

Captivating marks a new stage in Eldredge’s ministry, as it is written specifically for women.

There have been extensive reviews and examinations of the book and many have expressed concern that it contains consistently poor theology. Wild at Heart, the most popular of these, is also the most controversial. He has written several best-selling books. John Eldredge has gained prominence within Christian circles as a leading author who addresses issues of concern to men. Sponsor Show Your Support Become a Patron While this may provide credibility to those who enjoyed the first book, I found that it cast a shadow over Captivating. There is even an 8-page excerpt of it at the back of the book. It was mentioned again in the second sentence of the introduction and was often quoted, even at length, throughout the book (as was The Sacred Romance). Wild at Heart is mentioned on the front cover (“Best-Selling Author of Wild at Heart“) and the back (“What Wild at Heart did for men Captivating will do for you”). The book was clearly designed to ride the wave of Eldredge’s previous success, and most notably his best-seller Wild at Heart. I attempted to be as objective as possible when reading the book, but found it to be nearly impossible.

I say this to preface my review to John Eldredge’s latest book, Captivating. A person whose theology once seemed rock-solid, could, unfortunately, write a book later in life that seemed to be anything but orthodox. It is not unusual for an author to come to better or worse understandings as his life progresses. It is not entirely fair to cast presuppositions gained from previous books onto an author’s later works. After all, each book should be taken on its own merits. When I read and review a book I attempt to do so as objectively as possible.
