Brennan Manning (1934 – 2013) was an American author, priest, and speaker, best known for The Ragamuffin Gospel. His writings emphasized grace, redemption, and God’s unconditional love.
Born in Brooklyn during the Great Depression, he was one of three children. After two years at St. John's University, he enlisted in the U.S. Marines and fought in the Korean War. Following his return, he studied journalism, but a profound spiritual experience in 1956 led him to pursue religious life. He graduated from Saint Francis University with a degree in philosophy and was ordained as a Franciscan priest in 1963.
In the late 1960s, he joined the Little Brothers of Jesus, living among the poor in France and Spain. He later battled alcoholism, entering rehab in the 1970s. By 1982, he left the priesthood, moved to New Orleans, and married Roslyn Ann Walker, though they divorced in 2000.
His books and public ministry focused on radical grace, and he mentored musicians like Rich Mullins. He died in 2013 from Wernicke – Korsakoff syndrome, a disorder linked to alcoholism. His message of mercy continues to impact Christian spirituality.