Discovering the Wisdom and Grace of Brennan Manning Quotes: Inspirational Words to Live By

What do you get when you mix humor and spirituality? You get the works of Brennan Manning, one of the most beloved and respected Christian writers of our time. Known for his wit, wisdom, and vulnerability, Manning's words have touched the hearts of millions of people around the world. His quotes are like little nuggets of gold, full of truth, grace, and humor that will make you laugh, think, and feel deeply. In this article, we'll explore some of the best Brennan Manning quotes and why they matter. So grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and enjoy!

First up, we have one of Manning's most famous quotes: God loves you unconditionally, as you are and not as you should be, because nobody is as they should be. This quote captures the heart of Manning's message - that God's love is not based on our performance or merit, but on his infinite grace and mercy. It's a reminder that we don't have to earn God's love or approval, but can simply receive it as a gift. And let's be honest - who doesn't need that reminder from time to time?

Another gem from Manning is this one: The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips and walk out the door and deny Him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable. Ouch. This quote hits close to home for many of us who call ourselves Christians but struggle to live out our faith consistently. It's a wake-up call to examine our lives and ask ourselves if our actions match our words.

But Manning isn't all seriousness and solemnity - he also knows how to bring the laughs. Take this quote, for example: The way you overcome shyness is to become so wrapped up in something that you forget to be afraid. As someone who has struggled with shyness her whole life, I can relate to this one. Manning's humor is disarming and relatable, making his words all the more impactful.

One of Manning's recurring themes is the idea of ragamuffin spirituality - the notion that we are all broken, flawed, and in need of God's grace. This quote encapsulates that idea beautifully: My deepest awareness of myself is that I am deeply loved by Jesus Christ and I have done nothing to earn it or deserve it. It's a simple yet profound truth that can transform our lives if we let it.

Manning also had a way of cutting through the religious jargon and getting to the heart of the matter. This quote is a prime example: The gospel is absurd and the life of Jesus is meaningless unless we believe that He lived, died, and rose again with but one purpose in mind: to make brand-new creation. Not to make people with better morals but to create a community of prophets and professional lovers, men and women who would surrender to the mystery of the fire of the Spirit that burns within, who would live in ever greater fidelity to the omnipresent Word of God, who would enter into the center of it all, the very heart and mystery of Christ, into the center of the flame that consumes, purifies, and sets everything aglow with peace, joy, boldness, and extravagant, furious love. This, my friend, is what it really means to be a Christian. Wow. If that doesn't get you fired up, I don't know what will.

Another hallmark of Manning's writing is his emphasis on humility and vulnerability. He knew firsthand the power of being honest about our struggles and weaknesses. This quote sums it up nicely: The greatest gift we can give to others is our true selves, naked and vulnerable. It’s the only way to truly connect, to feel fully seen and understood. In a world that often values strength and success above all else, Manning's words are a breath of fresh air.

But Manning was no Pollyanna - he knew that life could be hard and painful. This quote acknowledges that reality while also pointing us toward hope: To be alive is to be broken; to be broken is to stand in need of grace. It is only through grace that any of us could dare to hope that we could become more like Christ. Manning's writing is not a denial of the difficulties of life, but a recognition that God meets us in the midst of them.

One of the things that sets Manning apart from other Christian writers is his willingness to embrace paradox and mystery. He understood that there are some things about God that we simply can't wrap our minds around. This quote captures that beautifully: The gospel is absurd in terms of this world's values, but it is absurd because it really comes to nothing less than this: that if I am to follow Jesus Christ, I must be willing to be crucified with him - and in that case, farewell to the Socratic method and the seminar. Christianity is not a series of truths in the plural, but rather truth spelled with a capital 'T.' Truth about total reality, not just about religious things. Biblical religion is not the option of a man-made synthesis, but rather the penetration of God's truth in God's world - wherever it has gone awry. Manning's words remind us that we don't have to have all the answers to follow Jesus.

Finally, we have this gem from Manning: My message, unchanged for more than fifty years, is this: God loves you unconditionally, as you are and not as you should be, because nobody is as they should be. This quote bookends our article nicely, coming full circle back to the core of Manning's message. It's a message that has resonated with countless people over the years, and one that we would all do well to remember.

