The Genius of Jesus by Erwin Raphael McManus

We often turn to geniuses for solutions to seemingly unsolvable problems. Turning to Jesus, McManus found his life changed. He shares insights on living life he has gained from knowing Jesus. Unlike other geniuses, in knowing Jesus a transformation takes place. There is a transformation of genius – not necessarily in understanding physics but in becoming aware of the wonder around us, to becoming a conduit for good, to being fully alive.

McManus explores the lessons he has learned from intimacy with God. He shares insights into engaging with people and dealing with controversy, conflict and opposition. The lesson from Jesus that most impacted me was on empathy. Jesus reveals that “empathy is the highest form of intelligence,” McManus writes. (533/1869) And this empathy is not just so we can care deeply and care well for others. It is also so we would know that God truly understands us.

I appreciate this study on the character and actions of Jesus and how they are to be an example and encouragement for our lives. Those who look to Jesus for clues to increase productivity may be surprised by this book. McManus highlights Jesus showing us power is servanthood, for example, not control. He writes about how Jesus helps us see the beauty in the world, not how we can manipulate it. This is a good book for readers who want to know how knowing Jesus is how we know to truly live.

You can read an excerpt here.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Erwin Raphael McManus is an iconoclast, entrepreneur, storyteller, fashion designer, filmmaker, and cultural thought leader. He is the founder of Mosaic, a church movement based in the heart of Hollywood with a community that spans the globe. He is the author of previous books on spirituality and creativity, selling more than a million copies worldwide. McManus studied philosophy at Elon University, has a BA in psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a doctorate in humane letters from Southeastern University. He and his wife live in Los Angeles.

Convergent Books, 208 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)