Rating: 
Summary: WOW
Review: Since this book has already been picked apart by what can only be biblical theologians in the past reviews, there is only a few things that I care to say; some of which have either directly or more/less already been said.
That said, let me say:
If you are a man that loves Christ as much as you know how and yet still has an empty longing and/or frustration in your heart then this book is for you.
If you are serious about becoming real with yourself and with your lord, Jesus Christ, then this book is for you.
If you are struggling with thing such as anger, violent tendencies, pornography, sexual perversions, alcohol addictions, etc., then this book is for you too as you will begin to understand the root of such problems.
I have been saved over ten years and I have struggled with a lot of problems and ups and downs. It has been my hearts earnest desire to love and please God. If you can forgive what may sound boastful; I have heard all the preaching on this and that, how to be, how not to be, what to do, what not to do, this method, that method, this program, that program. I have heard the charismatic belief. I have heard the fundamentalist belief; I think I have just about heard it all, and frankly, I have been SICK of it. Though much of it was necessary to bring me to the place I am today, this book is just what the doctor ordered for my soul. For the first time in I don't know how long, I feel alive again. I feel free.
I have read the reviews of this book that tried to pick it apart. I appreciate the concern as we all must be careful not to follow every wind of doctrine that comes along. After all, the enemy loves nothing more than to pull people away from Christ. But, that being said, to speak poorly of this book says that you miss its entire meaning and heart. I am sorry for anyone that misses the message in this book.
No, this book is probably not advisable for a brand new Christian as it may give them a lot of false ideas. It is written to a somewhat seasoned Christian audience.Why?
Because to me this book is the bridge to an enormous gap in the life of many Christian men. It will take you from service and slave-ship to the Lord Jesus Christ (which is a necessary part of growth), into being a son. It will take a man that is ready from (doing to being), as it will set you free to serve the living Christ with love and passion. For me, it helped me to see deep into soul and take that very step. I pray it does for you as well. I would also recommend it for women - trust me. Bravo John !!! Thanks!!!
Rating:
Summary: One of the Best Books I've Ever Read
Review: All right, Wild at Heart was written for men. But I would recommend it without hesitation to any woman.
This isn't really a book about marriage or dating, but of all the books I have read on marriage and dating, this far exceeds them all. It goes beyond the how-to and the surface stuff, and explores, quite simply, the image of God, and how that has been corrupted by the world and can be restored by the One who created it in the first place. It goes beyond the stereotypical gender roles and explores the core desires in every heart.
I highly, highly recommend this book to anyone, man or woman, who is ready for a life-changing adventure.
Rating: 
Summary: Get to the central point
Review: During the initial chapters of this book I rolled my eyes and thought, Oh brother, how sexist. I am glad I didn't give up. Eldredge is not very careful with some of his terminology and that can present a real problem for people who are not mature in their understanding of Christianity or who are merely witch hunting.
I have read a lot of the reviews on this book and I'd like to add a few comments rather than repeat what's been said. This book is certainly no comprehensive guide to the Christain faith or to understanding the nature of God. Not at all. Those of you who evaluated it that way were in error. Elderedge wrote the book with a christian audience in mind--specifically the average, modern Christain guy. The cental point of the book, as I experienced it, was to "take it to the Father" not to women, or work, (success or money) or sports bravado, or all the other false gods we (and in this case--specifically men) construct that, in the end, never satisfy. The book is about men finding their heavenly father and their true selves in Christ--not settling for politically correct "niceness" which is a distortion of what it means to be a christian man. Eldredge could have spent more time on defining what it means to be a godly man, but haven't those books already been written?
I found the book to be very helpful (from a woman's perspective) in understanding men. It can be interpreted as sexist if disected in parts and taken out of context.
I found the reviewers who asserted that this book would be helpful only to messed up men like Eldredge to be offensive and probably speak a lot about the authors of those reviews. In the world I live in Christains have the same 50% or more divorce rate as non christians, many christian men are having affairs and have very serious problems with pornography and sexual dissatisfaction in their marriages. Eldredge addresses these topics honestly and also shares what millions of men relate to everywhere in the world: lack of intimacy and right relationship with their earthly fathers.
As a teacher and counselor for many years, I have found that the majority of fathers these days are frustrated and confused in their roles (as husbands too). If you happen to live in a protected bubble -- geographically or socially, or you had a very ideal life, perhaps you won't relate to this book personally. Eldredge has an honest writing style and is no more "messed up" (as some reviewers stated) than perhaps David in the Bible was ---a man after God's heart who struggled with many similar emotions.