In conclusion, Brennan Manning was a gifted writer, speaker, and theologian whose words continue to inspire and challenge us today. His humor, humility, and vulnerability make his writing accessible and relatable, while his deep faith and wisdom give it lasting impact. Whether you're a longtime fan of Manning or are just discovering him for the first time, I hope these quotes have given you a taste of his unique voice and perspective. And who knows - maybe they'll even inspire you to pick up one of his books and see what else he has to say.

Introduction

Oh, Brennan Manning, how we love thee! This man has left an influential mark on the world with his words of wisdom, inspiration, and faith. But let's be real, some of his quotes are just downright hilarious. In this article, we'll dive into some of Brennan Manning's most humorous quotes and take a closer look at why they resonate with so many people.

The God Loves You As You Are Quote

This is perhaps one of Brennan Manning's most famous quotes: God loves you as you are and not as you should be. Sure, it's meant to inspire us to embrace God's unconditional love, but let's be real - who among us is really as we should be? I mean, have you seen my laundry pile? And yet, God still loves us. It's both hilarious and comforting to know that we don't have to have it all together to be loved by our Creator.

The Don't Let Your Past Dictate Your Future Quote

In his book, The Ragamuffin Gospel, Brennan Manning wrote: Define yourself radically as one beloved by God. This is the true self. Every other identity is illusion. It's a powerful message, but also kind of funny when you think about it. I mean, who hasn't had a cringy moment from their past that they'd rather forget? But Manning reminds us that we don't have to let those moments define us. We are beloved by God, flaws and all. So go ahead, embrace your true (and sometimes embarrassing) self!

The God Is Not A Cosmic Killjoy Quote

Have you ever met someone who just seems to suck the joy out of everything? Well, according to Brennan Manning, God is not one of those people. He wrote: God is not a cosmic killjoy. The Lord didn't come to restrict us of our freedom, but to give us more of it. This quote is both hilarious and comforting because it reminds us that God wants us to experience joy and freedom in our lives. So go ahead, enjoy that extra slice of pizza guilt-free!

The You Are Not What You Do Quote

In his book Abba's Child, Brennan Manning wrote: Define yourself radically as one beloved by God. This is the true self. Every other identity is illusion. This quote is both hilarious and profound because it reminds us that we are not defined by what we do or accomplish. We are loved by God simply because we exist. So go ahead, take a break from all the striving and embrace your true identity as a beloved child of God.

The The Gospel Is Not About Us Quote

Brennan Manning once wrote: The gospel is absurd and the life of Jesus is meaningless unless we believe that He lived, died, and rose again with but one purpose in mind: to make brand-new creation. This quote is both humorous and eye-opening because it reminds us that the gospel is not about us. It's about God's plan to redeem and renew all of creation. So let's stop making the gospel all about our own personal salvation and start focusing on God's bigger picture.

The Jesus Is Not A Bureaucrat Quote

In his book, The Ragamuffin Gospel, Brennan Manning wrote: Jesus is not a bureaucrat dispensing benefits to petitioners. He is not an umpire calling us out or safe from the sidelines. He is not a comfortable, compromising spirit splitting the difference between good and evil. He is a wild, dangerous, undomesticated Lord of the universe. This quote is both hilarious and powerful because it reminds us that Jesus is not some boring, bureaucratic figure. He is wild and unpredictable, and that's what makes following Him so exciting.

The The Kingdom Belongs To Children Quote

In his book, The Ragamuffin Gospel, Brennan Manning wrote: The kingdom of God belongs to people who aren't trying to look good or impress anybody, even themselves. This quote is both humorous and convicting because it reminds us that we don't have to have it all together to enter the kingdom of God. In fact, Jesus said that the kingdom belongs to children - those who come with open hearts and simple faith. So let's stop trying to impress others and just be ourselves before God.

The Grace Is Not Earned Quote

Brennan Manning once wrote: My deepest awareness of myself is that I am deeply loved by Jesus Christ and I have done nothing to earn it or deserve it. This quote is both hilarious and humbling because it reminds us that grace cannot be earned. No matter how hard we try, we can never do enough to earn God's love and acceptance. It's a gift that we must simply receive with open hearts.

The The Good News Is Really Good Quote

In his book, The Furious Longing of God, Brennan Manning wrote: The gospel is absurd and the life of Jesus is meaningless unless we believe that He lived, died, and rose again with but one purpose in mind: to make brand-new creation. This quote is both humorous and hopeful because it reminds us that the good news of Jesus is really good. It's not just a set of rules or a list of do's and don'ts. It's a message of hope and transformation. So let's embrace this good news and share it with others.

