Man Enough
How Jesus Redefines Manhood
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4.0 • 2 Ratings
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- $9.99
Publisher Description
Man Enough challenges the idea that there is one way to be a man. The masculinity that pervades our church and culture often demands that men conform to a macho ideal, leaving many men feeling ashamed that they’re not living up to God’s plan for them. Nate uses his own story of not feeling “man enough”, as well as sociological and historical reflections, to help men see that manhood isn’t about what you do, but who you are. It’s not about the size of your paycheck, your athletic ability, or your competitive spirit. You don’t have to fit any masculine stereotype to be a real man.
In our culture and churches more thoughtful, quieter, or compassionate personalities, as well as stay-at-home dads, are often looked down upon; and sermons, conferences, and publications center on helping men become “real men”. This pressure to have one’s manhood validated is antithetical to Gospel living and negatively affects how men relate to each other, to women and children, and to God.
Man Enough roots men in the Gospel, examines biblical examples of masculinity that challenge the idea of a singular type of man, and ultimately encourages men to conform to the image of Jesus—freeing men up to be who they were created to be: a son of God who uniquely bears His image.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Much of what conservative Christendom holds up as biblical manhood distorts Christ's original example, argues Pyle in his debut book. Masculinity is always culturally defined and perpetually shifting; attempts to universalize its meaning are certain to frustrate and to exclude. Not only are some versions of masculinity damaging to women, they're destructive to men, who learn to sublimate their feelings at the expense of true intimacy. Christians should not urge men to conform to macho ideals but to embrace the brave yet vulnerable model of Jesus, who was not afraid to compare himself to a mother hen, to shed tears, or to forgive his enemies. While there's nothing especially earth-shattering here, it's a well-written, friendly invitation to a more considered perspective on Christian manhood.
Customer Reviews
A little naive about human depravity
It’s simple. If you are married, you should not be investing in relationships with women other than your wife. If a husband really has that much excess time and energy, invest it in your wife and kids, or in being a mentor or mentee with other men.