The book very much helped me to have a more accepting heart for my husband--and to appreciate and celebrate his manhood (the differences) rather than try to fight against it. It is not true for everyone everywhere, but Eldredge makes the point that many christian men have lost a sense of who they are in Christ and have settled for being "nice guys", afraid to offend or make waves and, often, stuffing their feelings and desires until sickness emerges in the form of addictions, depression, affairs and disallusionment. (Or letting, perhaps, a wife's obsession with what can become for her the false gods of safety and orderliness dictate how he lives and raises their children). This book is about freedom in Christ, but without a do these 3 steps or that 5 steps formula or a reposting of the 99 theses(good grief, does every book HAVE to do that?) I totally disagree with the reviews that say Eldredge advocates for men to behave in ways that are offensive to God. You missed the principle message and focused on the individual words. Eldredge paints the "real man" as one who is in communion on a heart level with God himself as his heavenly father--not a machismo figure or a milk toast, politically correct, man pleaser.
I say, thank you, Eldredge, for helping me to appreciate the "otherness" of my husband and a lot of other "real men" out there--and for pointing men back to their heavenly fathers in a more personal way. You are a brave heart for writing such a controversial book!
Rating: 
Summary: James Bond "theology".
Review: (A highly questionable, although interesting, 2.5 stars). I've re-written this review several times. The problem -- the challenge -- is to resist being overly caught up in what is either quite intriguing or what is very dubious in this volume. On many points, Eldredge's arguments in "Wild at Heart" powerfully state self-evident truths which are almost universally overlooked. Unfortunately, in terms of logic, philosophy of biblical exegesis and theological integrity, the author does not only fall short, he constructs a mere idol. Yes, the cultural trends of the past century have emasculated the human adult male to the general detriment of all. Yes, political correctness, pop culture, pseudo-science, burgeoning "civilization" and perhaps the Christian community have all contributed to the death of the masculine soul. If it were dispassionately and carefully argued, this should provide an important issue for close examination. I certainly don't think that John Eldredge is dispassionate, nor is he as careful as a rigorous honesty should demand. (I hope I am not being "holier than thou" here, passion can have the effect of making us all less than completely truthful). The author's focus is too given to forcing God into a human image. The citation of biblical texts is more than a bit contrived (some would say "twisted"). The version of "God" that emerges is a man-oid of "danger", even a bloody warmonger. Eldredge says that a thrill-seeking God took a big "risk" in granting freedom to created beings. Theologians, whom the author takes condescending swipes at, must note that this statement immediately begs the question(s): could an omnibenevolent God (Eldredge accepts, in fact argues, that God is good) have created automatons (mindless 'minds'), and in being Himself must God be seen as taking a risk? One sees many serious problems with the author's assertion, no matter how poetically stated. Is Divine intent reflected in concepts arising from the fleshly desires of humans? Isaiah 55:8-9 clearly records God's answer as an unambiguous "NO". Eldredge insists "yes" (it's his central premise), which sounds strangely like Nietzsche's argument against God's existence! The beliefs of many atheists will be affirmed in Eldredge's careless, anthropomorphous "theology". The strengths of the book cannot overcome such serious theological errors. On a positive note, the book may facilitate a psychological catharsis for some men and may be particularly valuable to women who would like to know what, exactly, men are; why our age is mired in masculine malfunction; and how she might have a more healthy and rewarding relationship with the men in her life. But don't overlook what is simply wrong with certain of the author's arguments. The author describes encountering men heavily armed with guns, machetes and ammo belts in an Alaskan wilderness -- and feeling embarrassingly under-armed in the presence of such obviously God-like men! He plucks "support" from the Bible but often does so misleadingly, as he does with other sources as well. He quotes Thoreau, for example, such that the reader might think Thoreau would support his (Eldredge's) wild man of violence, danger, and battle. Thoreau, of course, was one of history's most noted pacifists. Muir, the consummate man in wilderness, went to Canada to avoid war and later spent extended periods of time alone in grizzly country "armed" only with a clear mind, a fascination with God's ways, and a coat pocket pre-loaded with -- biscuits! Presumably he wasn't quite Godly enough for serious firearms.
