“As we come to grips with our own selfishness and stupidity, we make friends with the impostor and accept that we are impoverished and broken and realize that, if we were not, we would be God. The art of gentleness toward ourselves leads to being gentle with others -- and is a natural prerequisite for our presence to God in prayer.”

American author, laicized Catholic priest, and public speaker

Brennan Manning was an American author, laicized Catholic priest, and public speaker. He is best known for the bestselling book The Ragamuffin Gospel. His work reached many readers through religious writing and speaking. Manning is especially associated with a message of grace, and The Ragamuffin Gospel remains the title most closely linked with his name.