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What are readers saying about Wild at Heart?
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A Reader posted a review at 2009-10-07 02:35:48.
(Language: English)
  
A good book to read for men. A good insight into the masculinity and how the world has turned men into week "nice" guys. Helps to see God as the father especially to those who grew up without one or with an uninvolved father. Helps overcome some fears of being a father yourself. One has to be careful not to make rash and unwise decisions. The could be a chapter that helped people understand more as to what is the good course of action and what is a bad one.
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Kenneth posted a review at 2011-12-21 07:56:49.
(Language: English)
Any man that wants to live life to the fullest in the way God has designed us should read this book.
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A Reader posted a review at 2008-08-04 10:42:41.
(Language: English)
If you could boil down the prevailing Christian culture's perspective of the masculine role into a list of short descriptions, you would find words like 'meek', 'humble', and 'nice guy' ranking high on that list, but does that really fit the soul of a man - a soul that was created in the image of God? This book offers words like 'bold', 'fearless', 'courageous', and 'valiant' as at least as important to our roles. While it falls prey to some of the weaknesses of these types of books (a little too formulaic, and a little too self-assured at times), it comes through in proclaiming an all-to-oft repressed message - that not only is it OK to be bold, it's necessary. I think of the topics in this book daily.
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Jon posted a review at 2012-07-07 03:25:30.
(Language: English)
Wasn't that impressed.
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A Reader posted a review at 2008-09-23 03:40:39.
(Language: English)
Does a great job of identifying the sorry state of masculinity in the modern church but it's founded on some flaky theology. Man wasn't created in or for the wilderness so when that's applied, and without the meta-narrative of the bible, then you wind up on a rocky mountain pass going nowhere. Theology is off but it's a good review of men in the contemporary church. Does a great job of identifying the issues for men in church just his theology is off a bit. As awesome as the wilderness is we weren't made in or for it. Fails to integrate much of the Bible's meta-narrative thus winds up on some mountain pass going no-where. Does a great job of identifying the sorry state of masculinity in the modern church but it's founded on some flaky theology. Man wasn't created in or for the wilderness so when that's applied, and without the meta-narrative of the bible, then you wind up on a rocky mountain pass going nowhere.Even though his foundational assumption that Man was created outside the garden thus we want to be in the wild is just really bad bible reading (interesting how God actually moves humanity from Garden to City over the full narrative of the bible...) this book strikes a nerve since much of modern Christianity is very effeminate and lacks a solid understanding of the role one's gender plays in their identity. Does a great job of identifying the sorry state of masculinity in the modern church but it's founded on some flaky theology. Man wasn't created in or for the wilderness so when that's applied, and without the meta-narrative of the bible, then you wind up on a rocky mountain pass going nowhere. The basic argument is off but acknowledging the symptoms is it's strong point. Diagnoses the male heart in today's church well just the theology is up a creek filled with something smelly in the wilderness somewhere. If only more theology writers could tap the emotions as well as Eldredge does.
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A Reader posted a review at 2007-12-16 01:02:16.
(Language: English)
There is a lot that can be said about how dead on target this book is, but I'll summarize with this simple, yet very meaningful, statement from John Eldridge: "[I]n the heart of every man is a desperate desire for a battle to fight, an adventure to live, and a beauty to rescue" (Wild at Heart). To go one further, the best part of this book to me was the amount of inspiring and motivating quotes that could be found throughout the whole work. It was filled with an insight that is hard to find in any books nowadays. I turned the last page with both an encouragement to be a man, fully wild at heart, and also a sense of despair in that the book had ended. (Guess I'll just have to read the follow-up book, Way of the Wild Heart, now). Gil Bailie (pg. 200 of Wild at Heart): "Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive."
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Scott posted a review at 2010-07-03 10:35:30.
