John Eldredge leart eastern mysticism and has trained in thearter he is the consummate false teacher laeding many astray·His ideas dont come from the bible."In modern shamanism, geese are also associated with communication,the ability to express oneself, especially through the use of stories.Its said that the goose as a totem signifies the importance of the childhood belief in stories and legendary places.The stories people liked most as a child might give insight in the patterns in their lives"
AGREE 100% I desire a battle to fight with God as my commander, an adventure to live out with God and a beauty from God to rescue! Not gonna lie... I do!
GreeenX37 you're a bit off base. John NEVER set's himself (or his teachings/writings) ABOVE the doctrine of the Gospel...if you read his books, and listen to him speak he ALWAYS declares Jesus...and Him Resurrected. False teachings, and False prophets are the ones who lead people AWAY from the gospel....not point people to it!!!! I'm a HUGE fan of Eldredge, and not ONCE have I ever used the term "Satan's messengers" or "doctrine cops", to describe somebody that I disagree with.
@specwar2006 I don't think I"m off base at all. I can back up every single thing I've said. I'll message you though cause it's hard to fit it all into 500 word replies.
It amazes me that people STILL embrace John Eldredges teachings. Eldredge's teachings and many of his followers are the classic example of a cult. Twisting scriptures, going against God's word, and then labeling anyone who disagrees with them as "satan messengers" or "doctrine cops".
WAKE UP PEOPLE! These are EXACTLY the kinds of false teachings that Jesus warns about!!!
@2nd2LastSamurai You see, what John Eldredge is trying to tell us is that we have strayed from our design as men. If God created Man in His image, then God is Man. Got created us specifically, with intention. God did not make a mistake. God created man with a heart for adventure. God created man for adventure. My heart has always longed for it. God does not give us that for it to be our downfall. God Himself has an adventurous, loving, and fierce heart. God flooded the entire Earth, killing all.
@TheSKeB Incorrect about what? About what the Bible says or by simply disagreeing with John Eldredge? I’m not trying to impress anyone with how holy I am, don’t let that idea get in the way of my point. I’m challenging you to question the thing that you seem to accept as an extended version of the Bible. People more Bible-literate than myself have stated where his book contradicts scriputure- even where Eldrege misinterprets or even modifies scriptural passages to justify his beliefs.
@2nd2LastSamurai You’re right, and I would agree with Eldredge, in that we have strayed from God’s original designs for us. But those designs do not involve us glorifying or fulfilling ourselves and our hearts’ desires. They involve walking with and learning about God and decreasing our senses of self so that God can increase in our lives (Matthew 3:30).
@TheSKeB I never questioned the part of scripture that we were made in God’s image or tried to make myself sound better than you, only to make a point. You’ve simply told me that I’m wrong and likened me to “Satan’s messenger”. I’ve mentioned a handful of instances where Eldredge’s book contradicts scripture, and why I believe that it does. If I’m wrong, then many respected members of the Christian community are also wrong, as are numerous parts of the Bible.
@TheSKeB “God is man”? Do you realize what that does to God? When the Bible says that God created man in his image, it doesn’t mean that God is man or thinks in any way like man does! We don’t know what it means to be made in God’s image, but it doesn’t mean that God is like us. Such a depiction falls far short of bringing glory to God. Isaiah 55:8 says “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts”.
@TheSKeB To say that God created man with a spirit of adventure is to project our own way of thinking on God, and to justify behavior that is conceived of by want or desire. If God created Adam with an adventurous spirit placed him in Eden, that would mean that God set Adam up for discontent, and ultimately for failure and sin. That would also mean that neither God nor Eden was capable of sustaining man’s needs. Not only does the Bible not correlate with this version, but it contradicts it.
@TheSKeB Sin is the source of discontent, and the overall message of this book could effectively justifiy carnal behavior and enable the pursuit of worldly fulfillment by following raw passions of the heart. Just because your heart longs for it, doesn’t mean that it is of God or that it is part of God’s plan for you:
@TheSKeB Acts 5:3 shows us how the heart can be deceived by Satan, James 1:26 tells us that religion is useless to the one who does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, Proverbs 28:25 says “He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife, But he who trusts in the LORD will be prospered and Proverbs 28:26 says “He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, But whoever walks wisely will be delivered”.
@TheSKeB God didn’t create us nor did Jesus come to die for us because they were “adventurous”. It was because it suited Him, and so that we could be loved by Him and love Him in return. God does not risk anything, because he knows everything. We are the ones who take risks every time we give things of this world priority over God, including ourselves. The struggle over an adventurous heart is nothing more than an inner struggle with sin and what to do with the free will that God gave us.
@TheSKeB I’m not saying Eldredge is a bad man or that he had bad intentions when he wrote this book. I believe he had the best of intentions and truly believes in what he's written, but was seriously misled in how he interpreted scripture. As a fellow believer, I'm sure you can see this. Just because you feel something is right, doesn’t make it so. I believe this book tells a lot of men exactly what they WANT to hear and they relate to it, but it's not the truth that the Bible reveals to us.
@TheSKeB I do have a major problem with how he portrays women in this book. As a woman, I have never felt that I was “locked in a tower” or that I was especially vulnerable to Satan because I am a woman. Nor have I ever felt that I needed to be rescued by any human male. Eldredge makes huge generalizations in this book about men and women... we were all created in God's image, but we are not all the same.
@TheSKeB Also, I don’t need a man to fight my battles for me. I am not an incapable, fragile being of “beauty, mystery, and wonder” as the book describes. I actually know a woman who read this book and now thinks that this is how she is supposed to be... that she is not responsible for her own problems but some man should fix everything. If I were locked in the proverbial tower, I could pray to God for a way out and He could save me or give me the strength to do it without any man's help.
What truly makes a man the leader that God has designed him to be is self denial in the sense of self sacrificing his desires for his wife and children. The manner with which we are to love our wives as Christ loved the church is our God given measuring stick. In the world's eyes this seems like weakness, when it is in fact a true strength. The worldly self seeking aggressiveness that Eldredge speaks of isn't from above but is earthly sensual and demonic.
@machomuscleman1 Have you even read his/their books? How do you expect him to be able to explain what it's all about when this news anchor keeps interrupting? He's barely allowed to finish his sentences! Besides, look at how they portray it. They twist and turn the meaning of his book, the way they usually do. I have read both books (Wild at Heart/Captivating), and they are good books.
@halskarl In the intro of "Wild ...",Eldredge says the problem is men ignore their hearts, however scripture is clear that 'the heart is deceitful and desperately wicked".The solution is only found in allowing Jesus Christ to change our hearts by grace through faith.Eldredge attempts to mix pagan ideas of new ager Robert Bly, whom he quotes repeatedly in the book.He shows weak theology with a confused view of God, who on p.30 is an immense risk taker,yet at the same time knows what we will do.
@machomuscleman1 Scripture is also clear that you "preserve your heart before all you preserve, for life flows from it". I doubt that the heart that is mentioned there is the physical organ, our blood pump. The old heart of our flesh is indeed "deceitful and desperately wicked", but our new heart, given to us in the resurrection of Christ, just like our old nature is crucified with him, is like the Lord himself, pure and good.
And please tell me why it can't be right that God takes risks.
@halskarl You've recited a version of Prov 4:23 (which translation btw?), which in the NKJV reads, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it". This isn't at all a reference to the heart being "good", nor does it exonerate action taken from the heart. What this says is to be mindful or careful with our hearts, because the heart is the driving force for all that we do. Nowhere does scripture say that by becoming a believer, one's heart is made "pure and good"...
@halskarl People are not intuitively driven to “do good”, it is a conscious decision which requires a conscious effort, every day of our lives. It can be easier if one habitually strives for goodness, but the heart is very temperamental, which is why God gave us wisdom in the written form of Jesus’ teachings as a reference. You can’t just “follow your heart” to goodness, you must often struggle AGAINST your heart to uphold Christ’s teachings...
@halskarl Proverbs 28:26 says “He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, But whoever walks wisely will be delivered”. Matthew 15:18 says "But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them. For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what defile a person". In other words, sin comes from the heart- simply accepting Christ doesn’t exempt one from/change one’s ability to sin.
@halskarl 2nd2Last...is right. When we are regenerated we are a new creation and no longer slaves to sin Rom 6:18, however, there is still a battle Rom 7:14-25, and Gal 5:17. There is a tension in the Christian life, Phil 2:12, tells us to work out our salvation..., however 2:13 tells us God is at work in us. This is called sanctification. A God who takes risks, is not the sovereign God of the bible (Isaiah 40-48 is a good place to study), but a God made in the image of man by man (Ps 50:21).
@machomuscleman1 I should make myself clear on an important point.Salvation is God's grace.We do absolutely nothing to earn it, in fact when we attempt to add works,Romans 11:6 tells us it is no longer grace but works, and Eph 2:8-9 makes this crystal clear.However, sanctification,(the process of becoming more holy),requires our participation which is empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit.Romans 6:12 tells us "Let not sin reign in your mortal body" Our new nature desires holiness Rom 7:22
Doctrine, beliefs and faith should be able to withstand questioning and thorough study. We need to seek truth instead of defending what we've been taught as truth.
