“Wild at Heart” book by John Eldredge explores the core desires of a man’s heart, offering a fresh perspective on leadership, technology, and business. At johnchen.net, you’ll discover insights into unlocking your potential, finding purpose, and achieving success in all areas of life. Dive into resources and mentorship to help you embark on a transformative journey.
Eldredge, John. Wild at Heart. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2001.
1. What is Wild at Heart About?
Wild at Heart explores the concept of authentic masculinity and the deep desires within a man’s heart. John Eldredge challenges the notion that men are meant to be domesticated and passive, and urges them to embrace their innate longing for adventure, passion, and purpose.
Wild at Heart has been quite a conversation starter among Christians, even catching the eye of Charles R. Swindoll, who praised it as a deeply insightful read. This book dives into the idea that men in today’s world have, in some ways, become less passionate and more passive. It champions the cause of encouraging fathers to guide their sons toward a stronger sense of masculinity. However, it also faces some pretty strong criticisms. The main points of contention revolve around how the Bible is interpreted, the core message of the book, and the way it portrays God. These are the main reasons why it receives such a mixed reception.
2. What Are the Three Major Issues With Wild at Heart?
The three major issues include mishandling of Scripture, a central theme inconsistent with the Bible, and a degrading view of God. John Eldredge’s approach to biblical texts is questionable, often taking them out of context or altering them to fit his narrative. The book’s focus on men finding fulfillment by living according to their heart’s desires clashes with biblical teachings on submission and dependence on God. Additionally, Wild at Heart presents a humanistic and even heretical view of God, portraying Him as a risk-taker who is surprised by events.
2.1. How Does Wild at Heart Mishandle Scripture?
Wild at Heart often takes Scripture out of context and edits it to suit its purpose and affirm its teachings. For example, Proverbs 20:5 is altered to emphasize the depth of a man’s heart rather than the importance of counsel. Genesis is interpreted imaginatively to suggest that Adam was better off outside the Garden of Eden.
The book kicks off with a quote from Proverbs 20:5: “The heart of a man is like deep water…” Eldredge uses this to suggest that men need to explore their innermost desires to find fulfillment. But here’s the catch: the original verse actually says, “Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water.” This changes the whole meaning, shifting the focus from personal desires to the wisdom of seeking advice. It’s this kind of liberty with scripture that raises eyebrows.
Wild at Heart Book Cover
2.2. Is the Central Theme Consistent with Biblical Teaching?
The central theme of Wild at Heart, which encourages men to “know and live from” their deep hearts, is not consistent with the Bible. The Bible teaches that the regenerate heart is good, but it is not a source of strength or guidance for the Christian. True Christian living is defined by fully depending upon the power and wisdom of God.
2.3. Does Wild at Heart Convey a Humanistic View of God?
Yes, Wild at Heart portrays God as a risk-taker who is surprised by events, suggesting that He is not omniscient. It also humanizes God by making Him needy, implying that He wants to be loved and prioritized by someone. This view is not in line with the biblical understanding of God as self-sufficient and all-knowing.
3. What is the Problem With Relying on the Regenerate Heart?
Relying on the regenerate heart as a source of guidance can be problematic. While the regenerate heart is good and inclined toward doing God’s will, it is not a source of strength or guidance for the Christian. Christians should depend on the power and wisdom of God, not their own hearts.
3.1. How Should Christians Depend on God?
Christians should depend on God by clinging to the written Word of God as a lamp to their feet and a light to their path. They should also depend on the Holy Spirit to guide them and empower them to live according to God’s will.
3.2. What is the Difference Between the Regenerate and Unregenerate Heart?
The unregenerate heart is rebellious and inclined toward sin, while the regenerate heart is submissive and inclined toward obedience. Through regeneration, the man who was formerly a rebel has been brought into submission to God.
4. How Does Wild at Heart Make God in the Image of Man?
Wild at Heart makes God in the image of man by portraying Him as less than omniscient and needy. It suggests that God takes immense risks and is surprised by events, implying that He does not know the future perfectly. It also implies that God wants to be loved and prioritized by someone, suggesting that He is needy.
4.1. Why is it Wrong to Portray God as Needy?
Portraying God as needy contradicts Scripture, which teaches that God is self-sufficient and does not need anything from anyone. God gives to all life, breath, and all things, but He does not need anything in return.
4.2. What is Open Theism?
Open theism is a theological heresy that holds that God does not know the future perfectly. Open theists believe that God is learning day by day, along with us, and that He is happy to accept the future as open, not closed.
5. What Does Wild at Heart Say About Adam and Eve?
Wild at Heart suggests that Adam was better off outside the Garden of Eden because he had an insatiable longing to explore. It implies that God cursed Adam by taking him out of the environment in which he would have been fulfilled and placing him in an environment that would repress his deepest inner longings.
