing
“[W]orth the read for all the insights--and encouragement--Manning offers on leading a Christ-centered life.”
More Reviews (5) Fewer Reviews
Christianity Today
“Manning invites the reader to move from self-delusion to embracing the truth about who we are.”
Cleveland Plain Dealer
“Manning… writes poetically when sharing contemporary parables. His intimate knowledge of Scripture flows seamlessly throughout his narrative.”
National Catholic Reporter
“A rich feast of food for thought...offering both challenge and comfort.”
Publishers Weekly
With his now classic book The Ragamuffin Gospel, Manning set a standard for powerful writing and no-holds barred personal candor that even his own subsequent books (Ruthless Trust; The Wisdom of Tenderness), however excellent, have not quite matched. Here, Manning offers a fiercely provocative call to arms that exhorts Christians to stop pandering to the things of this world (wealth, power, influence, pleasure) and instead choose to be so "foolish" as to follow Jesus. This book is not for the easily offended, as Manning pulls no punches and does not attempt to soften the radical nature of Jesus' message. He decries superficial faith and hypocrisy, and points to the unfortunate prevalence of the shallow Christianity that Thomas Merton once called "convenient spirituality." In its place, Manning upholds a Christian faith that is simultaneously hard-line about the intransigent demands of the New Testament, yet wrapped in grace and mercy, not judgment and condemnation. Drawing on the Bible (particularly the gospels and the letters of Paul), his own experiences and thinkers like Paul Tillich, Edward Schillebeeckx, Siren Kierkegaard and other heavy hitters, Manning proposes an iconoclastic faith that calls Christians to the dangerous, wild and wonderful abyss of a fully surrendered life. (July) Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.
Library Journal
Manning (The Ragamuffin Gospels; Ruthless Trust) lived for two years with the small religious order called The Little Brothers of Jesus, who dedicate themselves to manual labor and prayer as they assert that Jesus did before his public ministry. His latest book is founded in part upon the insights he gained while with the Little Brothers, and his bare-bones spirituality is keenly focused on the figure of Jesus. To Manning, a true Christian concentrates on a unified life invigorated by the Holy Spirit, cued by the sense of what Jesus would do, even if it seems "foolish." "Life in the Spirit is the thrill and the excitement of being loved by and falling in love with Jesus Christ," he concludes. This is a deeply felt and clearly expressed avowal of faith; for most collections. Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

Product Details

  • ISBN-13: 9780060751654
  • Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
  • Publication date: 6/28/2005
  • Pages: 192
  • Sales rank: 730,393
  • Product dimensions: 5.50 (w) x 8.25 (h) x 0.77 (d)

Meet the Author

Brennan Manning is the bestselling author of many books, including The Ragamuffin Gospel and Ruthless Trust. He leads spiritual retreats in the United States and Europe for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Read an Excerpt

The Importance of Being Foolish

How to Think Like Jesus
By Brennan Manning

HarperCollins Publishers, Inc.

Copyright © 2005 Brennan Manning
All right reserved.
ISBN: 0060751657

Chapter One

Truth

The gospel narrative of the cleansing of the temple is a disconcerting scene (John 2:13–22). It presents us with the portrait of an angry Savior. The meek Lamb of God who said, "Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble of heart" (Matthew 11:29), has fashioned a homemade whip and begun tearing through the temple, overturning stalls and showcases, thrashing the merchants and roaring, "Get out of here! This isn't Wal-Mart. You will not turn sacred space into a shopping excursion! You liars! To visit the temple is a sign of reverence for my Father. Get out of here!"

What is even more disconcerting is Jesus's relentless passion for the truth. In our society, where money, power, and pleasure are the name of the game, the body of truth is bleeding from a thousand wounds. Many of us have been lying to ourselves for so long that our comforting illusions and rationalizations have assumed a patina of truth; we clutch them to our hearts the way a child clutches a favorite teddy bear. Not convinced? Consider the man on his third luncheon martini quoting the Apostle Paul about a little wine being good for the stomach; or the "liberated" Christian's vehement defense of the nudity in The Last Tango in Paris, the violence in Pulp Fiction, or the oral sex scene in My Private Idaho, because they are "integral to the plot and tastefully done"; or the upstanding church deacon who overlooks cheating and manipulation in his business dealings because "it's the only way to be competitive"; or whole churches in which the delirium of guiltlessness is reality, the mastery of biblical exegesis is holiness, the size of the congregation is proof of its authenticity, and on and on. There is no limit to the defenses we contrive against the inbreak of truth into our lives.

The painful question we face in the church today is whether the love of God can be purchased so cheaply. The first step in the pursuit of truth is not the moral resolution to avoid the habit of petty lying--however unattractive a character disfigurement that may be. It is not the decision to stop deceiving others. It is the decision to stop deceiving ourselves. Unless we have the same relentless passion for the truth that Jesus exhibited in the temple, we are undermining our faith, betraying the Lord, and deceiving ourselves. Self-deception is the enemy of wholeness because it prevents us from seeing ourselves as we really are. It covers up our lack of growth in the Spirit of the truthful One and keeps us from coming to terms with our real personalities.

Many years ago I witnessed the power of selfdeception dramatically reenacted in the alcoholic rehabilitation center of a small American town. The scene (which is excerpted from my earlier work The Ragamuffin Gospel ): A large, split-level living room set on the brow of a hill overlooking an artificial lake. Twenty-five men, all chemically dependent on alcohol or drugs, have gathered. Croesus O'Connor, a recovering alcoholic, is the head honcho--a trained counselor, skilled therapist, and senior member of the staff. He summons Max, a small, diminutive man, to sit alone in the center of the U-shaped group. Max is a nominal Christian, married with five children, owner and president of his own company, wealthy and affable, gifted with a remarkable poise. O'Connor begins the interrogation:

"How long you been drinking like a pig, Max?"

