Rating: 
Summary: A Dangerous Viewpoint
Review: I perceive two problematic themes running through "Wild at Heart".First is the idea that God's plan for a man is adventure. Several men who are good friends and mature Christians have told me this was their major (and favorable, to my surprise) reaction to this book. Throughout the book, Eldredge brings in the word "dangerous", implying that it's a major component in God's life as well as man's. While Eldredge can be assumed to be speaking metaphorically about the Lord, it's a stupid thing to say about the omni powerful God of the universe. He who is and was and ever shall be, Who holds all of His creation together by His own will - He faces no danger! Who can successfully oppose Him? I believe that if a man follows God's will, he will experience adventure, but said adventure isn't the point. The author's viewpoint is flawed because it is focused on man, not God. Our REASON for being here on planet Earth is to glorify God. For some, that means lying in bed with sickness praying daily for the saints. For others, it means torture and death in the jungle of Ecuador. The route taken, and the adventure quotient therein, is not the reason for the trip (life). Lives drawn to Christ are the measure of success, which we will not be able to adequately discern until after the "adventure." To use our own sense of satisfying adventure as the indication of being in God's will tends to put self on the throne rather than God. Just as any self-centered perspective will. Second is the recurring reference to Robert Bly, of "naked men beating drums in the forest" fame, with an implicit endorsement of this man without any qualifications at all. Bly is a pagan (or was when he wrote "Iron John") and Christians must always be careful about recommending non-biblical sources. There are more than enough Christian examples of men that God has provided; no need to use men that Satan has provided (let us not forget that there is no demilitarized zone in the spiritual war Christ described.) Now there are good points throughout the book as well: Masculinity cannot be properly bestowed or validated by women, men have the role here. Also, as he points out on pg 164, "the battle is in your mind." This is the most important point in the book and one most Christians fail to comprehend! I perceive that the favorable reaction so many Christian men have for this book is that they are not using their minds to examine it in light of Gods truth, they are responding emotionally to its "right sounding" message. Christians are to "test ALL things" - books by Christian authors are not exempt.
Rating: 
Summary: A Gift for Anytime
Review: The premise is simple. Men were not created to be safe. Men were created for adventure and to change history, whether that means the history of a nation or of his own family. This is a call for men everywhere to step up to the plate. The book is not without problems. Eldredge often overstates his point, carries it for too many chapters, and adds a touch too much "macho". At times these can become so thick that they hide the nuggets of gold within the book. At other times they can become so inspiring that the reader wants to pick up the nearest sword and go slay a dragon. If the man who reads this book loves adventure, he will like this book.
If the man who reads this book wrestles with some scars from childhood, this book may be healing.
If the man who reads this book refuses to step up to the plate and shoulder responsibility, this book will challenge him.
If the man who reads this book is comfortable with himself, has worked through his childhood pains, and is willing to roll up his sleaves and give of himself to others (and unlike the impression I get from Eldredge, I believe there are such men), he might think the book doesn't relate to him. If a woman reads this book, she will be gifted with a glimpse of insight into the soul of a man. But it might be a confusing glimpse full of mixed signals, because not every man will relate to every portion of the book. All in all, the book would make an excellent gift and a good conversation starter.
Rating: 
Summary: Revolutionary!
Review: The most revolutionary Christian book I have read. It shows God in such a new way, the Risk Taker, full of fun (I always knew there was more!); It helps one to discover who you are, what you want, not to give up on your dreams, but to dream them and to follow them - that the areas of your fears, are exactly where your strengths are - wow! It so beautifully explains the differences between a man and a woman, using different Bible characters to drive the message home; the importance of the father/son and father/daughter relationships, and yes, the author may as well have been telling my story as so much of what he writes about, is true and real life dramas. Thank you John Eldredge for writing this book - I am buying another 10 and sending them to different people, including my pastor!!
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Summary: Women, read this one!
Review: I don't enjoy cheesy, formulaic here's-how-to-understand-a-man books, so when a friend recommended this to me, I was skeptical. However, even though this book is easy to read, there is so much to digest that you'll want to limit yourself to a chapter a week! Eldredge has been given the gifts of wisdom and teaching, and his insights about men, women, and the God who created them are profound. This book changed my perception of the actions of men around me and helped me understand a little bit more what makes them tick.
Rating:
Summary: viagra for the heart
Review: Inspiration not doctinal teaching is Johns Ministry. He taps the beauty and power and mystery of stories, and ourselves in a grand story, using the media we understand today--movies. The same way I am sure the isrealites were inspired when they read stories of Davad and Goliath, Samsun, Giedeon, Elijah.----Yes I know, those concerned with theology alone will draw a huge distinction between the two. Just as the Pharasees looked at the law and testament, became exacting, and forgot the heart, these look at scripture. Let them critique my spelling, and because of this, know I am wrong.---This book is fresh mountain air in a musty church.
