Wild at Heart

by John Eldredge
Wild at Heart cover
Good Books rating 2.67
Technical
  • ID: 5064
  • Added: 2025-10-22
  • Updated: 2025-10-22
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
Patheos · Roger Olson · 2015-12-14
positive 4.00

The book has a compelling message about male spirituality but is not without its controversies. The reviewer agrees with the basic premise but has reservations about some of the details.

Roger Olson finds the book's central message about male spirituality to be compelling and agrees with its basic premise that men are hardwired with certain desires and purposes. However, he has reservations about some of the details and specific arguments made by Eldredge. Olson acknowledges that the book has sparked significant controversy and debate, but he believes that its core message is valuable and worth considering.

Quick quotes

    All that is not to say I agree with everything Eldredge wrote in Wild at Heart, but I do believe its basic message: that males are hard wired with certain desires and purposes.

    The book has sparked significant controversy and debate.

    Its core message is valuable and worth considering.

Sam Storms · 2011-12-08
mixed 3.00

The book has engaging writing but falls short in its theological depth. It offers some valuable insights but is ultimately flawed.

The reviewer appreciates Eldredge's engaging and vivid writing style, which makes the book enjoyable to read. However, they find the theological depth lacking and the book's message to be somewhat flawed. The reviewer acknowledges that there are valuable insights to be gained from the book, but ultimately feels that it falls short of providing a comprehensive and accurate portrayal of male spirituality.

Quick quotes

    There is much to commend in this volume, not least of which is Eldredge's engaging and vivid style of writing.

    One simply cannot deny that Eldredge has a way with words.

    The book's message is ultimately flawed and lacks theological depth.

Challies · 2004-06-03
critical 1.00

The book barely resembles a Christian text, with vague scriptural references. It presents a concerning view of masculinity and spirituality.

The reviewer finds the book's attempt to blend Christianity with its message to be superficial and unconvincing. They express concern about the book's portrayal of masculinity and spirituality, which they view as problematic and not aligned with Christian teachings. The reviewer also criticizes the book's overall message as being more about humanistic ideals than spiritual growth.

Quick quotes

    This book only resembles a Christian book in the most vague sense.

    Yes, Eldredge attempts to hold everything together with some smatterings of Scripture.

    It presents a concerning view of masculinity and spirituality.

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