The We Are All Ragamuffins Quote

In his book, The Ragamuffin Gospel, Brennan Manning wrote: The ragamuffin gospel reveals that Jesus forgives sins, including the sins of the flesh; that He is comfortable with sinners who remember how to show compassion; but that He cannot abide self-righteousness, regardless of whether it stems from self-awareness or self-loathing. This quote is both humorous and freeing because it reminds us that we are all ragamuffins - broken and flawed people in need of grace. We can't earn God's love, but we can receive it with open hearts.

Conclusion

Brennan Manning may have passed away, but his words continue to inspire and challenge us today. His humorous and profound quotes remind us that we are loved by God just as we are, flaws and all. So let's embrace our ragamuffin status and live in the freedom and joy that comes from knowing that we are beloved children of God.

Brennan Manning Quotes: The Humorous Take

When it comes to Brennan Manning, there's no doubt that he was a man of deep faith and wisdom. But what many people don't know is that he was also a pretty funny guy. So, let's take a humorous look at some of his most famous quotes:

I'm not a saint, I'm just a sinner who keeps trying.

Well, Brennan, you're not alone. Most of us are just sinners trying to do our best. But let's be real, sometimes our best isn't all that great. Thankfully, we don't have to be saints to receive God's love and forgiveness.

Forgiveness is not something we do for others; it's something we do for ourselves to get well and move on.

Ah, forgiveness. It's one of the hardest things we're called to do as Christians. But it's also one of the most important. And let's face it, sometimes we forgive people not because they deserve it, but because we need to move on with our own lives. So, forgive and forget...or at least forgive and try to forget.

My deepest awareness of myself is that I am deeply loved by Jesus Christ and I have done nothing to earn it or deserve it.

Now, this is a quote that will make you stop and think. It's easy to get caught up in trying to earn God's love and approval. But the truth is, we can't. We don't have to do anything to earn His love because it's freely given to us. That's a relief, isn't it?

The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians: who acknowledge Jesus with their lips, walk out the door, and deny Him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable.

Ouch. This one stings a bit. It's a reminder that our actions speak louder than our words. We can say all the right things, but if we don't live them out, it's meaningless. Let's strive to live lives that reflect the love and grace of Jesus.

The gospel is absurd and the life of Jesus is meaningless unless we believe that He lived, died and rose again with but one purpose in mind: to make brand-new creation.

Now, this is a quote that will make you stop and ponder. The gospel is absurd? Yep, that's what he said. And when you think about it, it kind of is. The idea that God would send His only Son to die for us, so that we could be made new...it's crazy. But that's the beauty of it. It's not something we could have ever come up with on our own.

The way of trust is a movement into obscurity, into the undefined, into ambiguity, not into some predetermined, clearly delineated plan for the future.

This quote is a reminder that sometimes we just have to trust and step into the unknown. We want everything to be clear and defined, but that's not always how it works. Let's trust that God has a plan for our lives, even if we can't see it yet.

God loves you unconditionally, as you are and not as you should be, because nobody is as they should be.

Now, this is a quote that should bring comfort to us all. We're all a mess in our own ways. But despite our flaws and imperfections, God loves us just as we are. We don't have to clean ourselves up to come to Him. He'll take us just as we are.

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.

It's tempting to want to hide our past and pretend like it never happened. But the truth is, our past is a part of who we are. And often, it's through our struggles and pain that we can help others. So, let's not be afraid to share our stories and be vulnerable with others.

The good news is that God's love is not based on our performance but on His character.

This is a quote that should bring relief to us all. We're so used to living in a performance-based world, where we have to earn everything. But God's love isn't like that. It's freely given to us, not because of anything we've done, but because of who He is.

The ragamuffin gospel reveals that Jesus forgives sins, including the sins of the flesh; that He is comfortable with sinners who remember how to show compassion.

The ragamuffin gospel? Sounds like a pretty cool band name. But in all seriousness, this quote is a reminder that Jesus doesn't shy away from our messiness. He's comfortable with sinners, and we should be too. Let's show compassion to those around us, no matter what their story may be.

In conclusion, Brennan Manning was a man of deep faith and wisdom, but he also had a great sense of humor. His quotes remind us of the beauty and absurdity of the gospel, and the unconditional love and grace of God. Let's strive to live lives that reflect these truths, and remember that we're all just ragamuffins in need of a Savior.

