The Sacred Romance (Updated)

At the core of every human heart is a longing—to be pursued, cherished, and caught up in a story larger than ourselves. But in the busyness of life, we often lose sight of this deep desire, settling for something smaller.

In The Sacred Romance, John Eldredge and Brent Curtis uncover the grand narrative we are all a part of—one where God is not just a distant figure but the Lover of our souls, relentlessly pursuing us. This book invites you to rediscover your heart and reclaim the deeper intimacy with God that you were made for.

For more on this theme, listen to The Story of Your Heart episode of the Wild At Heart podcast.

Why this book matters

Many Christians feel disconnected from the joy and intimacy of knowing God personally. We go through the motions—praying, reading Scripture, attending church—but something still feels missing.

The Sacred Romance helps readers:

• Recognize the deeper story behind their longings
• Break free from religious performance and rediscover intimacy with God
• Heal from wounds that have kept their hearts closed
• Step into a more wholehearted way of living

These themes are explored further in the Experience Jesus. Really. video series.

What you’ll discover in The Sacred Romance

• The story behind your longings – Why your heart yearns for something more and how that desire leads you to God.
• The battle for your heart – How the enemy tries to numb or distract us from the love story we were created for.
• The invitation to live fully alive – How to awaken your heart and embrace God's pursuit of you.

John Eldredge and Stasi Eldredge also explore these themes in Captivating: Unlocking the Mystery of a Woman’s Soul.

Who should read this book?

This book is for:

• Those who feel a deep longing for more but can’t quite name it
• Anyone who has felt burned out by religion and needs to rediscover God’s love
• Readers searching for meaning beyond routine Christianity
• Christians looking for a fresh perspective on their relationship with God

For men seeking a deeper exploration of these ideas, consider The Wild At Heart Experience.

The Sacred Romance as a group study for churches & small groups

Many church leaders, small group facilitators, and discipleship coaches have used The Sacred Romance to guide people into a deeper, more personal relationship with God. If you are looking for a small group curriculum or a church-wide book study, this resource is an excellent choice.

Why use this for a church or group study?

• Encourages deep reflection and meaningful discussion
• Helps participants understand their own story in light of God’s greater love story
• Breaks through spiritual numbness and reconnects people to the heart of God

For those leading a group study, the updated Sacred Romance Workbook provides discussion questions, reflections, and exercises to guide readers through the book in a transformational way. The updated edition is available on Amazon.

The origin of The Sacred Romance

It was 1995—late at night in a small pub—where two friends, both therapists, found themselves deep in conversation. They spoke of the longing they saw in their clients, the way certain music, films, and life moments stirred something profound. They wrestled with how Christianity, as many had experienced it, didn’t seem to speak to this deep ache of the heart.

From those late-night conversations came The Sacred Romance, the first book John Eldredge and Brent Curtis would write together. For many, this book became the doorway into a new way of seeing faith—not as duty or obligation, but as the unfolding of a beautiful love story where God Himself is the One pursuing us.

A foundation for the Wild At Heart movement

In many ways, The Sacred Romance set the foundation for what would become the global movement of Wild At Heart. The book introduced the themes of spiritual longing, the battle for the heart, and God’s pursuit of His people—themes that would later expand into Wild at Heart: The Series, retreats, and discipleship programs worldwide.

To explore how these themes have developed, watch Wild at Heart: The Series – Prologue with John Eldredge.