Christian Books for Men
I have an issue with most of the Christian books written for men. You know the type: "Recapture your Manliness in Six Easy Steps Will Still Being Sensitive to your Wife's Every Need", or "How to be a Caveman for God". Actually, I like that last one. I think I'll use it when I get around to writing a Christian self-help book.
Anyway, most of these books are not the types of books men buy for themselves, but are books that are bought for them. By women. Women who want to see the men in the lives become a deeper, stronger, men of God. So in order to sell the books, the books must appeal to women. Thus, Christian men's books are written for women. That is why they are full of all the flowery prose, majestic mountains scenes, and scruffily bearded guys who are deeply sensitive and treat their women like princesses.
The authors also tend to have lucrative book deals and speaking engagements that help them along. It's tough to have to choose between the Land Rover or the H3, or the A6 versus A8.
I think there is something to be said for reclaiming biblical manhood, particularly in a society where all men are Larry the Cable Guy. We have been emasculated in entertainment, stereotyped in print, and effeminated by our schools who believe that boys will be boys, therefore they must be stopped.
But what does it mean to be a man? Or even a godly man? Strong and Silent? Beer Gutted NASCAR Fan? Street Corner Bible Thumper? Hunter Gatherer?
I think the real key to being a 'Mighty Man of God' is confidently walking in the call that God has placed on your life. God's call takes into account the different personalities and characters traits men have. He knows our innermost secrets and fears, but he sees the end of the race, and knows how the race is going to form us and shape us. He knows that we will have times when we can't see over the hill, or our spirits are flagging, or we doubt our ability to run any farther. But He does not lead us to despair: He will equip, enable, and empower us to do the work that He has called us to do.
Of course, we can, and often, get in the way. But I'll talk about that later.
Anyway, most of these books are not the types of books men buy for themselves, but are books that are bought for them. By women. Women who want to see the men in the lives become a deeper, stronger, men of God. So in order to sell the books, the books must appeal to women. Thus, Christian men's books are written for women. That is why they are full of all the flowery prose, majestic mountains scenes, and scruffily bearded guys who are deeply sensitive and treat their women like princesses.
The authors also tend to have lucrative book deals and speaking engagements that help them along. It's tough to have to choose between the Land Rover or the H3, or the A6 versus A8.
I think there is something to be said for reclaiming biblical manhood, particularly in a society where all men are Larry the Cable Guy. We have been emasculated in entertainment, stereotyped in print, and effeminated by our schools who believe that boys will be boys, therefore they must be stopped.
But what does it mean to be a man? Or even a godly man? Strong and Silent? Beer Gutted NASCAR Fan? Street Corner Bible Thumper? Hunter Gatherer?
I think the real key to being a 'Mighty Man of God' is confidently walking in the call that God has placed on your life. God's call takes into account the different personalities and characters traits men have. He knows our innermost secrets and fears, but he sees the end of the race, and knows how the race is going to form us and shape us. He knows that we will have times when we can't see over the hill, or our spirits are flagging, or we doubt our ability to run any farther. But He does not lead us to despair: He will equip, enable, and empower us to do the work that He has called us to do.
Of course, we can, and often, get in the way. But I'll talk about that later.
Posted by Surly Dave on
Saturday, December 16, 2006