Max winces. "That's not quite fair."

"We'll see. Let's get into your drinking history. How much per day?"

"Well, I have two Marys with the men before lunch and two Martins when the office closes at five. Then. . . ."

"What in God's name are Marys and Martins?" Croesus interrupts.

"Bloody Marys--vodka, tomato juice, a dash of Worcestershire--and Martinis--extra dry, straight up, ice cold, with an olive and lemon twist."

"Thank you, Mary Martin. Go on."

"The wife likes a drink before dinner. Got her hooked on Martins years back." Max smiles. "You understand that, right, guys?" No one responds. "We have two then and two before bed."

"Eight drinks a day, Max?" Croesus inquires.

"That's right. Not a drop more, not a drop less."

"You're a liar!"

Max is not ruffled. "I'll pretend I didn't hear that. Been in business twenty-eight years. People know my word is my bond. Built my reputation on veracity, not mendacity."

"Ever hide a bottle in your house?" asks Benjamin, a Native American from New Mexico.

"Don't be ridiculous. Got a bar in my living room as big as a horse 's ass. Nothing personal, Mr. O'Connor." Mary Martin is smiling again.

Continues...

Excerpted from The Importance of Being Foolish by Brennan Manning Copyright © 2005 by Brennan Manning. Excerpted by permission.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

Customer Reviews

Average Rating 4
( 3 )

Rating Distribution

5 Star

(1)

4 Star

(1)

3 Star

(1)

2 Star

(0)

1 Star

(0)

Your Rating:

Review Guidelines
Add Recommendations
Your Name: Create a Pen Name or Leave Anonymously

Barnes & Noble.com Review Rules

Our reader reviews allow you to share your comments on titles you liked, or didn't, with others. By submitting an online review, you are representing to Barnes & Noble.com that all information contained in your review is original and accurate in all respects, and that the submission of such content by you and the posting of such content by Barnes & Noble.com does not and will not violate the rights of any third party. Please follow the rules below to help ensure that your review can be posted.

Reviews by Our Customers Under the Age of 13

We highly value and respect everyone's opinion concerning the titles we offer. However, we cannot allow persons under the age of 13 to have accounts at BN.com or to post customer reviews. Please see our Terms of Use for more details.

What to exclude from your review:

Please do not write about reviews, commentary, or information posted on the product page. If you see any errors in the information on the product page, please send us an email.

Reviews should not contain any of the following:

  • - HTML tags, profanity, obscenities, vulgarities, or comments that defame anyone
  • - Time-sensitive information such as tour dates, signings, lectures, etc.
  • - Single-word reviews. Other people will read your review to discover why you liked or didn't like the title. Be descriptive.
  • - Comments focusing on the author or that may ruin the ending for others
  • - Phone numbers, addresses, URLs
  • - Pricing and availability information or alternative ordering information
  • - Advertisements or commercial solicitation

Reminder:

  • - By submitting a review, you grant to Barnes & Noble.com and its sublicensees the royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable right and license to use the review in accordance with the Barnes & Noble.com Terms of Use.
  • - Barnes & Noble.com reserves the right not to post any review -- particularly those that do not follow the terms and conditions of these Rules. Barnes & Noble.com also reserves the right to remove any review at any time without notice.
  • - See Terms of Use for other conditions and disclaimers.
Search for Products You'd Like to Recommend

Recommend other products that relate to your review. Just search for them below and share!

Create a Pen Name

Your Pen Name is your unique identiy on BN.com. It will appear on the reviews you write and other website activities. Your Pen Name cannot be edited, changed or deleted once submitted.

Your Pen Name can be any combination of alphanumeric characters (plus - and _), and must be at least two characters long.

Continue Anonymously

We're sorry, but penname is already taken.

Please select one of the following:
Your Pen Name can be any combination of alphanumeric characters (plus - and _), and must be at least two characters long.

Continue Anonymously

penname is available!

By visiting the BN.com website or marking a purchase on BN.com, a User is deemed to have accepted the Terms of Use.

Continue Anonymously

Welcome, penname

You have successfully created your Pen Name. Start enjoying the benefits of the BN.com Community today.

Sort by: Showing all of 3 Customer Reviews

  • Anonymous

    Posted June 14, 2005

    God Help

    This is not a self help book. It is a God help book. Afterall, we humans are imperfect beings. Looking to self to find answers only brings more questions. But, looking to the Gospels for guidance is supreme. This book is a user friendly guide to Biblical wisdom with a fresh approach.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted April 15, 2005

    3 stars.

    *** Undoubtedly, you have heard of the Importance of Being Earnest; however being foolish is something that most people tend to avoid, though from their actions you might assume that they were pursuing foolishness earnestly- and being remarkably successful in snaring it. Unfortunately, the foolishness that is so easily captured is the wrong kind. The author of the landslide bestselling Ragamuffin Gospel returns to show us what kind of foolishness we need in our lives and how to make it our lifestyle. St. Paul has taught us that Christians are those whose lives seem foolish to the secular world, living a paradoxical existence whereby their weakness is strength, and defeat becomes victory. How does one reach that goal? Rather than going to a monastery to learn these principles, you can read this book that covers the subjects such as living lives based on truth and transparency, how to find the Father, forgiveness, and carrying on the work of the Kingdom of God, among others. With an easy style and simplicity that makes it accessable to all, these practical steps will help you achieve what all the self help books that are worth anything point towards. ***

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted June 17, 2011

    No text was provided for this review.

Sort by: Showing all of 3 Customer Reviews
If you find inappropriate content, please report it to Barnes & Noble
Why is this product inappropriate?
Comments (optional)
500 character limit