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Customer Reviews for Penguin Putnam Inc. The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith

Penguin Putnam Inc. The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith

Using his characteristic intellectual approach to faith issues, Keller uncovers an unexpected message in the familiar---and often misunderstood---New Testament parable of the prodigal son. Seekers and believers alike will see Christianity in a whole new way when they learn how Christ's followers are supposed to love, so they can join him in heaven. 176 pages, hardcover from Penguin.
Average Customer Rating:
4.79 out of 5
4.8
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33 out of 33100%customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith
Review 1 for The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

New insights from Jesus' most famous parable

Date:March 10, 2013
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Don E
Location:Woodstock, GA
Age:55-65
Gender:male
Quality: 
5 out of 5
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Excellent study resource on Jesus' most famous parable with keen insights that are often overlooked in most sermons and studies. We used this book during Lent, along with the DVD study guide that is available. Parishioners found the study challenging, thought-provoking, and enlightening.
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Review 2 for The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Excellent! A new approach that is refreshing.

Date:January 24, 2013
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Dwight
Location:Colorado
Age:Over 65
Gender:male
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I didn't know I was the older brother until reading this book...very challenging and thought provoking...thanks again to Tim Keller for his insight and challenge.
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Review 3 for The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

A Book that will Change your Life.

Date:January 10, 2013
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Spence
Location:Jacksonville, FL
Age:25-34
Gender:male
Quality: 
5 out of 5
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I have long been a practicing Christian, even recently have started and almost completed a read of the entire New Testament. The Prodigal God gave me an insight into one of Jesus' parables on a level I have never encountered, and it changed my life. He focuses on the parable of the Prodigal Son, in particular the "older son" in the story who is often neglected in sermons but is a crucial part of the story. It is directed at the Pharisees, which today are represented by many people (myself included) who seek to "earn" God's respect through actions, with our heart still astray from his core of love. Keller's study of this parable revealed to me the two most common struggles people have with their faith, what the root of the struggle is, and how to overcome it. Reads extremely easily, yet does not seem "dumb" or "trivial" to even the most reflective, intelligent readers. After reading I bought 5 copies to give to close friends. Highly recommended.
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Review 4 for The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Outstanding

Date:January 8, 2013
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Marcus
Location:San Francisco
Age:35-44
Gender:male
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5 out of 5
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Keller puts it all together for you and me. Helps us all identify where our heart is in our relationship with God.
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Review 5 for The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

A Fresh Look At a Well Known Parable

Date:January 5, 2013
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Cheryl
Location:Buffalo Grove, IL
Age:Over 65
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
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I'm sure that we've all had the experience of hearing something so frequently that we're certain we can't learn anything new about it. At least two exceptions to this mindset are: studying dinosaurs in the second grade, and the parable of the prodigal son. Once again, Timothy Keller, from whom we have come to expect intelligent, and articulate communication on issues of faith, does not disappoint. He shows us that the historical explanations we've heard, from Sunday School to the pulpit, have often fallen short of the mark of explaining in biblically faithful ways, this parable of Jesus. "The Prodigal God" points out the mistaken notion that the parable is about the younger dissolute son, who merely serves as a cautionary tale in comparison to the "righteous, long-suffering older brother". In a fresh new look at this parable, the gospel message shines more brightly and clearly. We will find great freedom in the message that the gospel is for the self-righteous as well as the self-centered. If you're interested in gaining newer and deeper insight into grace that flows from the prodigal heart of God, this book will be a great choice for you.
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Review 6 for The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith
Overall Rating: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5

Date:October 1, 2012
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hills316
Age:25-34
Gender:female
Quality: 
4 out of 5
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This book provides a good topic for discussion in small group Bible studies. I felt the book was a bit repetitive at times, but the overall premise is great.
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Review 7 for The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Date:June 1, 2012
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McCarr49
Quality: 
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The messages in this book truly transformed our life group!
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Review 8 for The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
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Great read!