Eldredge’s King Arthurian/primitive view of “manhood” appeals to men who love a certain fantasy image of themselves, the “lover-warrior”. Christ was not a lover-warrior, and as a Christian, he is the ultimate role model for Christian men. All of this is found in the Bible, which I would encourage anyone to pick it up in lieu of this book, or to actually avoid it altogether.
@2nd2LastSamurai Jesus Christ IS the original "lover-warrior." What kind of man has the courage to accept being whipped, beaten, mocked, crucified, puplicly Murdered as an innocent Man, being nailed to His cross for His God? Only a man who LOVES the Lord God with all his heart, and is fearless in the face of death as a true warrior for God. I have read the entire gospel of Christ and much of the entire Bible, which is the Word of God.
Just because you say it is primitive does not make it so. You're probably failing to understand the words that John Eldredge is speaking. He does it with faith and confidence on television. You and I do it from the safety of our keyboards. I'll take John's words of faith in God over yours any day.
I started reading it, was horrified, and found out what others more developed in their faith than I had said about this book and how it should have DANGER! KEEP AWAY! HAZARDOUS TO THE UNKNOWING/BIBLICALLY ILLITERATE CHRISTIAN! There may be aspects of goodness to this book, but the scripture that the author misinterprets, alters, or even blatantly contradicts as he projects his own humanized version of who God is and what a man should be outweigh those by far.
@2nd2LastSamurai Why are you coming here to malign a good manwho speaks his faith? Why don't you write your own entire series of novels about your beliefs and follow up with ministries for the betterment of men and women and relationships with God? You may as well be a messenger of Satan. Go make your own videos and stop spamming false statements all over this man's works of faith.
@TheSKeB I'm not maligning the man, I'm expressing my disgust with the overall thesis of his book- and I’m not the only one. Also, John’s definition of a lover-warrior is a romantic one, which is different from the one that you just described in Jesus' behavior. I would encourage you to read what many pastors and other Christian role-models have said and written regarding this book and John Eldredge’s version of what it means to be a Christian.
@TheSKeB I watched the interview, and Eldredge’s confidence only shows me that he believes what he says, and that doesn’t make it any more right. The Bible is our guide, not any one man’s book, especially if that book (blatantly) contradicts scripture. The journalist had some good questions that were not sufficiently answered, only dismissed- but it wasn’t his job to badger Eldredge or wave a Bible around on national television.
@TheSKeB First of all, it is very unwise and dangerous to read a book written by a man, even a Christian man, without checking back to the original scriptures and contexts in which they are used. I know that Eldredge misuses scripture, takes it out of context, or in some instances, actually changes the wording of it to suit his views. You can look them up on any number of reviews that were written by pastors about this book, but I won't post them all here.
@TheSKeB Again, if you can’t see what is wrong with Eldredge’s views or won’t believe me just because you don’t like what I have to say, please read what other Christian leaders have written with referenced scripture in explaining what is wrong with this book before you accept it as a new gospel. I’ve listed several discrepancies that this book has with Biblical passages with very clear meaning.
@TheSKeB If I'm Satan's messenger, then you'd better dismiss the parts of the Bible that contradict Eldredge's book as also being of Satan. I’m glad you’ve read some of the Bible- please read it again, and again, and again- as I aspire to do- and do your best to live as Christ did- NOT as your primal urges as a man tell you to do. If you are in doubt, pray to God for wisdom and guidance, don’t follow your ever-changing selfish emotions, as this book encourages and enables men to do.
@2nd2LastSamurai You are incorrect again. Your ego is encouraging you to continue to slander Mr. Eldredge and his works of faith. You would like us all to know how holy you think you are, and you assume that you have surpassed me in spirituality. I get this by your tone. If you believe in God and you've read the Bible as you say you have, then you would know from the first few lines of the entire book of God that God created man in His image. This eludes you. Why?
One of the reasons why I’m so fired up about it is because my brother was starting to behave and do some crazy and actually self-destructive things. I didn’t understand why he was suddenly on the brink of making some terrible decisions in his life. Then he showed me this book and told me how great it was and how he was 10x the Christian he used to be from reading it (over the course of 2 days)...
He says "The Big Lie in the church today is that you are nothing more than a sinner saved by grace". I hope that others have a problem with that, because I sure do! That is exactly opposite of what the Bible tells us. We are not entitled to anything, grace IS the basis of our salvation and what makes Christ's sacrifice possible! To those who are infants in their faith, these are dangerous teachings to be exposed to! It has the potential to lead the lost even further away from God!
He also says “[God] did not make Adam and Eve obey him. He took a risk. A staggering risk, with staggering consequences. He let others into his story, and he lets their choices shape it profoundly.” If God took a risk, that means that he didn’t know what the outcome would be, and is therefore not all-powerful. That is not God according to the Bible. That is a false-god...
Scripture (Mark 7:20-23, Acts 5:3, Hebrews 3:12, James 1:26, Proverbs 28:26, etc etc etc) actually warns AGAINST following the heart because the heart is capable of being tempted and deceived. I’m paraphrasing, but Eldredge basically states that our sin is not our own. If it isn’t ours, then who’s IS it?? Satan’s?? Becoming a Christian means that we have the power to resist Satan’s influence through God, so we are directly responsible for our actions!
Exactly, it’s about Eldredge’s interpretation of Christianity and the Bible. I read some of it and have no desire to waste any more time with it. Eldredge's thesis statement throughout the book is for men to come to “know and live from” their hearts. Knowing your heart is not bad, but it is not what a Christian male is supposed to draw strength and guidance from- God is, and the Bible is the best way to find Him...
Your comment is a disservice to folks who are actually dealing with the mind control practices of a cult. I would love for you to be more specific about what you find unBiblical… have you actually read the book?
What do you think the leading characteristics of manly men ARE, and how do they differ from the view of manliness presented here?
So full of bs. As a man, I'm offended by this garbage, and I don't see why a woman with any shred of self-respect should not feel the same way. What a deluded view of "manhood". If you're a Christian male with an identity crisis who wants to know what it means to be a man, read the Bible, not this guy's interpretation which projects his own humanistic views of a lesser god (which is NOT the God of the Bible) and an empowered man. This book is not about Christianity, it is the basis for a cult.
I think John handled this VERY WELL, considering the interviewer was trying to give him such a hard time...you can see towards the end where he starts to actually concur wiith some of his points. Ha.
He should have been given the chance to explain that Jesus is "gentle, meek, and mild" to those who need it, while being "wild and fierce" against the enemy.
This book honestly has so many scriptural problems with it. One obvious problem being that he encourages his son to get revenge on someone else for hitting him. I know of at least 12 different bible verse, both in the Old and New Testament, that condemn this behavior. Eldredge encourages behavior that completely contradicts God's commandments.
i will definately give him this, he is happy because he living by his truth and own passion just saying for men to get their very own passion back,.you can tell he's pretty authentic, and its primarily because he's choosing a less conventional approach, cleary not shaped by an outside source or institution ... tho then he goes on to make his own church. still !
The news reporter begins his introduction of John by misinterpreting scripture and taking it out of context. If you have not read the book, don't make assumptions on this biased interview.
@TheFubar5 Are you talking about the scripture addressing the meek? He didn't misinterpret or make that up. Jesus himself says that the meek will inherit the Earth. Scripture says that directly.
"Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth." -Matthew 5:5
He does a very bad job if what it takes to be a warrior and whether your dad taught you right or not-integrity as what he has partially defined in this interview. Go find someone who just recently came home from Afghanistan or Iraq and ask them what does it take to be a warrior. God does not want or need wild warriors and niether does the Army or Marines. Self control, disciplie, integrity, honor, loyalty, the ability to follow orders and takei nitiative, andmore so-leadership by example!
This is one of the best books I have read. It had a huge impact on my life after my father died and I had graduated high school. I was lost to say the least. I laugh at the people who say this book needs more biblical references. It's a self-help, psychology book grounded in Christian faith, NOT a book purely about The Bible. Go read another author if you just want to learn about The Bible. And girls do NOT want nice guys. They say they do, but who ALWAYS gets the girl? Confident dangerous guys.
that may well be true since i myself am not sure whether it is still justified to call myself a Christian. however, i believe that nonetheless I have read enough of the bible and know enough about christianity to be able to state that much of "wild at heart" has no foundation in the bible and some of it directly contradicts the teachings of jesus, especially the sermon on the mount.
@dointime85 thats because some forms of christianity say Gods nature is described in the whole bible, and they do good to read it all. the problem arises when they take these narratives as literal. other forms of christianity interpret the bible completely differently, and want to focus on the NT and make 'love everyone' to the point of over sensitizing men, there's a lot going on. its biblical, not quite religious, but what he does is compares contemporary books/movies to the bibical ones.
if you look at Jesus, though, his version of love isn't weak. He is compassionate, as you saw with children and women, but He stood up to the Pharisees when they challenged His identity and talked down about His disciples (e.g. their failure to wash their hands).