5.1. Is This Consistent With Genesis?
No, this is not consistent with Genesis. According to Genesis, God created Adam and Eve and placed them in the Garden of Eden, which was a perfect environment. Adam and Eve sinned and were kicked out of the garden as a result of their sin.
5.2. What Does Wild at Heart Say About Women?
Wild at Heart suggests that Eve (woman) is perfectly happy being domesticated because she was created inside the Garden of Eden. This perpetuates harmful gender stereotypes and does not reflect the complexity of women’s experiences.
6. How Does Wild at Heart Portray Jesus’ Encounter With the Demoniac?
Wild at Heart misinterprets Luke 8:26-33, suggesting that Jesus had to get more information and take on the demons because His first rebuke did not work. However, the biblical text shows that the demons never resisted or questioned Jesus’ first rebuke.
6.1. What Does Luke 8:26-33 Actually Say?
Luke 8:26-33 describes Jesus’ encounter with a demoniac who was tormented by a legion of spirits. The demons immediately recognized Jesus and begged Him not to torture them. Jesus cast the demons out of the man and sent them into a herd of pigs.
6.2. Why is it Important to Accurately Interpret Scripture?
It is important to accurately interpret Scripture because twisting or misrepresenting the Bible can lead to false teachings and destruction. As Peter wrote in 2 Peter 3:16, untaught and unstable people twist the Scriptures to their own destruction.
7. What is the Summary of the Issues With Wild at Heart?
Wild at Heart suffers from mishandling Scripture, a central theme inconsistent with the Bible, and a degrading view of God. The book’s popularity among American Christians is an indicator of superficiality and error rather than truth and sound doctrine.
7.1. How Does Wild at Heart Contradict Truth?
Wild at Heart contradicts truth by making man sovereign while portraying God as humble, vulnerable, needy, and limited in knowledge. This is the opposite of what the Bible teaches about God and man.
7.2. Should Christians Read Wild at Heart?
Christians should be cautious when reading Wild at Heart. The book contains a mixture of truth and error, and it is important to discern between the two. It is also important to compare the book’s teachings with Scripture to ensure that they are accurate.
8. How Has Your Understanding of the Regenerate Heart Changed?
My understanding of the regenerate heart has changed. I now agree with John Eldredge when he says to the Christian, “Your heart is good . . . In the core of your being you are a good man” (pg. 144). This reflects what Jesus said in Luke 6:45: “The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good.”
8.1. What Does it Mean to be Regenerated?
To be regenerated means to be born again, to have a new heart and a new spirit. Regeneration is a work of the Holy Spirit that transforms a person’s nature and inclines them toward doing God’s will.
8.2. How Does Regeneration Relate to Justification?
Justification and regeneration are two distinct but related aspects of salvation. Justification is God’s declaration that a person is righteous in His sight, while regeneration is God’s work of transforming a person’s nature.
9. What is the Significance of the “White Stone” Mentioned in Revelation 2:17?
The “white stone” mentioned in Revelation 2:17 is a symbol of victory and acceptance. It is given to those who overcome and whose faith is proven true. According to Eldredge, God must see the purity of your own heart right now if he is to grant you entrance into heaven.
9.1. How Does God Justify the Ungodly?
God justifies the ungodly based on the merits of Christ and His work on the cross. As Paul wrote in Romans 4:5, God “justifies the ungodly.” This means that God declares someone like you to be righteous, even though you are not righteous in yourself.
9.2. What is the Basis for Being Accepted by God?
The basis for being accepted by God is not the goodness of your regenerate heart, but the merits of Christ and His work on the cross. When God justifies a person, He bases that declaration on the righteousness of Christ, not on the person’s own righteousness.
10. Why Is It Important to Exercise Discernment When Reading Christian Books?
It is important to exercise discernment when reading Christian books because not all books are sound in doctrine. Some books contain errors or promote false teachings. As Hebrews 5:14 says, Christians should have their senses “exercised to discern both good and evil.”
10.1. What is the Warning of Colossians 2:8?
The warning of Colossians 2:8 is that Christians should not allow themselves to be cheated “through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.” This means that Christians should be wary of worldly philosophies and teachings that contradict the Bible.
10.2. What Three Standards Can Distinguish Truth From Error?
Charles Spurgeon said that truth may be distinguished from error by three standards: “by God, by Christ, and by man; that is, the truth which honors God, the truth which glorifies Christ, and the truth which humbles man.”
Ultimately, engaging with content that resonates with personal growth, such as “Wild at Heart,” can be a stepping stone towards exploring deeper insights. We invite you to visit johnchen.net, where you can discover a wealth of information, resources, and mentorship opportunities tailored to your aspirations. Whether you’re seeking leadership strategies, technological advancements, or business acumen, johnchen.net offers a direct line to expertise and exclusive content. Connect with John Chen and like-minded individuals who are passionate about achieving their fullest potential. Visit johnchen.net today and take the next step in your journey!
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