This is one of the most important christian books I have ever read. John Eldredge looks at what it is to be a true man of God, with the emphasis on MAN. By exploring what it is to be a man, what motivates a man, how a man is wounded and whether or not he is initiated into masculinity Eldredge takes you on a journey through your own manhood.
This book has brought up some serious issues in my life and it has opened up some deep painful wounds which I had buried for most of my adult life. However it has also shown me how to work through these wounds with Father and Jesus and come out the other end. It’s not a finished work yet but i am making steady progress. I look fowardd to
1. Fighting the Battle
2. Living the Adventure
3. Rescuing Beauty
A full review can be found in the book reviews section of the blog.
I really enjoyed this book, and recommend it to people, but with one or two concerns.
He successfully highlights some elements of masculinity and carefully brings forward good ideas for developing in those areas, which is great.
But I am not overly convinced of the scriptural foundation of all that he says – although can’t argue with the feelings/experiences he portrays as being similar to my own. It feels a bit like the books on love languages, or many of the Christian dating / relationship books. There are scriptural references interwoven with experiences that bring us to a point of potentially successful pastoral application rather than clear definitive scriptural understanding. I know others guys who have read it and just have not or do not feel like he does and can’t relate to it, while for others it has changed their life.
The other thing that slightly hindered my reading of it was the continued references to canoes, hunting, fishing and shooting kind of “guys” trips and the old life “way out west” which I felt became a bit of a charicature. But then if I wrote the book my references would be fairly one dimensional to football!
Overall I would say it is definitely worth a read and to prayerfully consider the points made and consider applying them. It reminds me of some of the Joshua Harris stuff on dating – a kind of life-story encouragement which works for some but makes little sense to others.
I agree that its not a ‘Scripture’ focused book, as in it is not littered with lots of scriptual references.
I like the outdoorsy stuff personally but i am the same as you it would be based on ups and many downs of being a Sunderland AFC Supporter.
As with all books they are not going to reach everyone. For example I cannot read John Piper books, dont ask me why I just cannot get more than a chapter into them, but I know many people who’s lives have been changed massively by them.
And thanks for the comment!
Well for me the examples would be from following Shrewsbury Town, making me talk of even fewer ups, and longer and further downs than even Sunderland!
I know what you mean about Piper, definitely a moment for “horses for courses”. It is the same for some preachers, but it would be too controversial to lift the lid on that one!
Maybe it is something we should lift the lid on.
Its only personal preference after all.
If done constructivly then I don’t see a problem