No longer does 'passion' for Christ have to mean singing dry hymns or waving your hands in the air during church. In all cases, it is probably fair to say that Wild at Heart appeals because here, in a simple prescriptive book aimed at advancing the Kingdom of God, is a new way to worship the Creator. Perhaps a few feel after reading this book that their faith harmonizes for the first time with their instincts and natural passions instead of existing as an abstract thing done out of guilt or obligation on Sunday mornings.

It appeals to middle-aged men who are either bored of domestic routines or approaching their midlife crises. It appeals to younger high-school and college aged guys who are in the process of discovering themselves, forging their own faiths, and establishing their own identities. The message is particularly appealing to certain types of men. In order to be fully alive and to renew his passion for God, he must transform his attitude about life and seek, in Eldredge's memorable phrase, 'adventure, battle, and a beauty' in accordance with God's plan for his leading creation. Modern society and the expectations of work and family have domesticated the Man and made him a weak, docile, bored shell of what God intends him to be. Eldredge makes the case that much of the reason why men are discontent, bored, uninspired, un-alive, and lukewarm (particularly as Christians) is because they are out of touch with the wild, adventurous, and manly instincts instilled in them by the creator. Its ideas are, in a sense, very appealing to (Christian, American) male sensibilities.

I have a handful of friends who are strong believers in the message delivered in this book by John Eldredge.

Wild at heart eldredge review