The Ragamuffin Gospel is a popular book about Jesus' gospel by former Franciscan priest Brennan Manning. First published in 1990, the title was the inspiration for Christian musical artist Rich Mullins' group a Ragamuffin Band. Songwriter musician Michael W. Smith's glowing review in the foreword supports Manning's simple concept that perhaps the most important tenet of Christianity was grace. Manning argues that Jesus' gospel was one of grace, and that efforts to earn salvation are impossibly misguided. In his book he states that the true meaning of God's grace has been lost in society amidst a constant search to merely please God, as though the Almighty is only a "small minded book keeper," who tallies sins and uses them against humanity. Citing numerous biblical references and utilizing colleagues' stories, Fr. Manning illustrates the simple need for humanity to accept the freedom of God's grace, and its power to change lives.