@dointime85 This intrigues me. How does it contradict the sermon on the mount? And unsure if you can call yourself a Christian? Ya either are or aren't, the way I see it. Ya know? It's not about a knowledge of the Bible (although that's obviously very important), but rather believing in Christ and accepting what He did and all that core stuff all denominations (to my knowledge) agree on.
@Spike294 These are some of Jesus's teachings when he gave the Sermon on the Mount. "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5) "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God" (Matthew 5:9) John Eldredge's encouragement for men to find their 'inner warrior', as well as promoting his son to hit people, most obviously contradicts with Jesus's sermon on the mount. Not only is he encouraging his son to engage in vengeful behavior; it's also illegal.
@GreenX37 I wouldn't say it contradicts it. You can be meek while still holding your ground, should you need to. And encourages his son to hit people? I did not catch that in the video, but did you mean something else by it, or assume it, or...?
@Spike294 Oh, hit him back. I could watch the full thing again, but pardon my laziness...Do you remember what part of the video he says this in? I am not questioning you if it is there, just if you know the general area where it may be.
@Spike294 I wasn't referring to the interview, I was pointing out what he wrote in his book. "The next time that bully pushes you down, here is what I want you to do-are you listening Blaine?" He nodded, his big wet eyes fixed on mine. "I want you to get up...and I want you to hit him...as hard as you possibly can." -Wild at Heart pg. 78-
He is clearly teaching his son to deal with situations like that in a vengeful and aggressive manner. That's called physical assault and it's illegal.
@GreenX37 Ahhhhhh. Well, I'd say that's just self-defense, really. I mean, yes, of course do everything you can to handle the matter peacefully, but when you need to defend yourself, you need to defend yourself. I believe it's totally justifiable.
@Spike294 In this case, no, it's not justified. His son could have been encouraged to go to a teacher or principal, or John could have talked to school officials himself. But no. He instead encouraged his son to be some ego and engage in aggressive behavior. Hitting someone back 'as hard as you can' simply for getting picked on or pushed is not self-defense, that's vengeance. Unless your life is threatened, which clearly his son's life wasn't, hitting someone back is not legally justified.
@GreenX37 Mmm. Good point. Although I am not necessarily fully swayed in my stance, I really have no further argument other than what I've already said, so...yeah. I lost this debate, I suppose. Hah.
@Spike294 I'm not saying he doesn't make some good points in his message, because he does. Passivity and the ineffectiveness of the church does not provide a good image of God. Though that doesn't mean we should all be a bunch of egomaniacs getting revenge and being aggressive; that's just as dangerous to christinaity if not more so.
@GreenX37 Submitting to the point of it becoming life-threatening before simply hitting someone seems a bit much? I think, ya, legally you shouldn't hit the bully, But there's a difference between having pride in something (e.g. yourself and what you believe, etc.) and being prideful. If God didn't defend His holy kingdom and my life every day because it was legally wrong to do so, I'd be in some serious trouble.
@TheFubar5 Being picked on and pushed is not a life-threatening situation. Like I said, he could have gone to a school administrator or his dad could have spoken to them instead of encouraging his son to get aggressive and engage in behavior that violates school rules. Defense is one thing, getting revenge is another. Defend yourself from the fire by creating a water barrier around yourself. Don't fight the fire with more fire or else you'll just create more fire. (Yes, this is a metaphor)
A poorly conducted interview. The fellow questioning enfolded himself in his TV personality rather than conducting a neutral interrogation meant to explore a book. I do tip my hat to Mr. Eldridge for his conduct in this situation; he has written an exquisite book.
Fear GOD who hath power to cast you into HELL(Luke 12:5)! Fear God and depart from evil(Proverbs 3:7)! God is ANGRY with the wicked everyday(Psalm 7:11)! Jesus Christ is the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE, there is NO OTHER WAY to be saved(John 14:6)! For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved(John 3:17)! TURN FROM YOUR SINS AND SUBMIT 2 THE LORDSHIP OF JESUS CHRIST NOW! DON'T BOAST OF HAVING TOMORROW! Proverbs 27:1
hmm note - the cnn guy says "although the bible says the meek shall inherit the earth,"... however, the "meekness" referred to in the bible is not so much weakness and passiveness as it is humble, controlled, patient strength that only submits to God's will.
I can not believe the guy how hosts the interview, he does not even have any backround on the book, it seems like he opened the book saw a few words and decided to look cool, well done john you handled it great
The CNN host probably gets his nails done, and he just couldn't stand the masculine stench that Jon exuded - I like the rugged mountain back drop. You have to read John's book and check it against the bible and other similar books and you'll appreciate his message. A good book for reference but not a single source for guidance - Book: Wild at Heart.
Wild at heart is probably one of my favorite books im reading his 2nd book called the way of the wild heart and so far its good, only read 2 chapters haha
@luckyrace91 Yes you can clearly see the news anchor with his cocky, mocking, and whimsical attitude toward John with every question. You can see at the very beginning of the "Interview" if we can even call it such, the news anchor interrupts him and tries to question harder without letting John speak. But John Speaks.
Respond to this video... Listen to the man's tone of voice as this opens up. Look at the smirk on his face. Listen to the laughter in his tone. Look at him fold his arms as John speaks. Look at him questioning the existence of the word "feminization" in attempt to discredit Mr. Eldredge. This is great. God bless you, John Eldredge.
Rather suspect and sensationalist questioning. Why involve Christianity, the interviewer says, well since God made us all, why not? Great book, which I highly recommend
If I remember correctly didn't Jesus associate with liars, thieves, prostitutes, tax collectors, and even the likes of myself. May it be a blessing to there life, it is to mine.
this is toooooo convenient a way to discredit someone's writing. lol! the same can be said about those who claim to follow the bible or any other positive thing. there will ALWAYS be crazy people who read books written by someone who wouldn't endorse their actions.
look at the KKK! they claim to be christians! but believe me; the Christ who paid the penalty for sin is not pleased with their racism and bigotry.
you gotta judge the leader, not misguided followers.
evethezealot: Im not trying to discredit Elredge's writing. Its the Familia who is twisting his writings, I just pointed out that fact. I have nothing against Elredge.
I agree with Paulo; not only was he (the interviewer) derisive, but what he appeared to be doing was attempting to chastise John, taking the upperhand granted being the 'protagonist' on live, national television. I didn't even [know] CNN had a 'Faces of Faith' segment... and from what I see, it just appears to be more of an attempt to lure prominent Christian figures (at least the ones CNN's 'views' don't agree with). On the other hand, I [never] expect CNN to report on anything truthfully.
I was expecting John Eldridge to look very buffed up and macho [kinda like the stereotypical lumberjack] after reading Wild at Heart, so seeing him was a shocker for me.
@adambomb312 its funny u say that b/c i thought the same thing too. i was expecting to see somebody like the guy from the brawny commercials. but i guess that goes to show u can't judge a book by its cover.
Great book, you must read it. Christian or not it will leat you something good. John is a great guy, I learned from his book how to fight to my soul and heart.
The interviewer has a derisive attitude. The cut to the anchorwoman was, of course, preplanned. Trying paint Eldredge as a wildman. If he had more of an interest in drawing out what Eldredge is trying to say - that which has "taken the Christian world by storm - the interview would have gone a lot further.
The questions asked here really don't do the book justice. This is a great book. It is not 100% theologically sound, but NO book is except the bible. John's work is certainly inspired though.
You can judge all things by the fruit that it bears. John's book has led men to be more involved in their families and in community, as well as giving men a passion to reconnect to the Word and to church.
Wild at Heart is the most objective books I've ever read concerning the male character and society's misguided steriotypes about men. Made me see what I missed as a boy,and how I will need to bring up my sons when I marry. Living in Africa where the church is still very strong, I agree that it has tamed the wild African man into a sissy! One challenge we have here is how to remain masculine in a refugee camp,somebody answer me.
How to remain masculine: kick ass and chew bubble gum, pwn the noobs and let none walk over ya. owned!!! XD some "christian places" are packed with "retarted whimp cultism" like as meantioned in this books.
to me it's kinda like you can go to the supermarket to buy your vegetables or you can go to the farmer. this book to me is like the supermarket....God is like the farmer....I don't really like alot of books about God I'd rather go to God and through my relationship I get from Him what He want me to have...
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I went through this course and to be honest it was boring...I understand what john is saying and I agree...though I've had some good examples of Godly men who really loved Jesus and had orderly loving families etc.....my thing is if you have a real relationship with the Father and beleive what He says about you and are being conformed to the to the image of Jesus...you will become the man God created you to be.
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There are surely truths in this book but many many errors, I burned my book due to much phsyco babble. It is most unscriptural. His point on the Church feminizes men is right on however. The woman rule in todays Churches and men hide behind their wives. Men need to get the BIBLICAL order correct. 1 Cor 11 says the head of every man is Christ and the head of the woman is theman. WHY? Because that is the order God in his soveriegnty gave.