(Language: English)
This was a book that challenged, encouraged, and spoke to me in many ways. A good book from which to journal, reflect on, and undertake a lot of self examination. Eldredge writes that in every many, there is a fierceness, wildness and passion that is at the core of how men have been created. Yet, in life, in society, and in church, men are told only to be passive and gentle, and to be safe. Eldredge writes much about the fierce aspects of Jesus; a refreshing contrast to the meek and mild Jesus taught and heard about in church and Sunday School. This book helped me to understand why sometimes I feel that I connect more with God in outdoor places instead of inside a church building. Highly recommended.
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A Reader posted a review at 2010-02-03 09:55:22.
(Language: English)
This is a good book. It can help a man develop a better understanding of himself and God. For the most part, much of the book resonated within me. I really enjoyed the concepts of our image in Christ, living the adventurous, dangerous life, fighting the battle, being the hero and rescuing the beauty. I also appreciate the authors’ use of movies for parable story examples. Many of the movies he speaks of, I have watched and thoroughly enjoyed. I even enjoyed some of the poetry. On the flip side, I struggled through a couple different chapters. The way they were presented, it was almost as if I need to act like I was a victim. I’m not. I don’t have a victim mentality and I choose to be responsible for my own actions. Have bad things happened to me? Of course, but that doesn’t mean I need to be a victim because of those things – I am a victor through Christ Jesus! And ultimately this is how the book concludes; we are winners because we are His children! If you do not have a victim mentality, I’d recommend this book.
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A Reader posted a review at 2009-10-12 08:45:58.
(Language: English)
While I admire the authors passion, and I do believe that God wants men to be men, I felt that there are a lot of problems with the book. Several passages are quoted out of context, and differing translations of the Bible are used depending on what the author was trying to say. There are parts of the manuscript that are humanist, polished up to be sure, but they are still pretty fleshy for a Christian book. But don't take my word for it and throw the baby out with the bath water, have a look at it yourself. A critical reading that contrasts it to scripture is not necessarily a bad thing yeah?
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A Reader posted a review at 2008-04-07 11:58:02.
(Language: English)
Very difficult book to rate... I loved so much of what Eldredge wrote, but I despised what he neglected. He describes so much of the life and energy of a man but lets the real core of it slip through his fingers (not that it's an easy thing to pin down). But what 'Wild at Heart' misses, is that no man will become a real man simply by knowing what a manly man looks like. The sin of the heart must be addressed, because repentance (= returning to God) is the only way to find true manhood. God must be at the heart of real manhood, not man. And we can't merely use God to regain our masculinity - the goal isn't finding manhood, it's finding God - and with that comes restored sexuality. For me, the book mentions God in-so-far as he can aid our search for manhood, rather than centering around God - and the difference between the two is significant.I think Larry Crabb's 'The Silence of Adam' goes a lot further towards the core of manhood, the core problems we face as men, and how to change.
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A Reader posted a review at 2009-02-06 06:10:09.
(Language: English)
Eldredge challenges churches to not contribute to filling the body with "nice guy's." I agree with his observations (though I think he paints too broad a criticism), but strongly disagree with where he seems to point his readers. The problem with men as humans is not that we've lost our manliness, it's that we're full of damnable sin. "It's not your fault," is the obvious logical next step for Eldredge in explaining what's wrong with us. As I was reading I continually asked myself what Eldredge would do with Romans 7. Which he eventually highlights, and completely fails at interpreting the glorious news of Jesus Christ as Paul's immediate question to "O wretched man that I am, who will save me from this body of death?" There's an annoying habit here of dropping in proof text scripture to make his ideas seem "christian," but his interpretations are not faithful to their true meanings, making his arguments very weak. I have a hard time heeding direction from a book that has me scratching my head wondering when he's going to clearly present the gospel. Ladies, please don't categorize men by this book. A man needs to be a man, and not be a passive wimp, but that doesn't mean he has to beat up a bear to prove it. I would suggest several other books on manhood before this one: Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, God Marriage and Family, Family Driven Faith, Sex and the Supremacy of Christ, or any Mark Driscoll sermon or book.
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A Reader posted a review at 2008-10-25 11:39:20.