The apostle Paul said, "what counts is a new creation." Eldredge says what counts is being true to a childhood vision of maleness. Paul said that upon become a man he "put away" childish thinking. Eldredge says man is meant to do "violence", is meant to be "dangerous", must have a "battle to fight". Solomon said that wisdom is to be preferred above weaponry and/or a "battle to fight." Whether or not a man is suited to, or desirous of, "violence" and "danger" is not the important issue in a Christian understanding. Christ invites all, men and women, "learn from me, for I am gentle and humble." These words should not be re-cast in conformity to one's fleshly desires. Solomon and Paul say that man's material desires are simply "death." The author has damaged an important thesis by recklessly overstating his case (something not uncommon, I've been known to do the same). So why my three-star rating (actually 2.5)? The immediate answer is that, contrary to one of the author's premises, my God does indeed ask me to be nice -- a request in which I never cease to find otherworldly wisdom too deep for human arguments. Meditate on Galatians 5:22-25.
My "in-a-nutshell" summary: Man - good. Woman - good. Difference - good. Adventure - good. Wildness and wilderness - both good. God - infinitely good. Inventing a convenient version of "God" - not good. A well-written book that's largely wrong. On a wild mountaintop Moses received 'Ten Commandments' illuminating the good life, the first two reject the invention of a personally convenient god.
Rating: 
Summary: Not Worth It
Review: Started studying this with a Bible study group. We stopped halfway through. Premise for his whole book, man was created outside of Eden, thus unbridled is "Way Out There" theology. If he intended to twist scriptures to make his point from the beginning, we should have stopped right there. But as we read on, we saw that this was an author dealing with some issues of his own manhood that we were not. Save your money.
Rating:
Summary: I don't understand....
Review: I do not understand all these positive reviews......have you positive reviewers even looked up the scriptures in this book? You are being deceived! God tells us to measure everything against scripture....you couldn't have done this or you would see the theological problems in this book. P.4 "Man was born in the outback, from the untamed part of creation." Genesis 2 Creation wasn't wild until after the fall...after Adam was created. P.6 "The wilderness trial of Christ is, at its core, a test of his identity. If you are who you think you are..." Matt 4:3 Jesus did not doubt who he was! P.8 "God doesn't make generic people....." Actually the name Adam translates to mankind or generic people. P.15 "Don't be afraid....fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters" Why do suppose John left out the point of this scripture "Remember the Lord who is great and awesome..." Nehemiah 4:14 Maybe because it would mean something other than what he wanted it to say. Leaving this phrase out appeals to the men to fight on their own...leaving it in would imply a reliance on God instead of self. P.17 "The world kills a woman's heart when it tells her to be tough, efficient, and independent." Ever read Proverbs 31? P.30 "This whole creation is unapologetically wild." "God made all this, he pronounced it good, for heavens sake." Genesis 2 Again creation wasn't wild when God pronounced it good! Not to mention scripture that says not to swear by Heaven.... P.31 "God seems to fly in the face of all caution. He took a risk. A staggering risk...."
To risk is to not know the outcome...to gamble. How can God take a risk if He knows how it ends? My faith is based in knowing that God knows what will happen. P.48 "Desire reveals design, and design reveals destiny." "The secret longings of your heart are the things you were made to do." Is this true for everybody? How about pedophiles? Or preachers who suffer in secret with pornography? How about food addicts? P. 191 Concerning Ruth and Boaz... "This is seduction pure and simple-and God holds it up for all women to follow..." Do you really think Ruth seduced Boaz? And God holds this up for all women to follow? (Seduce means to lead into wrong doing.) P.192 I'm telling you that the church has really crippled women when it tells them that their beauty is vain..." Proverbs 31:30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. It is not the church who said this but God Himself. Instead of reading someone else's Biblical interpretation and drivel (including this review) why don't you read and study the Bible itself? It's amazing what you will discover. caleigh1@msn.com
Rating:
Summary: Book that touches the heart
Review: As a therapist and writer I know how hard it is to get men to look at their hearts. For Eldredge to be able to do this in writing speaks of his ability to communicate his passion in writing. My daughter gave me this book two years ago on father's day and I've read it at least ten times. I've felt an increased impact each time I've read it.
One critic of this book said it was for those who lived their lives by emotions, but men who lived by logic and reason would not understand it. He is correct that they might not understand it, because as Eldredge points out, lack of thinking is not the problem, lack of feeling is the problem. Eldredge is saying is that we are divorced from our hearts. He is not telling us not to think.
My own case is an example of being divorced from my heart. As a college debater with four college degrees I know how to think. My lack of thinking hasn't been the problem. My over thinking has been the problem. Eldredge has helped me get in touch with my heart and my life's passion once again. I haven't stopped thinking; I've started Feeling. My wife is certainly enjoying the difference.