What this book talks about is largely true. The Church does indeed try to femanize men. IE. wear your suit, sit up straight, don't smoke, drink, or curse. This is good advice no doubt, but Christ, who payed for our sin, wasn't some noodled-armed choir boy. He is both the LION and the lamb.
Have got the book and need to read it... from the direction of the interview it seems like a Christian re-work of Robert Bly's opus `Iron John`. The mytho-poetic mens movement has been operational in the UK & USA for nigh on 20 years and it's good that a Christian author is getting involved.
Iron John was a pretty spiritual voyage... though I assume you're using `spiritual weightiness` to mean `Christian weightiness`. It's depressing and amusing to see people turned so far against this book because it lacks a requisite batch of quotes from the bible. After all, the good book is so narrow nobody could possibly make an abstract argument from the inspiration and understanding of their faith.
Yeah, not disparaging Iron John, and the weightiness in Wild at Heart truly is Christian... but mainly what I was referencing is a more eternal or transcendent view... that what men are called to, in part, transcends their life. This might have been an aspect of Iron John, but I don't recall. I'll have to rummage through the closet and re-read it. Thanks for the motivation to do so.
thanks for the motivation to make me end my life. this is one of the most absurd things i have ever seen!
there is a reason why people are kept in prison, because the've broken the law!! not because they want to break free from the way society is "demasculising" them. i have plenty of passion, doesnt mean i go around committing violent crimes...
My understanding of the jail comment is not that "men are sent to jail because they're emasculated", John is saying that men that men are more likely to be incarcerated. Men truly ARE sent to prison for having broken the law, as you point out... it is MISPLACED passion that leads some men to crime.
John is not developing an apologetic for why men commit crimes, he's simply pointing out that it is MEN more so than women who commit violent crimes. That is fact, WHY is open to interpretation.
The interviewer is one of which John wrote of in the book, but has not read the book and received. So it is of no great wonder that John is able to handle his "disorientation" ... God has taken John to those depths and prepped him in Himself, and what we see via the interview is part of John's glory... the glory, the splendor, God prepared for John in Himself. And the world does not, nor will, get it.
If u've read the book you come to understand that this it what most men have become, instantly becoming defensive b/c he sees that what John is saying is right on. Truthfully, its the enemy (Satan in other words) who u should be bashing, b/c it is he who has deceived this man...
Can we stop bashing the interviewer here? And don't get me wrong, I don't agree with anything he said, I've read Wild at Heart and honestly, every question that he asked John was presented in my own mind, but the book goes into such a depth that it eliminates those doubts, in truth the interviewer is very much like your average American male, he's the man who has been emasculated himself, its not his fault.
again, good job john on handling the interview. i love your book. it really challenged me to recapture my heart and strive to rediscover the man God created me to be.
the CNN interview was such a jerk. He tried to twist everything John's book is about. But John handled that guys crappy attitude so great! Great job John!
This CNN guy is a douche. His questions and everything really show the unfortunate view that society has put on masculinity and testosterone: that men are domineering, angry Type As that should be suffocated into "normalcy."
i agree. when Jesus says "the meek shall inherit the earth", meek doesn't mean weak. it means controlled strength, like training a wild bronco or stallion to be able to carry someone.
john eldredge rocks!god is a awesome warrior,he s one of my favorite writers and pasters!god bless everyone!matt horwich 1 time ifl middleweight champ by jesus s grace,
A book emphasizing strong Christian men, while taking examples from King David (both the warrior and a man after God's own heart...) hmmmm..
I agree with John. Today's Church has (where purposely or not) sought to calm men down and has preached submission. But that isn't reflected in the Word.
okay, so maybe he doesn't get it perfectly. but then, who ever does? at least his heart is right. the world, especially in America, needs real men who will speak up and stand strong in his convictions. amen?
For those who believe that John 1:1 is talking abiout the Bible, and who believe THEY have not only all that scripture says nailed down, but that their interpretation is absolutely correct, then the aspects of Christ that John Eldredge is pointing out, the aspects of being Godly men that he is advocatiung, is going to be lost on you.
In your quest to be right, I hope you find your heart.
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John Eldredge leart eastern mysticism and has trained in thearter he is the consummate false teacher laeding many astray·His ideas dont come from the bible."In modern shamanism, geese are also associated with communication,the ability to express oneself, especially through the use of stories.Its said that the goose as a totem signifies the importance of the childhood belief in stories and legendary places.The stories people liked most as a child might give insight in the patterns in their lives"
fatarsemonkey 2 weeks ago
This reporter is a woman!
jaggy723 2 weeks ago
AGREE 100% I desire a battle to fight with God as my commander, an adventure to live out with God and a beauty from God to rescue! Not gonna lie... I do!
mjgjr706 3 weeks ago
GreeenX37 you're a bit off base. John NEVER set's himself (or his teachings/writings) ABOVE the doctrine of the Gospel...if you read his books, and listen to him speak he ALWAYS declares Jesus...and Him Resurrected. False teachings, and False prophets are the ones who lead people AWAY from the gospel....not point people to it!!!! I'm a HUGE fan of Eldredge, and not ONCE have I ever used the term "Satan's messengers" or "doctrine cops", to describe somebody that I disagree with.
specwar2006 2 months ago
@specwar2006 I don't think I"m off base at all. I can back up every single thing I've said. I'll message you though cause it's hard to fit it all into 500 word replies.
GreenX37 2 months ago
It amazes me that people STILL embrace John Eldredges teachings. Eldredge's teachings and many of his followers are the classic example of a cult. Twisting scriptures, going against God's word, and then labeling anyone who disagrees with them as "satan messengers" or "doctrine cops".
WAKE UP PEOPLE! These are EXACTLY the kinds of false teachings that Jesus warns about!!!
GreenX37 2 months ago
@2nd2LastSamurai You see, what John Eldredge is trying to tell us is that we have strayed from our design as men. If God created Man in His image, then God is Man. Got created us specifically, with intention. God did not make a mistake. God created man with a heart for adventure. God created man for adventure. My heart has always longed for it. God does not give us that for it to be our downfall. God Himself has an adventurous, loving, and fierce heart. God flooded the entire Earth, killing all.
TheSKeB 3 months ago
@TheSKeB Incorrect about what? About what the Bible says or by simply disagreeing with John Eldredge? I’m not trying to impress anyone with how holy I am, don’t let that idea get in the way of my point. I’m challenging you to question the thing that you seem to accept as an extended version of the Bible. People more Bible-literate than myself have stated where his book contradicts scriputure- even where Eldrege misinterprets or even modifies scriptural passages to justify his beliefs.
2nd2LastSamurai 3 months ago
@2nd2LastSamurai You’re right, and I would agree with Eldredge, in that we have strayed from God’s original designs for us. But those designs do not involve us glorifying or fulfilling ourselves and our hearts’ desires. They involve walking with and learning about God and decreasing our senses of self so that God can increase in our lives (Matthew 3:30).
2nd2LastSamurai 3 months ago
@TheSKeB I never questioned the part of scripture that we were made in God’s image or tried to make myself sound better than you, only to make a point. You’ve simply told me that I’m wrong and likened me to “Satan’s messenger”. I’ve mentioned a handful of instances where Eldredge’s book contradicts scripture, and why I believe that it does. If I’m wrong, then many respected members of the Christian community are also wrong, as are numerous parts of the Bible.
2nd2LastSamurai 3 months ago
@TheSKeB “God is man”? Do you realize what that does to God? When the Bible says that God created man in his image, it doesn’t mean that God is man or thinks in any way like man does! We don’t know what it means to be made in God’s image, but it doesn’t mean that God is like us. Such a depiction falls far short of bringing glory to God. Isaiah 55:8 says “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts”.
2nd2LastSamurai 3 months ago
@TheSKeB To say that God created man with a spirit of adventure is to project our own way of thinking on God, and to justify behavior that is conceived of by want or desire. If God created Adam with an adventurous spirit placed him in Eden, that would mean that God set Adam up for discontent, and ultimately for failure and sin. That would also mean that neither God nor Eden was capable of sustaining man’s needs. Not only does the Bible not correlate with this version, but it contradicts it.
2nd2LastSamurai 3 months ago
@TheSKeB Sin is the source of discontent, and the overall message of this book could effectively justifiy carnal behavior and enable the pursuit of worldly fulfillment by following raw passions of the heart. Just because your heart longs for it, doesn’t mean that it is of God or that it is part of God’s plan for you:
2nd2LastSamurai 3 months ago
@TheSKeB Acts 5:3 shows us how the heart can be deceived by Satan, James 1:26 tells us that religion is useless to the one who does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, Proverbs 28:25 says “He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife, But he who trusts in the LORD will be prospered and Proverbs 28:26 says “He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, But whoever walks wisely will be delivered”.
2nd2LastSamurai 3 months ago
@TheSKeB God didn’t create us nor did Jesus come to die for us because they were “adventurous”. It was because it suited Him, and so that we could be loved by Him and love Him in return. God does not risk anything, because he knows everything. We are the ones who take risks every time we give things of this world priority over God, including ourselves. The struggle over an adventurous heart is nothing more than an inner struggle with sin and what to do with the free will that God gave us.