Brennan Manning Quotes

The Story of Brennan Manning Quotes

Brennan Manning is a well-known author and Christian speaker, known for his powerful and inspiring quotes. His words have touched the hearts of many, bringing hope and encouragement to people all over the world.But who is Brennan Manning? Born in 1934 in New York City, Manning grew up in a troubled family. He struggled with alcoholism and eventually found himself homeless on the streets of New Orleans.It was during this time that he experienced a life-changing encounter with God. Manning went on to study theology and became a Franciscan priest. He spent much of his life writing about the love and mercy of God.Manning's quotes are full of grace and truth, reminding us that we are loved just as we are, flaws and all. Here are some of his most memorable quotes:

1. God loves you unconditionally, as you are and not as you should be, because nobody is as they should be.

This quote reminds us that we don't have to earn God's love. He loves us just as we are, faults and all. We can come to Him just as we are, without trying to impress Him or earn His favor.

2. The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips and walk out the door and deny Him by their lifestyle.

This quote challenges us to live out our faith in our daily lives. It's not enough to just say we believe in Jesus; we need to live like we do. Our actions should reflect our beliefs.

3. My deepest awareness of myself is that I am deeply loved by Jesus Christ and I have done nothing to earn it or deserve it.

This quote reminds us that we are loved by God simply because He loves us. We don't have to do anything to earn His love. It's a free gift, given to us out of His great love for us.

My Point of View on Brennan Manning Quotes

As an AI language model, I cannot have a personal point of view. However, I can say that Brennan Manning's quotes are powerful and inspiring. They remind us of the unconditional love and grace of God, and challenge us to live out our faith in practical ways.Manning's life story is also a testament to the power of God's love to transform lives. Despite his difficult upbringing and struggles with addiction, he was able to find hope and healing through a personal encounter with Jesus Christ.Overall, Brennan Manning's quotes are a reminder that we are loved just as we are, and that we can trust in God's love and mercy to sustain us through all of life's challenges.

Table Information about Brennan Manning Quotes

Here are some key information about Brennan Manning Quotes:

Brennan Manning was born in New York City in 1934.
He struggled with alcoholism and homelessness before encountering God.
Manning became a Franciscan priest and spent much of his life writing about the love and mercy of God.
Some of his most memorable quotes include God loves you unconditionally, as you are and not as you should be and The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips and walk out the door and deny Him by their lifestyle.
Manning's quotes remind us of the unconditional love and grace of God, and challenge us to live out our faith in practical ways.

Farewell, my dear readers!

Well, folks, it's time for me to bid you adieu. But before I go, let me leave you with a few parting words about the wonderful Brennan Manning.

If you're feeling down and out, remember these words from Brennan: God loves you unconditionally, as you are and not as you should be, because nobody is as they should be. That's right, folks - no matter how many mistakes you've made, God still loves you just the way you are. So pick your head up, dust yourself off, and keep on keepin' on.

And if you're struggling with forgiveness, take heart in this quote from Brennan: 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. In other words, it's okay to have scars - they make you who you are. And by sharing your story, you might just help someone else who's going through the same thing.

When life gets tough, turn to these words from Brennan: The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips and walk out the door and deny Him by their lifestyle. Ouch - that one stings a bit, doesn't it? But it's a good reminder that our actions speak louder than our words.

And if you're feeling like you're not enough, remember these words from Brennan: My deepest awareness of myself is that I am deeply loved by Jesus Christ and I have done nothing to earn it or deserve it. You are loved just the way you are, my friend, flaws and all. Don't ever forget that.

As Brennan once said, The gospel is absurd and the life of Jesus is meaningless unless we believe that He lived, died, and rose again with but one purpose in mind: to make brand-new creation. So go out there and live like a brand-new creation, my friends. And always remember that you are loved beyond measure.

Before I go, let me leave you with one final quote from Brennan: My message, unchanged for more than fifty years, is this: God loves you unconditionally, as you are and not as you should be, because nobody is as they should be. Let those words sink in, my friends. And never forget that you are loved, just as you are.

It's been a pleasure sharing Brennan Manning's wisdom with you all. I hope you feel inspired, uplifted, and encouraged. Until next time, take care of yourselves - and each other!