Glimpse of Jesus

A Glimpse of Jesus represents Brennan Manning's attempt to distill his core spiritual insights for readers seeking a more intimate encounter with Christ. Written during the final phase of his public ministry, this brief work emerged from Manning's decades of retreat leadership and pastoral counseling, addressing the persistent hunger he observed among Christians who felt distant from Jesus despite their religious observance.

The book centers on what Manning calls the "furious love" of God revealed in Jesus, arguing that most believers have settled for a domesticated version of Christ that fails to capture his radical compassion and acceptance. Manning explores how religious performance and moral striving often become barriers to experiencing Jesus's actual presence, leading readers through a contemplative process of releasing false images of God in favor of direct spiritual encounter. He draws heavily on the mystical tradition, particularly the writings of Julian of Norwich and John of the Cross, while maintaining his characteristic focus on grace as the antidote to shame and self-condemnation.

The work has endured as one of Manning's most accessible introductions to contemplative spirituality, valued particularly by readers recovering from religious trauma or legalistic backgrounds. Its brief, meditative chapters have made it a popular choice for retreat settings and small group study. Who should read this: Christians seeking to move beyond dutiful religion toward experiential faith, especially those struggling with shame or perfectionism in their spiritual lives. This is not suited for readers looking for systematic theology or detailed biblical exposition.