2nd2LastSamurai 3 months ago
@TheSKeB I’m not saying Eldredge is a bad man or that he had bad intentions when he wrote this book. I believe he had the best of intentions and truly believes in what he's written, but was seriously misled in how he interpreted scripture. As a fellow believer, I'm sure you can see this. Just because you feel something is right, doesn’t make it so. I believe this book tells a lot of men exactly what they WANT to hear and they relate to it, but it's not the truth that the Bible reveals to us.
Trishkit89 3 months ago
@TheSKeB I do have a major problem with how he portrays women in this book. As a woman, I have never felt that I was “locked in a tower” or that I was especially vulnerable to Satan because I am a woman. Nor have I ever felt that I needed to be rescued by any human male. Eldredge makes huge generalizations in this book about men and women... we were all created in God's image, but we are not all the same.
Trishkit89 3 months ago 4
@TheSKeB Also, I don’t need a man to fight my battles for me. I am not an incapable, fragile being of “beauty, mystery, and wonder” as the book describes. I actually know a woman who read this book and now thinks that this is how she is supposed to be... that she is not responsible for her own problems but some man should fix everything. If I were locked in the proverbial tower, I could pray to God for a way out and He could save me or give me the strength to do it without any man's help.
Trishkit89 3 months ago
What truly makes a man the leader that God has designed him to be is self denial in the sense of self sacrificing his desires for his wife and children. The manner with which we are to love our wives as Christ loved the church is our God given measuring stick. In the world's eyes this seems like weakness, when it is in fact a true strength. The worldly self seeking aggressiveness that Eldredge speaks of isn't from above but is earthly sensual and demonic.
machomuscleman1 3 months ago 8
@machomuscleman1 Have you even read his/their books? How do you expect him to be able to explain what it's all about when this news anchor keeps interrupting? He's barely allowed to finish his sentences! Besides, look at how they portray it. They twist and turn the meaning of his book, the way they usually do. I have read both books (Wild at Heart/Captivating), and they are good books.
halskarl 3 months ago
@halskarl In the intro of "Wild ...",Eldredge says the problem is men ignore their hearts, however scripture is clear that 'the heart is deceitful and desperately wicked".The solution is only found in allowing Jesus Christ to change our hearts by grace through faith.Eldredge attempts to mix pagan ideas of new ager Robert Bly, whom he quotes repeatedly in the book.He shows weak theology with a confused view of God, who on p.30 is an immense risk taker,yet at the same time knows what we will do.
machomuscleman1 3 months ago
@machomuscleman1 Scripture is also clear that you "preserve your heart before all you preserve, for life flows from it". I doubt that the heart that is mentioned there is the physical organ, our blood pump. The old heart of our flesh is indeed "deceitful and desperately wicked", but our new heart, given to us in the resurrection of Christ, just like our old nature is crucified with him, is like the Lord himself, pure and good.
And please tell me why it can't be right that God takes risks.
halskarl 2 months ago
@halskarl You've recited a version of Prov 4:23 (which translation btw?), which in the NKJV reads, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it". This isn't at all a reference to the heart being "good", nor does it exonerate action taken from the heart. What this says is to be mindful or careful with our hearts, because the heart is the driving force for all that we do. Nowhere does scripture say that by becoming a believer, one's heart is made "pure and good"...
2nd2LastSamurai 2 months ago
@halskarl People are not intuitively driven to “do good”, it is a conscious decision which requires a conscious effort, every day of our lives. It can be easier if one habitually strives for goodness, but the heart is very temperamental, which is why God gave us wisdom in the written form of Jesus’ teachings as a reference. You can’t just “follow your heart” to goodness, you must often struggle AGAINST your heart to uphold Christ’s teachings...
2nd2LastSamurai 2 months ago
@halskarl Proverbs 28:26 says “He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, But whoever walks wisely will be delivered”. Matthew 15:18 says "But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them. For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what defile a person". In other words, sin comes from the heart- simply accepting Christ doesn’t exempt one from/change one’s ability to sin.
2nd2LastSamurai 2 months ago
@halskarl 2nd2Last...is right. When we are regenerated we are a new creation and no longer slaves to sin Rom 6:18, however, there is still a battle Rom 7:14-25, and Gal 5:17. There is a tension in the Christian life, Phil 2:12, tells us to work out our salvation..., however 2:13 tells us God is at work in us. This is called sanctification. A God who takes risks, is not the sovereign God of the bible (Isaiah 40-48 is a good place to study), but a God made in the image of man by man (Ps 50:21).
machomuscleman1 2 months ago 2
@machomuscleman1 I should make myself clear on an important point.Salvation is God's grace.We do absolutely nothing to earn it, in fact when we attempt to add works,Romans 11:6 tells us it is no longer grace but works, and Eph 2:8-9 makes this crystal clear.However, sanctification,(the process of becoming more holy),requires our participation which is empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit.Romans 6:12 tells us "Let not sin reign in your mortal body" Our new nature desires holiness Rom 7:22
machomuscleman1 2 months ago 2
Great job John. You can see still how the WORLD tries to invalidate manhood.
dac6456 4 months ago
wild at heart faillllllllllllllllllllllllllllll John eldridge what makes u a warrior
facelessDeathsquad 4 months ago
Doctrine, beliefs and faith should be able to withstand questioning and thorough study. We need to seek truth instead of defending what we've been taught as truth.
whatthehellbook . com
whatthehellbook 4 months ago
Eldredge’s King Arthurian/primitive view of “manhood” appeals to men who love a certain fantasy image of themselves, the “lover-warrior”. Christ was not a lover-warrior, and as a Christian, he is the ultimate role model for Christian men. All of this is found in the Bible, which I would encourage anyone to pick it up in lieu of this book, or to actually avoid it altogether.
2nd2LastSamurai 4 months ago
@2nd2LastSamurai Jesus Christ IS the original "lover-warrior." What kind of man has the courage to accept being whipped, beaten, mocked, crucified, puplicly Murdered as an innocent Man, being nailed to His cross for His God? Only a man who LOVES the Lord God with all his heart, and is fearless in the face of death as a true warrior for God. I have read the entire gospel of Christ and much of the entire Bible, which is the Word of God.
TheSKeB 3 months ago
Just because you say it is primitive does not make it so. You're probably failing to understand the words that John Eldredge is speaking. He does it with faith and confidence on television. You and I do it from the safety of our keyboards. I'll take John's words of faith in God over yours any day.
TheSKeB 3 months ago
I started reading it, was horrified, and found out what others more developed in their faith than I had said about this book and how it should have DANGER! KEEP AWAY! HAZARDOUS TO THE UNKNOWING/BIBLICALLY ILLITERATE CHRISTIAN! There may be aspects of goodness to this book, but the scripture that the author misinterprets, alters, or even blatantly contradicts as he projects his own humanized version of who God is and what a man should be outweigh those by far.
2nd2LastSamurai 4 months ago
@2nd2LastSamurai Why are you coming here to malign a good manwho speaks his faith? Why don't you write your own entire series of novels about your beliefs and follow up with ministries for the betterment of men and women and relationships with God? You may as well be a messenger of Satan. Go make your own videos and stop spamming false statements all over this man's works of faith.
TheSKeB 3 months ago
@TheSKeB I'm not maligning the man, I'm expressing my disgust with the overall thesis of his book- and I’m not the only one. Also, John’s definition of a lover-warrior is a romantic one, which is different from the one that you just described in Jesus' behavior. I would encourage you to read what many pastors and other Christian role-models have said and written regarding this book and John Eldredge’s version of what it means to be a Christian.
2nd2LastSamurai 3 months ago
@TheSKeB I watched the interview, and Eldredge’s confidence only shows me that he believes what he says, and that doesn’t make it any more right. The Bible is our guide, not any one man’s book, especially if that book (blatantly) contradicts scripture. The journalist had some good questions that were not sufficiently answered, only dismissed- but it wasn’t his job to badger Eldredge or wave a Bible around on national television.
2nd2LastSamurai 3 months ago
@2nd2LastSamurai It's never contradicted scripture, and you include the term "blatantly" as a way to oversell your point of view. Thank you for that.
TheSKeB 3 months ago
@TheSKeB First of all, it is very unwise and dangerous to read a book written by a man, even a Christian man, without checking back to the original scriptures and contexts in which they are used. I know that Eldredge misuses scripture, takes it out of context, or in some instances, actually changes the wording of it to suit his views. You can look them up on any number of reviews that were written by pastors about this book, but I won't post them all here.
Trishkit89 3 months ago
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@TheSKeB Again, if you can’t see what is wrong with Eldredge’s views or won’t believe me just because you don’t like what I have to say, please read what other Christian leaders have written with referenced scripture in explaining what is wrong with this book before you accept it as a new gospel. I’ve listed several discrepancies that this book has with Biblical passages with very clear meaning.