(Language: English)
For the men among us who feel dispondent, sinful, ashamed, unholy, and loathe to approach God or admit their spiritual anguish, umm... read this book! This book represents a paradigm shift in how we view this world and who we are as men. What is God's view of malekind? What was His purpose in creating the strengths and weakness we all share? How can we overcome the despair that we all feel? What are the promises and opportunities to deepen our relationship with the Lord? And how does this translate into how we interact with the people we encounter, and especially, with women? Find the answers here.
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A Reader posted a review at 2007-12-03 11:04:26.
(Language: English)
The 220-page book is heavy, original, unorthodox and inspiring. Besides quoting from the Bible, Eldredge used a lot of personal stories and excerpts from movies and other books to get his message across. He talked about false self, wounds, initiation, fathering, warrior’s heart, manhood, beauties, adventure, battles, trials…everything you want to know about a man’s soul. As a wife and mother, I would say it is one of the must-reads in supporting a husband or raising a boy. You may find the book very serious because it does not hesitate to confront your Christian belief and relationship with God. You may also find it enlightening as it challenges you with the question “what makes you come alive†and encourages you to discover God’s calling which is written on your true heart.
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A Reader posted a review at 2012-01-21 10:13:30.
(Language: English)
Wild at Heart offers a refreshing view on being a male Christian. A good way for men to wrestle with some of the larger questions of Christianity and to become more of the man God designed you to be. A must read for men and women alike.
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A Reader posted a review at 2009-12-05 03:44:23.
(Language: English)
Absolutely amazing book for grasping a man's soul. John Eldredge esentially dares you to throw the monotony of your life out the window, and chase down the dreams of your youth and come alive. Half way through this book I was tempted to hop on my Harley, leave my wife some cash on the table, and tell her I'd be back in a couple of months.
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A Reader posted a review at 2007-12-10 05:54:23.
(Language: English)
This is one of those books that every man needs to read. Eldredge provides a new, refreshing, liberating, and inspiring perspective on what it means to be a man of God. He emphasizes that the Christian man does not need to suppress his urges for adventure and battle. Rather, he says that these are inclinations we have for a reason and they are perfected when offered to God. Eldredge does, however, at times seem to ignore Christ's message of pacifism and possibly condone what may be excessive violence in movies and other media. Nonetheless, this book pierces the wild heart of every man and can provide him with the most powerful awakening.
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A Reader posted a review at 2009-02-17 10:10:03.
(Language: English)
This was interesting to read as a 50-something woman. It does help understand some issues men might have. Clearly he is a great writer, and uses metaphors that will be helpful to many readers. Like many books of this nature, it is written from a great deal of personal perspective and while much of the material could be acted on by the single man, it doesn't go near the very present issue of married couples where a man's wildest adventure would thrill him and be difficult for his wife. I hope he writes or has written a sequal to explain how a man can be manly just in caring for his family even if he is not climbing Mt.Everest.
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Lewis posted a review at 2012-04-30 06:55:06.
(Language: English)
great read! Wish I would have read this when I was a teen or at least in my early twenties. Could have helped me better understand who I was and avoid major mistakes.
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A Reader posted a review at 2009-04-20 01:00:09.
(Language: English)
This has quickly become a new favorite. Men will find it easy to relate, and women can better understand their husbands and sons through this book. The author gives men the permission to be masculine, and all that it entails, even in this modern day world where some of those characteristics are discouraged. They have those God given traits and it is for a reason. Men are encouraged to discover their mission or life purpose and to truly "know their name". Relationships wise the author pointed out that sometimes the masculine journey takes man away from woman, in order that he may come back with his questions answered. "A man does not go to a woman to get strength, he goes to her to offer it." I agree with the authors take on women as well..he seems to know a thing or two! NOTE: there are some theological problems throughout this book, so just be aware of that.
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A Reader posted a review at 2008-11-23 01:14:26.