Rating:
Summary: Deep
Review: I was able to relate to almost everything he said in this book. It is the best book I have ever read.
Rating:
Summary: A good read for men or parents of boys
Review: I picked up Wild at Heart on the advice of a friend. The first couple of chapters absolutely blew me away. Eldredge has a keen feel for what is in a man's heart. He gives wonderful Biblical examples of what men are supposed to be and not. I only have two complaints about the book: 1) Certain parts of the book (mostly in the middle) tend to be very metaphoric. While this is ok in moderation, I think there was a little too much use for my taste. 2) I did not care for the scripture quotes from the Message translation. However, this is purely my personal preference. I do not happen to care for the MSG. All in all the book was well done is is a must for any Christian man's bookshelf. I think it would also be helpful for women to get an understanding of their husbands and sons.
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Summary: Rave Review
Review: My wife seems to want me to read all the self-help books. I guess she's trying to tell me something. I've read plenty of those, and typically find them nauseating. This book is different. In the first place, I scarfed it from my nephew. It is a book about our true motivations and desires, and a challenge to discover what actually makes us tick. I would highly recommend this to those who are struggling, and to those who find themselves counseling those who are struggling. It is more for men, but an open-minded woman could also benefit from it. A great Christmas gift. I'm getting my father and brothers all a copy.
Rating:
Summary: Many of the bad reviews miss the point.
Review: I think many of the people who gave this book bad reviews have missed something. I agree that he often overstates his points, and that his definition of what a man should be like is often very narrow. However, there are some points that are very important that the detractors have missed. 1) Sometimes it is necessary to have someone overstate the point a little bit to get the idea across (Jesus did this, among others). I disagree with his comments at several points, but I think that his book is still a valuable tool for this reason. 2) No description will fit everyone, but I think that he has covered many of the things that charactarize most men. 3) He is combating many of the false perceptions that many people in the church hold regarding what men should be like. For example: in discussing the book, I considered how many of the classic images of Jesus (other than on the cross) rarely show him as being very passionate in any sense. His expression is usually bland in a gentle sort of way. Rarely do you see him angry or laughing, though I believe he shows both emotions in scripture. 4) I think what some have percieved as recreation is only partly that. Eldredge believes that men often need to test their limits, and here in America there are few options other than recreation. I agree with him, that people are often afraid to find out if they are capable. 5) We all need to recognize where we have been hurt in our lives, and how those hurts have shaped us. Men can often try to hide the fact that they have been hurt. 6) I think he departs from scripture at a few points, but I would not characterize his book as "unscriptural" either. I believe many modern theologians spend too much time quoting scripture and not enough time getting to the point. I prefer to test what is said once they are done saying it. 7) Movies and books are a good marker of what the culture values. Portraying the Kingdom of God as counter-cultural is an over-simplification. Eldredge uses movies as a way to help people think about their desires. He believes our desires have a root in God, but people seek to fulfill those desires in warped ways. Just my thoughts on several points.
Sxeptomaniac
Rating:
Summary: Wow!
Review: John Eldredge's "Wild at Heart" is one of the most refreshing audio books I've heard for a long time. Many men are just going through the motions in this world. They are unhappy, unfulfilled, in jobs they hate, and in marriages that are deteriorating rapidly. Why is that? "Wild at Heart" offers answers to those questions and suggests ways to restore the passion God intended us to have. People denouncing "Wild at Heart" as an anti-christian, macho, or rogue-warrior-like have missed the point of the story. Eldredge suggests that men have three longings: a battle to fight, an adventure to live, and a beauty to rescue. He explains these longings through a combination of biblical examples and personal stories. I found this book to contain a deeply spiritual message. Churches that genuinely want to thrive going forward can learn from this book. Perhaps they should make it recommended reading for at least the male congregation :) While this book is definitely about men, I found its message about relationships most powerful. Eldredge makes it clear that divorce is not an option in his mind. He suggests that if a man's marriage is struggling because he no longer finds his wife to be the exciting woman he fell in love with, that the man may be the cause -- or at least a major contributor -- because of his lost passion for life. He then goes on to offer some examples of exactly what to do to help him/them reclaim their passion for life and each other. While Eldredge's writing style is easy-going and fun, and his audio delivery is entertaining and colorful, his overall message is powerful and rewarding. I highly recommend this for men of all ages. By the way, I love the negative comment by one reviewer, "we don't need a christian Dr. Phil". Actually ... once you finish Wild at Heart I recommend going right to Dr. Phil's "Self Matters". What a powerful combination :)
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