2nd2LastSamurai 3 months ago
@TheSKeB If I'm Satan's messenger, then you'd better dismiss the parts of the Bible that contradict Eldredge's book as also being of Satan. I’m glad you’ve read some of the Bible- please read it again, and again, and again- as I aspire to do- and do your best to live as Christ did- NOT as your primal urges as a man tell you to do. If you are in doubt, pray to God for wisdom and guidance, don’t follow your ever-changing selfish emotions, as this book encourages and enables men to do.
2nd2LastSamurai 3 months ago
@2nd2LastSamurai You are incorrect again. Your ego is encouraging you to continue to slander Mr. Eldredge and his works of faith. You would like us all to know how holy you think you are, and you assume that you have surpassed me in spirituality. I get this by your tone. If you believe in God and you've read the Bible as you say you have, then you would know from the first few lines of the entire book of God that God created man in His image. This eludes you. Why?
TheSKeB 3 months ago
One of the reasons why I’m so fired up about it is because my brother was starting to behave and do some crazy and actually self-destructive things. I didn’t understand why he was suddenly on the brink of making some terrible decisions in his life. Then he showed me this book and told me how great it was and how he was 10x the Christian he used to be from reading it (over the course of 2 days)...
2nd2LastSamurai 4 months ago
He says "The Big Lie in the church today is that you are nothing more than a sinner saved by grace". I hope that others have a problem with that, because I sure do! That is exactly opposite of what the Bible tells us. We are not entitled to anything, grace IS the basis of our salvation and what makes Christ's sacrifice possible! To those who are infants in their faith, these are dangerous teachings to be exposed to! It has the potential to lead the lost even further away from God!
2nd2LastSamurai 4 months ago
He also says “[God] did not make Adam and Eve obey him. He took a risk. A staggering risk, with staggering consequences. He let others into his story, and he lets their choices shape it profoundly.” If God took a risk, that means that he didn’t know what the outcome would be, and is therefore not all-powerful. That is not God according to the Bible. That is a false-god...
2nd2LastSamurai 4 months ago
Scripture (Mark 7:20-23, Acts 5:3, Hebrews 3:12, James 1:26, Proverbs 28:26, etc etc etc) actually warns AGAINST following the heart because the heart is capable of being tempted and deceived. I’m paraphrasing, but Eldredge basically states that our sin is not our own. If it isn’t ours, then who’s IS it?? Satan’s?? Becoming a Christian means that we have the power to resist Satan’s influence through God, so we are directly responsible for our actions!
2nd2LastSamurai 4 months ago
Exactly, it’s about Eldredge’s interpretation of Christianity and the Bible. I read some of it and have no desire to waste any more time with it. Eldredge's thesis statement throughout the book is for men to come to “know and live from” their hearts. Knowing your heart is not bad, but it is not what a Christian male is supposed to draw strength and guidance from- God is, and the Bible is the best way to find Him...
2nd2LastSamurai 4 months ago
Hmmm… it's all about interpretation, isn't it?
Your comment is a disservice to folks who are actually dealing with the mind control practices of a cult. I would love for you to be more specific about what you find unBiblical… have you actually read the book?
What do you think the leading characteristics of manly men ARE, and how do they differ from the view of manliness presented here?
vernhyndman 4 months ago
So full of bs. As a man, I'm offended by this garbage, and I don't see why a woman with any shred of self-respect should not feel the same way. What a deluded view of "manhood". If you're a Christian male with an identity crisis who wants to know what it means to be a man, read the Bible, not this guy's interpretation which projects his own humanistic views of a lesser god (which is NOT the God of the Bible) and an empowered man. This book is not about Christianity, it is the basis for a cult.
2nd2LastSamurai 4 months ago
I think John handled this VERY WELL, considering the interviewer was trying to give him such a hard time...you can see towards the end where he starts to actually concur wiith some of his points. Ha.
KMurphyallthetime 4 months ago
Great job by John, but that interviewer is a bit of a turd.
Brado38 5 months ago
John your the man!
SamwisetheUncowardly 6 months ago
I am not relgiious but agree with most of what this guy says.
MrAlecaf 7 months ago
these two 'interviewers' are insufferable.
Tuntee 7 months ago
soooo, did anyone else get the feeling that the anchor hadn't read the book? even though he said it was a good read.
DJRPROD10 10 months ago
unfortunally there is 10 passive people here(i dislike that)
TheCanuck09 10 months ago
He should have been given the chance to explain that Jesus is "gentle, meek, and mild" to those who need it, while being "wild and fierce" against the enemy.
drewzter0615 10 months ago
I mean, he let him speak, but he cut him off and didn't fully respect him. John did great, though.
steven082290 10 months ago
I love this interview!! I am kind of mad at the media guy for not letting him speak, though.
steven082290 10 months ago
This book honestly has so many scriptural problems with it. One obvious problem being that he encourages his son to get revenge on someone else for hitting him. I know of at least 12 different bible verse, both in the Old and New Testament, that condemn this behavior. Eldredge encourages behavior that completely contradicts God's commandments.
GreenX37 1 year ago
i will definately give him this, he is happy because he living by his truth and own passion just saying for men to get their very own passion back,.you can tell he's pretty authentic, and its primarily because he's choosing a less conventional approach, cleary not shaped by an outside source or institution ... tho then he goes on to make his own church. still !
whatisnot1 1 year ago
The news reporter begins his introduction of John by misinterpreting scripture and taking it out of context. If you have not read the book, don't make assumptions on this biased interview.
TheFubar5 1 year ago
@TheFubar5 Are you talking about the scripture addressing the meek? He didn't misinterpret or make that up. Jesus himself says that the meek will inherit the Earth. Scripture says that directly.
"Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth." -Matthew 5:5
GreenX37 11 months ago
That interviewer is a bit offended. I think John struck a chord, rather the Holy Spirit must have struck a chord.
j77walker 1 year ago
He does a very bad job if what it takes to be a warrior and whether your dad taught you right or not-integrity as what he has partially defined in this interview. Go find someone who just recently came home from Afghanistan or Iraq and ask them what does it take to be a warrior. God does not want or need wild warriors and niether does the Army or Marines. Self control, disciplie, integrity, honor, loyalty, the ability to follow orders and takei nitiative, andmore so-leadership by example!
daveme7 1 year ago
This is one of the best books I have read. It had a huge impact on my life after my father died and I had graduated high school. I was lost to say the least. I laugh at the people who say this book needs more biblical references. It's a self-help, psychology book grounded in Christian faith, NOT a book purely about The Bible. Go read another author if you just want to learn about The Bible. And girls do NOT want nice guys. They say they do, but who ALWAYS gets the girl? Confident dangerous guys.
mattstank 1 year ago
@mattstank and biology proves it true too.
but there are always exceptions
whatisnot1 1 year ago
Man, John Eldridge is a good man against these DOUCHEBAGS.
Sephiroth1984 1 year ago
i have read the book, found nothing Christian about it.
dointime85 1 year ago
@dointime85 your faith is not my faith.
TheFubar5 1 year ago
@TheFubar5
that may well be true since i myself am not sure whether it is still justified to call myself a Christian. however, i believe that nonetheless I have read enough of the bible and know enough about christianity to be able to state that much of "wild at heart" has no foundation in the bible and some of it directly contradicts the teachings of jesus, especially the sermon on the mount.
dointime85 1 year ago
@dointime85 thats because some forms of christianity say Gods nature is described in the whole bible, and they do good to read it all. the problem arises when they take these narratives as literal. other forms of christianity interpret the bible completely differently, and want to focus on the NT and make 'love everyone' to the point of over sensitizing men, there's a lot going on. its biblical, not quite religious, but what he does is compares contemporary books/movies to the bibical ones.
whatisnot1 1 year ago
if you look at Jesus, though, his version of love isn't weak. He is compassionate, as you saw with children and women, but He stood up to the Pharisees when they challenged His identity and talked down about His disciples (e.g. their failure to wash their hands).
neverbackdown1983 1 year ago
@dointime85 This intrigues me. How does it contradict the sermon on the mount? And unsure if you can call yourself a Christian? Ya either are or aren't, the way I see it. Ya know? It's not about a knowledge of the Bible (although that's obviously very important), but rather believing in Christ and accepting what He did and all that core stuff all denominations (to my knowledge) agree on.
Spike294 1 year ago
@Spike294 These are some of Jesus's teachings when he gave the Sermon on the Mount. "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5) "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God" (Matthew 5:9) John Eldredge's encouragement for men to find their 'inner warrior', as well as promoting his son to hit people, most obviously contradicts with Jesus's sermon on the mount. Not only is he encouraging his son to engage in vengeful behavior; it's also illegal.
GreenX37 1 year ago
@GreenX37 I wouldn't say it contradicts it. You can be meek while still holding your ground, should you need to. And encourages his son to hit people? I did not catch that in the video, but did you mean something else by it, or assume it, or...?
Spike294 1 year ago
@Spike294 Oh, hit him back. I could watch the full thing again, but pardon my laziness...Do you remember what part of the video he says this in? I am not questioning you if it is there, just if you know the general area where it may be.