(Language: English)
This is a "feel good" book based not on empirical facts, but just Eldridge's observations. Which sometimes is right, based on my observations of the world :), and sometimes wrong. I gave it 3 stars instead of 2 because it is a fun book to read and discuss, but I think his theology is way off at times. But the book keeps your attention and you don't want to put the book down. There are several things in this book that bother me: 1) He states that God took a chance when He created man. God knew what He was getting into. He knew many would turn away from Him but created us anyway because having 1 person return their love to Him was enough for him. 2) He states that women need to stop telling men how to raise their boys and let "men be men." God designed Men and Women to share in child rearing duties. Both bring their own insights and strengths to this task. The give-and-take between mom and dad help kids grow up balanced. 3) He states that women should seduce their men in order to get them to be more manly. (Chapter 10) Hmmmm...I have to think back as to why I didn't like this statement. ;) But I do agree with two things he emphasizes in the book: 1) Christian men should stop aspiring to be simply "nice guys." 2) Christian men need to stop using women and start "giving their strength" to their women. Read it, and then discuss the crazy statements with your friends. Good times will be had by all. :)
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A Reader posted a review at 2008-05-05 11:02:34.
(Language: English)
I had to read this book since I've been hating on it for so long based on 2nd had information. If you're going to be scornful of a book, you should at least read it yourself. Anyway, I was a lot less offended than I expected to be. He had some really great points and I'm glad he's helping men discover themselves. I just hope most men are smart enough not to take ANY of his advice on women. Good grief! The most dangerous part of this is actually his insistence that a man needs to wreck his son's relationship with his mom otherwise his kid won't become a man. You are way our to lunch dude. I have more to say, but I'll write it somewhere else.
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A Reader posted a review at 2010-08-17 04:55:17.
(Language: English)
What a breath of fresh air in a world of duties and obligations! I never liked man's books, so boring for me! Almost everyone of them taught about how you need to act to be a godly man. That was first about who you really are, and why. After you read you want to act extraordinary - climb the moutain, ride a horse, rescue someone's life, win the race, surrender for higher purpose and be who God created you to be. I still wonder why in Poland mainly woman read this book !?!
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A Reader posted a review at 2009-02-25 06:33:57.
(Language: English)
The first 30 pages inspired me to tear off my shirt and beat upon my mighty manly chest with my fists. The rest of the book was ok, at best. It says something useful about what it is to be a man, but then it loses its originality becomes like other whiny Christian-nonfiction books written. Yet it was worth reading, if only because it is so massively popular among Christian men. And I guess I must be in the minority (according to Eldredge), but my dad was nice to me. I got nothing against him.
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A Reader posted a review at 2009-05-07 08:24:47.
(Language: English)
"En medio del camino de mi vida, desperté en un bosque oscuro, donde el verdadero sendero estaba totalmente perdido". Ese fue el momento crucial en mivida. SI HEMOS DE CAMINAR CON ÉL EN NUESTRO VIAJE DE INICIACIÓN MASCULINA, DEBEMOS ALEJARNOS DEL FALSO YO, DERRIBARLO, RENUNCIAR A ÉL DE MODO VOLUNTARIO. "El Señor nos frustra para SALVARNOS" Hay tres deseos profundamente arraigados en el corazón del hombre: 1. UNA BATALLA QUE GANAR. 2. UNA AVENTURA QUE VIVIR. 3. UNA BELLA QUE RESCATAR "...Tenía una identidad y un lugar en la historia. Me invitaron a ser peligroso.Esto no es una opción si un niño ha de convertirse en hombre, o si un hombre ha de llegar a saber lo que es. Un hombre TIENE que saber de dónde viene y de QUÉ está hecho". (Pág. 25)
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A Reader posted a review at 2008-01-11 09:28:34.
(Language: English)
While this book does perfectly describe the core desires of man and rightfully states that a man should never "settle down" to be a boring cubicle dwelling sissy, the theology in this book is horrendous. Eldredge doesn't seem to understand that you can't just look at Scripture, read a surface level meaning, pack a load of speculation into it and then use it as an example. His handling of Scripture is nothing less than criminal. Read this book with a scientific mind and don't merely accept everything that seems to make sense or makes you feel good. Test it by the whole of Scripture.
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