Reading the Gospels without knowing the personality of Jesus is like watching television with the sound turned off. The result is a dry, two dimensional person doing strange, undecipherable things. In Beautiful Outlaw, John Eldredge removes the religious varnish to help readers discover stunning new insights into the humanity of Jesus. He was accused of breaking the law, keeping bad company, heavy drinking. Of being the devil himself. He was so compelling and dangerous they had to kill him. But others loved him passionately. He had a sense of humor. His generosity was scandalous. His anger made enemies tremble. He’d say the most outrageous things. He was definitely not the Jesus of the stained glass. In the author’s winsome, narrative approach, he breaks Jesus out of the typical stereotypes, just as he set masculinity free in his book, Wild at Heart. By uncovering the real Jesus, readers are welcomed into the rich emotional life of Christ. All of the remarkable qualities of Jesus burst like fireworks with color and brilliance because of his humanity. Eldredge goes on to show readers how they can experience this Jesus in their lives every day. This book will quicken readers’ worship, and deepen their intimacy with Jesus. ~ Book Description

Table of Contents

• • Introduction: The Tipping of the Landslide   ix
  • 1. The Playfulness of god and the Poison of Religion   1
  • 2. The Missing Essential — His Personality   13
  • 3. Is Jesus Really Playful?   18
  • 4. Fierce Intention   30
  • 5. The Most Human Face of All   43
  • 6. Extravagant Generosity   56
  • 7. Disruptive Honesty   66
  • 8. A Scandalous Freedom   81
  • 9. Cunning   93
  • 10. Humility   107
  • 11. Trueness   121
  • 12. Beautiful   135
  • 13. Loving Jesus   139
  • 14. Letting Jesus Be Himself — With You   151
  • 15. Clearing Away the Religious Fog   166
  • 16. Letting Jesus Be Himself   — Encounters   181
  • 17. Letting His LIfe Fill Yours   197
  • Epilogue: One Last Thought   211
  • Acknowledgments   221
  • Notes   223