Though it was published in 2005, I only recently obtained a copy and read The Barbarian Way by Erwin McManus. I have read other books by Erwin, and I thoroughly enjoy his ideas and writing. The Barbarian Way is a quick read (it is possible to read it all in one sitting, though it might be better absorbed by only reading one of the four sections at one time). Essentially, McManus is putting forth a singular concept – that following Jesus is a ‘barbaric’ (crude, lacking in restraint) endeavor, and many contemporary churches have become to ‘civilized’ (marked by refinement in taste, cultured, polished). Rather than attempting to summarize Erwin’s description of the ‘barbarian’ lifestyle, I will simply share several quotes from the book that I found meaningful and best describe his concept.
Barbarians love to live and live to love. For them God is life, and their mission is to reconnect humanity to him.
…If you are a follower of Jesus Christ…there is within you a raw and untamed faith waiting to be unleashed.Â
..Jesus did not suffer and die so that we could build for ourselves havens, but so that we might expand the kingdom of His love.
Have we become so refined and so civilized that the benefits of our faith have become more precious and more valuable to us than the Benefactor of our faith.Â
It is true that the enemy will essentially leave you alone if you are domesticated. He will not waste his energy destroying a civilized religion. If anything, he uses his energy to promote such activity. Religion can be one of the surest places to keep us from God. When our faith becomes refines, it is no longer dangerous to the dark kingdom.
I could continue, but if these quotes peak your curiosity, I’d reccommend reading the book for yourself.
“But then the worst thing happened that could happen to any figher, you got civilized.”
– Micky to Rocky, Rocky III
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