Beautiful Outlaw

Experiencing the Playful, Disruptive, Extravagant Personality of Jesus

By: John Eldredge

Narrated by: John Eldredge

Length: 7 hrs and 31 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

©2011 John Eldredge (P)2011 Hachette

Wow! You're going to love this book!

Okay, I know that 100% of those who read this will not love it, but most will. For those of you who don't already feel this way about Jesus, let me say the book is respectful, it's not a tongue in cheek joke book.

Thanks to BibleGateway, I've listened my way through the Bible, several times, several Bibles, different narrators. As many times as I've read the Bible, it was dry, tough to get through, read it because I was supposed to. But when I started listening to it, I started understanding it differently and I saw Jesus as not just the Son of God, but as a human. I could hear his sarcasm at the Apostles - really. How could he not get a bit frustrated as often as he had to tell them things?

The author, John Eldredge takes this even further and shows not only Jesus in the Bible but in everyday life. Jesus is all things to all people and perhaps this isn't your Jesus, but be assured this can be your Jesus.

Don't cheat yourself and Jesus by leaving him in the Bible as a two dimensional Savior. Jesus wants to give, so ask, he loves you, let him, you can have this kind of relationship with Jesus, just open your mind and your heart - he's there waiting. Don't be surprised if hear "What took you so long?"

If you already have this kind of relationship with Jesus, you will enjoy this book and perhaps, even gain more insights. If you've never had this type of relationship, but would like it, you will fall in love with this book and fall in love with Our Savior all over again. And if you are in the middle, not sure about all this - get the book, surely you can spare a few of the hours God has given you to read about His Son and enhance your life.

I enjoyed this so much, I listened to it three times in a row. Now, I'm going to try another book by this author, John Eldredge,Walking with God: Talk to Him. Hear from Him. Really. I am excited!

So you think you know Jesus...

I've read and listened to other books by John Eldredge. He always ends up forcing me to think outside the tiny and neat box that I have my faith in. To quote Mohammed Ali, Eldredge "floats like a butterfly but stings like a bee!" His language is simple and easy to follow but watch out for that "right hook" which is going to flatten your complacency and stagger your understanding of God. After reflecting about what Mr. Eldredge writes, I always end up loving God more.
The performance can have an effect on your appreciation of a book. Mr Eldredge does not have the voice of famous narrators but his genuine affection for the subject of the book becomes infectious and this overcomes any "shortfall" in the performance by my reasoning.

Put your pre-concieved ideas aside

In our western culture we are trying to put a square peg in a round hole. John helps us to shave off those corners so Jesus can be a daily part of our lives. Afterall he says, there are168 hours in a week are we really going to get all we need of Jesus in 2hrs of church on Sunday! (my paraphrase)
I've had the pleasure of seeing John live and I am so glad that he reads this audible selection. That way nothing is "lost in the translation."

Beautifully done

Would you listen to Beautiful Outlaw again? Why?

I am listening to it again because there were points I had not understood about Jesus' life before, that changed my outlook on how I can relate to others.

What does John Eldredge bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Passion

Like being read to by Goofy the Dog

What did you like best about this story?

It brings to light several context clues in the Gospels that I otherwise might miss when reading them with my 21st century eyes. It made me appreciate the personal touch Jesus brought to his ministry and how every person's story matters.

Would you be willing to try another one of John Eldredge’s performances?

Unfortunately, no. I loved the content of the book, but it was often overshadowed by Eldredge's rather smug and patronizing performance. Felt like I was being read a bedtime story by Goofy the Dog.

Any additional comments?

Maybe pick up a text version instead...

An important perspective on Jesus and Christianity

This is a book every Christian should read. It shows a side of Jesus that we don't hear often in Church. It makes the case that Jesus was mostly against strict religious practices. I was raised as a traditional Catholic. Over th years I learned many Christian practices don't come from the bible or from Jesus but from Constantine and other Roman emperors. It is important to understand the essence of our religion and what Jesus taught about religion. The author offers a valid and worthwhile perspective.

Beautiful Outlaw---Fascinating presentation!

Would you consider the audio edition of Beautiful Outlaw to be better than the print version?

Just easier to follow when I am doing other things!

What other book might you compare Beautiful Outlaw to and why?

The Shack

What does John Eldredge bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

His expression!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Listening for second time!

Everyone should listen to this book!

In a world of atheist and agnostics and worse yet religious zealots, this book helps the reader discover the truth of Jesus, the creator of all, and His amazing personality.

The Jesus I didn't know

Where does Beautiful Outlaw rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Best read and favorite book so far

What other book might you compare Beautiful Outlaw to and why?

I only have 3 books so far

Which scene was your favorite?

Wherever he talks about the playfulness of Jesus.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I laughed and cried.

Any additional comments?

I never saw the personality of Jesus before. There has definitly been a lot of "regligious fog" around Him. John Eldridge completely strips that away. I love that He is playful and fun!

Awesome and enlightening!

What did you love best about Beautiful Outlaw?

This is a fresh new look of our Savior, Jesus Christ, with eyes that are not fogged by a religious haze.

What did you like best about this story?

It is the story of God pursuing us, his creation

Which scene was your favorite?

The miracle of turning water into wine

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Jesus as you've never seen him!

Any additional comments?

This is a must read for anyone who calls himself a Christian, or who is exploring Christianity. Come with an open mind, and it will change your perceptions of Jesus.