Date:May 2, 2012
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Jim Nelligan
Location:Denver, Co
Age:Over 65
Gender:male
Quality: 
4 out of 5
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Keller's explanation of the "parable of the prodigal son" is very helpful, again reminding the reader of God's amazing grace, and the pitfalls of trying to be good enough to merit this grace - every Christian and every seeker should read this book!
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Review 9 for The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Really makes one think about how they view things

Date:April 10, 2012
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LisaH
Location:Blanchester, OH
Age:35-44
Gender:female
Quality: 
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This book really made me think about how I view my life - Do we act more like the elder son or the younger son in the parable of the Prodical Son as told by Jesus to the Pharisees and tax collectors. I never realized how both were lost....very thought provoking
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Review 10 for The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Outstanding call to the Gospel

Date:February 25, 2012
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KenO
Age:55-65
Gender:male
Much of what we think is Christianity is really only moralism. This book truly takes you back to Jesus and ensures that you see your own lostness and need for Him alone as Savior. Recommend it without any reservations whatsoever!
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Review 11 for The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Prodigal God

Date:February 20, 2012
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str82vine
Location:Alamogordo, NM
Age:55-65
Gender:female
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Wonderful insight into the parable, spoke to my heart. Helped me understand who Jesus was speaking to and what the message was. Put a different twist on allowing Jesus to speak His truths to my heart. Excellent for any believer who thinks they are following true to the teachings of Christ.
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Review 12 for The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
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God is generous in giving us His great salvation

Date:January 3, 2012
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Gyrene
Location:Birmingham, AL
Age:Over 65
Gender:male
Quality: 
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First, look up the word "prodigal" in the dictionary. Then, you will see clearly how Tim Keller can call God the prodigal. This is a most insightful book into the mind and heart of God and how sinners need to respond to His generous salvation.
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Review 13 for The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
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Heart opening book

Date:January 5, 2012
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Paul Page
Location:Aurora, Co
Age:35-44
Gender:male
Quality: 
5 out of 5
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I have read books and heard sermons about the prodigal son but Mr. Keller adds another angle that I did not think of. Mr. Keller's analysis of the older son convicted me. This book is for Christians but also it could be given to non-Christians that have been affected by the church in a negative way.
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Review 14 for The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

I love this book!

Date:December 30, 2011
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willylee
Location:Stanwood Wa.
Age:55-65
Gender:male
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This is a well written book. There is some thing for everyone, it is very inciteful .
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Review 15 for The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

I loved the way Tim Keller showed us there were

Date:December 1, 2011
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Terry
Location:Maine
Age:55-65
Gender:female
Quality: 
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I loved the way Tim Keller showed me there were two victems in the prodical of the lost son. I learned that it's just as bad a sin to be obedient but with the wrong attitude. It shows the love of God in a more personal way. I plan on leading a Bible Study with this.
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Review 16 for The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

A Great Book

Date:November 29, 2011
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JDouglas
Age:35-44
Gender:male
Quality: 
5 out of 5
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This book does a great job of explaining the essence of the gospel. It reveals the two most common ways that people tend to rebel against God. Most of us are familiar with the way of the younger brother, but the emphasis on the elder brother was new to me and very helpful. The elder brother is those of us who seek to get what we want from God by means of obedience. But we should want God himself, not what we can get from him.
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Review 17 for The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Date:September 9, 2011
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Encourager
Location:Mandeville, LA
Age:55-65
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
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Is a great study for individuals and groups. Gives a fresh perspective on a well known parable.
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Review 18 for The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith
Overall Rating: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5

Good book for a fresh view of Christian faith

Date:October 22, 2011
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hlaws
Location:Fayetteville, AR
Age:18-24
Gender:male
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It is a good discussion starter for small groups. The parables hold so much information that we can discover, and Timothy Keller has done a good job of disecting this one to give us a fresh look on an old story.
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Review 19 for The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

A must read for those who want to live for Christ.

Date:October 21, 2011
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KeyKat
Location:Fairfield, CA
Age:55-65
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
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If you truly desire to live your life as a follower of Christ this book points the way. It shows us that we constantly need to be prayful and mindful of how He wants us to love others. It challenges us to strive to be more like Him.
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Review 20 for The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Thought provoking & insightful look at the parable

Date:October 1, 2011
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Jeannie
Location:Lake Placid, FL
Quality: 
5 out of 5
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Thought provoking and insightful look at the Parable of the Prodigal. Goes much deeper than ever before.
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