NIV Ragamuffin Bible - A Reveiw

NIV Ragamuffin Bible

A Review

The Ragamuffin Bible is a somewhat disappointing devotional Bible based on the writings and thoughts of Brennan Manning.  Throughout the book are short and very brief quotes from Manning’s previous works.  There are a few longer quotes and devotionals, but not nearly as many as one might expect from a major devotional Bible.  I would have liked to see a greater number of longer quotes compared the many short sentences or mini-paragraphs quoted.  The cover of the Bible suggests that there are three types of devotional passages:

• 104 Devotions designed guide the reader “into a deeper connections to God and his Word”
• 250 Reflections designed to help the reader “understand what it means to be a child of God”
• 150 quotes that offer “thoughtful insights into God’s kingdom”

The problem for this reader is that it is difficult to determine which category the different quotations are intended to fit under.

The reflections and quotes are from Brennan Manning.  However, though the book is subtitled a “Lifetime Work from Brennan Manning”, it is unclear whether the chosen quotes and devotionals were picked out by Rev. Manning himself (who died in April 2013) or by a secondary editor in preparation for this work.  Manning is not listed as either the author or the editor of the work.  It would also appear that some of the quoted were especially prepared for this Bible (i.e. they were not borrowed from other works).

My first reaction was that there was no index - which is true to a certain extent.  However, there is a complete list of “Acknowledgements” at the rear of the Bible.  This final reference does help locate the original source for most (not all) of the quotations and devotionals.  

The Bible is highly recommended for those who are just beginning their Christian walk or for those who are looking for something new to enhance their understanding and application of God’s Word.  It will lead the believer into a deeper walk with Jesus, regardless of where they are in their faith journey.  

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This review is based on a free copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review.  The opinions expressed are mine alone.