Spike294 1 year ago
@Spike294 I wasn't referring to the interview, I was pointing out what he wrote in his book. "The next time that bully pushes you down, here is what I want you to do-are you listening Blaine?" He nodded, his big wet eyes fixed on mine. "I want you to get up...and I want you to hit him...as hard as you possibly can." -Wild at Heart pg. 78-
He is clearly teaching his son to deal with situations like that in a vengeful and aggressive manner. That's called physical assault and it's illegal.
GreenX37 1 year ago
@GreenX37 Ahhhhhh. Well, I'd say that's just self-defense, really. I mean, yes, of course do everything you can to handle the matter peacefully, but when you need to defend yourself, you need to defend yourself. I believe it's totally justifiable.
Spike294 11 months ago
@Spike294 In this case, no, it's not justified. His son could have been encouraged to go to a teacher or principal, or John could have talked to school officials himself. But no. He instead encouraged his son to be some ego and engage in aggressive behavior. Hitting someone back 'as hard as you can' simply for getting picked on or pushed is not self-defense, that's vengeance. Unless your life is threatened, which clearly his son's life wasn't, hitting someone back is not legally justified.
GreenX37 11 months ago
@GreenX37 Mmm. Good point. Although I am not necessarily fully swayed in my stance, I really have no further argument other than what I've already said, so...yeah. I lost this debate, I suppose. Hah.
Spike294 11 months ago
@Spike294 I'm not saying he doesn't make some good points in his message, because he does. Passivity and the ineffectiveness of the church does not provide a good image of God. Though that doesn't mean we should all be a bunch of egomaniacs getting revenge and being aggressive; that's just as dangerous to christinaity if not more so.
GreenX37 11 months ago
@GreenX37 I get what you're saying, yeah. I don't think he supports what he says to the extent you have interpreted it, though.
Spike294 11 months ago
@GreenX37 Submitting to the point of it becoming life-threatening before simply hitting someone seems a bit much? I think, ya, legally you shouldn't hit the bully, But there's a difference between having pride in something (e.g. yourself and what you believe, etc.) and being prideful. If God didn't defend His holy kingdom and my life every day because it was legally wrong to do so, I'd be in some serious trouble.
TheFubar5 11 months ago
@TheFubar5 Being picked on and pushed is not a life-threatening situation. Like I said, he could have gone to a school administrator or his dad could have spoken to them instead of encouraging his son to get aggressive and engage in behavior that violates school rules. Defense is one thing, getting revenge is another. Defend yourself from the fire by creating a water barrier around yourself. Don't fight the fire with more fire or else you'll just create more fire. (Yes, this is a metaphor)
GreenX37 11 months ago
A poorly conducted interview. The fellow questioning enfolded himself in his TV personality rather than conducting a neutral interrogation meant to explore a book. I do tip my hat to Mr. Eldridge for his conduct in this situation; he has written an exquisite book.
don127quixote 1 year ago
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Fear GOD who hath power to cast you into HELL(Luke 12:5)! Fear God and depart from evil(Proverbs 3:7)! God is ANGRY with the wicked everyday(Psalm 7:11)! Jesus Christ is the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE, there is NO OTHER WAY to be saved(John 14:6)! For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved(John 3:17)! TURN FROM YOUR SINS AND SUBMIT 2 THE LORDSHIP OF JESUS CHRIST NOW! DON'T BOAST OF HAVING TOMORROW! Proverbs 27:1
over9000christian 1 year ago
hmm note - the cnn guy says "although the bible says the meek shall inherit the earth,"... however, the "meekness" referred to in the bible is not so much weakness and passiveness as it is humble, controlled, patient strength that only submits to God's will.
nkim114 1 year ago 3
I seriously didn't think he was going to say "pushover."
Jakyle1 1 year ago
I can not believe the guy how hosts the interview, he does not even have any backround on the book, it seems like he opened the book saw a few words and decided to look cool, well done john you handled it great
luankrige 1 year ago 2
this guy needs to actually read the book! And stop cutting John off he has a lot to say!
cr17lover 1 year ago
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cr17lover 1 year ago
It is a Book for everyone...
Ein Buch für alle...
Truesader 1 year ago
Can CNN do anything without telling the story that "THEY" want to told?
Just let the guy speak and you might learn something CNN dude.
CNN Sucks!
Fantastic book!!!
husteak 1 year ago
@husteak YES to your comments. The book is fantastic, and so true it'll make both men and women weep with recognition.
This CNN joker is a horrible interviewer--neither he nor his woman counterpart have understood the book, if they've read it at all.
CNN, does anyone watch it anymore?
kleicester 1 year ago 4
John is right and he is a great guy in real life too.
IAMWBH3 1 year ago 2
Absolute legend!!!! John is awesome. Please read this book people it is brilliant. Man or woman, boy or girl just read it!
bandradicalmachine 1 year ago
The CNN host probably gets his nails done, and he just couldn't stand the masculine stench that Jon exuded - I like the rugged mountain back drop. You have to read John's book and check it against the bible and other similar books and you'll appreciate his message. A good book for reference but not a single source for guidance - Book: Wild at Heart.
nativeveteran70 2 years ago
@nativeveteran70
I know. he sounds so sarcastic!
prettyeyessxoxo 1 year ago
John is the man!!
Matejko 2 years ago
Niesamowity gość!
yolek 2 years ago
John is soooooo right!
I know first hand
PlanetSynth 2 years ago
Wild at heart is probably one of my favorite books im reading his 2nd book called the way of the wild heart and so far its good, only read 2 chapters haha
theman10069 2 years ago
hes doesnt glorify God too much tho!!
educatedthug15 2 years ago
I love how John brings in his message of Christian masculinity, and Mr. Fake-Plastic-Media guy doesn't quite know what to do with it.
Eldredge is answering everything right and doing great, and the news guy can't trap him on anything, despite several attempts. I love it!
luckyrace91 2 years ago 15
@luckyrace91 Yes you can clearly see the news anchor with his cocky, mocking, and whimsical attitude toward John with every question. You can see at the very beginning of the "Interview" if we can even call it such, the news anchor interrupts him and tries to question harder without letting John speak. But John Speaks.
TheSKeB 3 months ago
Respond to this video... Listen to the man's tone of voice as this opens up. Look at the smirk on his face. Listen to the laughter in his tone. Look at him fold his arms as John speaks. Look at him questioning the existence of the word "feminization" in attempt to discredit Mr. Eldredge. This is great. God bless you, John Eldredge.
TheSKeB 3 months ago
Rather suspect and sensationalist questioning. Why involve Christianity, the interviewer says, well since God made us all, why not? Great book, which I highly recommend
ljsknutsen 2 years ago
So La Familia (mexican drug cartel) is using his books as required reading. These "narco - evengilicals" in mexico look up to Elredge.
DirzoRasec 2 years ago 2
If I remember correctly didn't Jesus associate with liars, thieves, prostitutes, tax collectors, and even the likes of myself. May it be a blessing to there life, it is to mine.
hotsauselover 2 years ago
I just thought it is rather odd La Familia looks up to him being that they are a drug cartel.
DirzoRasec 2 years ago 2
The KKK say they are good Christians. Does that make Jesus bad? haha
khurlyfry 2 years ago
khurlyfry:NO, only Jesus does
DirzoRasec 2 years ago
this is toooooo convenient a way to discredit someone's writing. lol! the same can be said about those who claim to follow the bible or any other positive thing. there will ALWAYS be crazy people who read books written by someone who wouldn't endorse their actions.
look at the KKK! they claim to be christians! but believe me; the Christ who paid the penalty for sin is not pleased with their racism and bigotry.
you gotta judge the leader, not misguided followers.
evethezealot 2 years ago
evethezealot: Im not trying to discredit Elredge's writing. Its the Familia who is twisting his writings, I just pointed out that fact. I have nothing against Elredge.
DirzoRasec 2 years ago
the interviewer is a jackass
willieramsey21 2 years ago
I agree with Paulo; not only was he (the interviewer) derisive, but what he appeared to be doing was attempting to chastise John, taking the upperhand granted being the 'protagonist' on live, national television. I didn't even [know] CNN had a 'Faces of Faith' segment... and from what I see, it just appears to be more of an attempt to lure prominent Christian figures (at least the ones CNN's 'views' don't agree with). On the other hand, I [never] expect CNN to report on anything truthfully.
TrueDJVyro 2 years ago
I was expecting John Eldridge to look very buffed up and macho [kinda like the stereotypical lumberjack] after reading Wild at Heart, so seeing him was a shocker for me.
adambomb312 2 years ago
@adambomb312 its funny u say that b/c i thought the same thing too. i was expecting to see somebody like the guy from the brawny commercials. but i guess that goes to show u can't judge a book by its cover.
scmurphy18 2 years ago
Great book, you must read it. Christian or not it will leat you something good. John is a great guy, I learned from his book how to fight to my soul and heart.
probiu5 2 years ago 2
John wrote a great book, I back him 100 percent and I don't even follow the particular religion.
kallisilat 2 years ago
this guy has changed my whole thinking of Christianity
hotsauselover 2 years ago 3
me too
willieramsey21 2 years ago
The biggest lie of Wild at Heart is that John Eldredge not only misapplied scripture, he actually changed the verse!
