REVIEW: “Beautiful Outlaw” by John Eldredge
Are you tired of the religious fog? “Christianese“? Legalism? Then you’ll really enjoy this book!
Mr. Eldredge gives us a fresh perspective on the personality of Jesus. Instead of distant and spiteful, Jesus has a sense of humor, and is generous, humble, witty, gentle, and yet fiercely intentional.
I really enjoyed this book! They say that you can’t love Jesus unless you know Him. And, I think this book does a good job of introducing you to the real Jesus… the Jesus that came to us as a baby, and lived 30+ years here on earth to show us who He is. 
Rated: B+
[A complimentary eBook copy was provided for review by FaithWords, a division of Hatchette Book Group]
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I know this book has not yet been released… but I would love to know the premise of the book, especially the title “Beautiful Outlaw”.
Can you please tell me why he uses the word “outlaw”? What does the author really mean by using this terminology, that Jesus came to do away with the Old Testament Laws and instructions?
I would love to hear from you concerning this as well as any other comments you might have about it.
Thanks, Kim
Kim, the premise of the book is to remove the religious varnish surrounding Jesus and really just look at the Gospel stories about him in a whole new light. Just to read them with an unbiased eye, and watch them reveal the type of PERSON Jesus was (and is) in that light. It’s incredible reading so far. I know, for me, it’s easy to read those stories and apply the context of what I grew up with (16 years of religious schooling) and miss what the stories are really saying.
I would say so far that reading this book is like switching from a fuzzy, black and white television screen to a full color, HD portrayal of Jesus. It’s that good!
I’m also in the midst of reviewing Beautiful Outlaw, and I absolutely am floored by it so far! Getting to know Jesus as a real person, with a real personality, makes me love this guy so much more. Eldredge helps me see Jesus not as a one or even two-dimensional Bible character, or as a set of sayings and principles, but instead as a playful, engaging and disruptive man with the most amazing and engaging personality of anyone I’ve ever known.
Thanks, John! I totally agree… including with what you responded to Kim’s question.
This was such a fabulous book, and i’m finding it hard not to see Jesus as ‘playful’ now! LOL. I’m glad! I’m going to be buying myself a copy of this book when it comes out next month (since my NetGalley eBook copy of it will expire).
~MizB
Knowing that Jesus is God has always made it difficult for me to believe that he really understood the human experience. John Eldredge’s new book, Beautiful Outlaw, helped me to realize the humanity of Jesus and the person of Jesus. Jesus sweated. Jesus told jokes. He hurt. He laughed. And his creation reflects his personality. Jesus is so much more real to me now that I can relate to her personhood and appreciate his personality.
My take on the “Outlaw” term used in the title is that Jesus was consistently going against the religious traditions that the religious leaders of the day had made into their “law”. In one example, John Eldridge points to the story of Jesus coming to dinner without cleaning properly…He is questioned about it by the Pharisee leader(s). Check-Mate! Jesus, clearly and pointedly calls them out on their hypocrisy. In this way, Jesus is considered an “outlaw” by the culture He was born into. Just as He would likely considered an “outlaw” if He were to visit many of the North American churches today and point to the traditions, customs and habits we have created in our religion which may be in direct conflict with his teachings. Besides diving into the humanity of Jesus, J.E. also does an excellent job of drawing a comparison of the churches, and religion, of our current generation to the Pharisees of the New Testament. It was once said, “If Jesus were alive today, we’d likely put Him in the ground again.” As Christians we have to become more focused on Jesus…period. I love the simple prayer at the beginning of the book, “Jesus, show me the real you.” J.E. does an excellent job of helping us read the ‘red letters’ in a different perspective from what most of us have likely been taught in our Sunday Schools.
I read the first chapter of Beautiful Outlaw. John, thanks for this. I hear the chains rattling and the walls are crumbling! Wonderful to know others are hearing and experiencing the same reality in the “city of mirrors” – to be a pilgrim . . .
Be assured, I’ll finish the book!