Rating:
Summary: Logical and rational or emotional?
Review: I have read WAH through many times and have studied the field manual as well, to fulfill a request of a friend who was having trouble with it. What disturbs me most about this book is that it defies logic. How can anyone who knows God's word buy into what this book says? It is obviously scripturally inaccurate. What I have discovered is that people who allow their emotions to lead their lives love this book and the people who just don't understand it live their lives through logic and reason. This book simply hooks men on an emotional level rather than a logical rational level. I am also concerned about Eldridge and the impact this book is having on unsuspecting (emotionally driven) people. First, let me say that I believe that John Eldridge had the best of intentions in writing this book. However, he fell tremendously short of his goal to help men better their lives. When one studies this book (that is full of personal accounts) in an attempt to understand the author, what we find is a very troubled man who feels desperately insecure as a man and who has spent his entire life trying to over compensate. Eldridge is also a man who feels very threatened by women which can be drawn from all his derogatory comments concerning women. Honestly...Ruth seduced Boaz? (Seduce means to tempt to wrongdoing, to lead astray.) And God holds this up for all women to follow? Eldridge's mistake is in assuming all other men must feel exactly as he does. Now undoubtedly many men do (the emotionally crippled men)feel this way, however neither they nor Eldridge are in a position to help other men resolve these problems because Eldridge himself has clearly not resolved these issues in his own life. Would you get advice on parenting from someone who has never had kids? This book is merely a band-aid and offers no real help to hurting men. It causes men to open old wounds but offers not real answer to healing. This can be very dangerous. This book is simply a personal account from a seriously emotionally disturbed man.
Rating:
Summary: Only for solid Christians
Review: No doubt this is one of the best Christian books I've read in years. J. Eldredge points out some of the major problems that have rendered the majority of "Christian man" useless and stalemate and he also manages to propose a formidable solution to it all, all through God's wisdom, grace, strength and love. And finally, I got to hear about the brave, uncompromising and warrior-like side of Jesus. Jesus can't get any cooler than that. His creative and insightful approach to evaluating a man's heart and letting God change from within is truly life-changing. I was really challenged to seek God's purpose in my life and to live everyday as a warrior of Christ fighting for His Kingdom. But the book assumes that you are a pretty solid Christian. If you still have doubts about faith, or lack the basic doctrine, then this is too solid of a food for you. Start with some easy material that pastors recommend for beginners. Also, after reading this book, try Purpose Driven Life if you have been challenged to live God's exciting mission for you.
Rating:
Summary: His view of women is not biblical
Review: His view of women appears to be based on outer beauty, rather than on inner beauty. Book - "Every woman needs to know that she is exquisite and exotic and chosen. This is the core to her identity, the way she bears the image of God. Will you pursue me? Do you delight in me? My core identity is my relationship to Christ, not getting a man sexually excited. Book - There is nothing so inspiring to a man as a beautiful woman. She'll make you want to charge the castle, slay the giant, leap across the parapets... I'm not beautiful, and I'm overweight. Does that mean I intrinsically have less value as a woman? What about a man who isn't handsome or is overweight? Does that make him of less value to a woman? A man wants to be the hero to the beauty. What about a man who is so good inside that the woman in his life doesn't need to be beautiful? Can he still be a hero? Book - Lonely men fighting lonely battles. Indiana Jones and James Bond just wouldn't be the same without a beauty at their side, So woman's value is in her beauty? Should women also judge men for their looks also? Book - And finally, every woman wants to have a beauty to unveil. Not to conjure, but to unveil. Most women feel the pressure to be beautiful from very young, but that is not what I speak of. There is also a deep desire to simply and truly be the beauty, and be delighted in. Huh? What in the world is he talking about? All's I want is a good kind Christian man I can communicate with. He doesn't have to a hero, he doesn't have to be thin, he doesn't have to be handsome, he doesn't have to have a hair on head, and he doesn't have to fight battles for me. All's he needs to be is a good Christian man. And I would hope that he would extend the same lack of exterior qualifications to me that I would extend to him. Men women relationships are about more than physical beauty, they are about valuing the other person just as he/she is. Do you see me? asks the heart of every girl. And are you captivated by what you see? I could care less if a man is captivated by what he sees with his eyes. It's my heart that I want him to be interested in, not my body. And it's the same with me, I'm not interested in the man's body, I'm interested in the heart. It's hard to imagine where the author got these misconceptions about womanhood. I just don't see where Christ is in this view of womanhood.
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