Read Proverbs 20:5. Eldredge basis his whole philosophy on this verse which he quotes as:
"The heart of a man is like deep water..."
The verse actually says, "Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water..."
That right there should invalidate his entire book. Not to mention his openness theology, low view of God and high view of man, etc..
lvbosch 2 years ago
The interviewer has a derisive attitude. The cut to the anchorwoman was, of course, preplanned. Trying paint Eldredge as a wildman. If he had more of an interest in drawing out what Eldredge is trying to say - that which has "taken the Christian world by storm - the interview would have gone a lot further.
paulo1149 2 years ago
I red his book and that makes me to understand more my husband.. is a fantastic book
irineaxa 2 years ago 7
@irineaxa
Humor at its best.
rippleproject 8 months ago
The questions asked here really don't do the book justice. This is a great book. It is not 100% theologically sound, but NO book is except the bible. John's work is certainly inspired though.
You can judge all things by the fruit that it bears. John's book has led men to be more involved in their families and in community, as well as giving men a passion to reconnect to the Word and to church.
byndlimits 2 years ago 3
Eldredge is a smart guy.
DavidKiern 2 years ago
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benjiszz 2 years ago
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and who do you think made him smart?
benjiszz 2 years ago
John Eldredge is fantastic and absolutely right. Read his book.
lechtenb 2 years ago 3
fo sho man, i love his book
JinXuanJun 2 years ago
Wild at Heart is the most objective books I've ever read concerning the male character and society's misguided steriotypes about men. Made me see what I missed as a boy,and how I will need to bring up my sons when I marry. Living in Africa where the church is still very strong, I agree that it has tamed the wild African man into a sissy! One challenge we have here is how to remain masculine in a refugee camp,somebody answer me.
Allanoid25 2 years ago 3
How to remain masculine: kick ass and chew bubble gum, pwn the noobs and let none walk over ya. owned!!! XD some "christian places" are packed with "retarted whimp cultism" like as meantioned in this books.
TheMessanjah 2 years ago
to me it's kinda like you can go to the supermarket to buy your vegetables or you can go to the farmer. this book to me is like the supermarket....God is like the farmer....I don't really like alot of books about God I'd rather go to God and through my relationship I get from Him what He want me to have...
osocali 2 years ago
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I went through this course and to be honest it was boring...I understand what john is saying and I agree...though I've had some good examples of Godly men who really loved Jesus and had orderly loving families etc.....my thing is if you have a real relationship with the Father and beleive what He says about you and are being conformed to the to the image of Jesus...you will become the man God created you to be.
osocali 2 years ago
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There are surely truths in this book but many many errors, I burned my book due to much phsyco babble. It is most unscriptural. His point on the Church feminizes men is right on however. The woman rule in todays Churches and men hide behind their wives. Men need to get the BIBLICAL order correct. 1 Cor 11 says the head of every man is Christ and the head of the woman is theman. WHY? Because that is the order God in his soveriegnty gave.
TheTrutha3 2 years ago
What this book talks about is largely true. The Church does indeed try to femanize men. IE. wear your suit, sit up straight, don't smoke, drink, or curse. This is good advice no doubt, but Christ, who payed for our sin, wasn't some noodled-armed choir boy. He is both the LION and the lamb.
bensmith86 3 years ago 2
Yeah man! Preach it!
TheStyleHammer 2 years ago 2
Right on John! Read this book
rah713 3 years ago 2
this man speaks the truth...beer me
skisch12 3 years ago
Have got the book and need to read it... from the direction of the interview it seems like a Christian re-work of Robert Bly's opus `Iron John`. The mytho-poetic mens movement has been operational in the UK & USA for nigh on 20 years and it's good that a Christian author is getting involved.
silvi01977 3 years ago
Iron John was clearly an influence to the seeds of the book... but there is more spiritual weightiness to Wild At Heart than exists in Iron John.
vhyndman 3 years ago
Iron John was a pretty spiritual voyage... though I assume you're using `spiritual weightiness` to mean `Christian weightiness`. It's depressing and amusing to see people turned so far against this book because it lacks a requisite batch of quotes from the bible. After all, the good book is so narrow nobody could possibly make an abstract argument from the inspiration and understanding of their faith.
silvi01977 3 years ago 2
Yeah, not disparaging Iron John, and the weightiness in Wild at Heart truly is Christian... but mainly what I was referencing is a more eternal or transcendent view... that what men are called to, in part, transcends their life. This might have been an aspect of Iron John, but I don't recall. I'll have to rummage through the closet and re-read it. Thanks for the motivation to do so.
vhyndman 3 years ago
thanks for the motivation to make me end my life. this is one of the most absurd things i have ever seen!
there is a reason why people are kept in prison, because the've broken the law!! not because they want to break free from the way society is "demasculising" them. i have plenty of passion, doesnt mean i go around committing violent crimes...
NoRManPrice 3 years ago
My understanding of the jail comment is not that "men are sent to jail because they're emasculated", John is saying that men that men are more likely to be incarcerated. Men truly ARE sent to prison for having broken the law, as you point out... it is MISPLACED passion that leads some men to crime.
John is not developing an apologetic for why men commit crimes, he's simply pointing out that it is MEN more so than women who commit violent crimes. That is fact, WHY is open to interpretation.
vhyndman 3 years ago 2
The interviewer is one of which John wrote of in the book, but has not read the book and received. So it is of no great wonder that John is able to handle his "disorientation" ... God has taken John to those depths and prepped him in Himself, and what we see via the interview is part of John's glory... the glory, the splendor, God prepared for John in Himself. And the world does not, nor will, get it.
princeb71 3 years ago
If u've read the book you come to understand that this it what most men have become, instantly becoming defensive b/c he sees that what John is saying is right on. Truthfully, its the enemy (Satan in other words) who u should be bashing, b/c it is he who has deceived this man...
balthazar117 3 years ago
Can we stop bashing the interviewer here? And don't get me wrong, I don't agree with anything he said, I've read Wild at Heart and honestly, every question that he asked John was presented in my own mind, but the book goes into such a depth that it eliminates those doubts, in truth the interviewer is very much like your average American male, he's the man who has been emasculated himself, its not his fault.
balthazar117 3 years ago
My hubby read this book. He really liked it. I agree with John Eldredge. Not enough strong christian men out there to lead.
sheepinarowboat 3 years ago
that was awesome!
jetta230 3 years ago
really great book for young and old men, and maybe women also!
D.Lux
DominikLux 3 years ago
again, good job john on handling the interview. i love your book. it really challenged me to recapture my heart and strive to rediscover the man God created me to be.
AB3613 3 years ago 2
I can't believe the newcaster implies that these thoughts will harm relaionship. Stupid.
Vendettatch 3 years ago
Well done John on handling the interviewer !!!! I havent read the book but my husband has and he loved it !!!
rachel1897 3 years ago 2
the CNN interview was such a jerk. He tried to twist everything John's book is about. But John handled that guys crappy attitude so great! Great job John!
PenguinDefender 3 years ago
This CNN guy is a douche. His questions and everything really show the unfortunate view that society has put on masculinity and testosterone: that men are domineering, angry Type As that should be suffocated into "normalcy."
Great book, Eldredge seems like a cool guy.
Kyle171 3 years ago 3
the cnn guy is so transparent
djbro16 3 years ago
thanks push. meek has a great meaning to it...meek = gentle, kind etc.
amdmusic789 3 years ago
this interviewer misrepresents john in his intro.
amdmusic789 3 years ago
i agree. when Jesus says "the meek shall inherit the earth", meek doesn't mean weak. it means controlled strength, like training a wild bronco or stallion to be able to carry someone.
push2thelimit 3 years ago
i need to go to one of these retreats. john is great.
amdmusic789 3 years ago
john eldredge rocks!god is a awesome warrior,he s one of my favorite writers and pasters!god bless everyone!matt horwich 1 time ifl middleweight champ by jesus s grace,
keysd077 3 years ago
yeah go Eldredge!
the interviewer doesn't seem to like what John has to say.
it's not an easy message to take but it's so good once you listen to it. i want to go fishing or rock climbing or play rugby or something!
shuhouse25 3 years ago
This is great!! loved the books he wrote and went to one of his camps AWESOME!!!!!!
ghillde 4 years ago
A book emphasizing strong Christian men, while taking examples from King David (both the warrior and a man after God's own heart...) hmmmm..
I agree with John. Today's Church has (where purposely or not) sought to calm men down and has preached submission. But that isn't reflected in the Word.
Believer70 4 years ago
okay, so maybe he doesn't get it perfectly. but then, who ever does? at least his heart is right. the world, especially in America, needs real men who will speak up and stand strong in his convictions. amen?
push2thelimit 4 years ago
For those who believe that John 1:1 is talking abiout the Bible, and who believe THEY have not only all that scripture says nailed down, but that their interpretation is absolutely correct, then the aspects of Christ that John Eldredge is pointing out, the aspects of being Godly men that he is advocatiung, is going to be lost on you.
In your quest to be right, I hope you find your heart.
vhyndman 4 years ago