New book on manhood provides examples of courage, honor

Tools: Print E-mailPermalink

Author Bill Bennett is certainly correct when he writes, "There is no simple instruction manual or formula on how to be a man, but there is experience and wisdom to be consulted." But Bennett, former Secretary of Education in the 1980s under late President Ronald Reagan, provided a new resource that ought to be consulted by men who are grappling to learn for themselves or teach their sons about genuine, godly manhood.
 

In The Book of Man: Readings on the Path to Manhood (Thomas Nelson), Bennett articulates a simple, but noble goal: to revive the characteristics of genuine and worthwhile masculinity. Bennett presents a compelling picture of manhood through more than 300 short poems, essays, speeches and historical legends, setting forth heroes who typify "the everlasting qualities of manhood" including courage, honor and duty.

In the opening essay on heroes and heroism, Bennett writes, "There is experience and wisdom to be consulted on how to be a man. While the plot, actors and scenes are constantly changing, the virtues, characteristics and challenges of manhood remain the same today as thousands of years ago. And, today, more than ever, we need men who live like men." Indeed.

The book is divided into six sections with brief readings appropriate to the topic: Man in War, Man in Play, Sports, and Leisure, Man at Work, Man in the Polis, Man with Women and Children, Man in Prayer and Reflection. Readings range from speeches of Alexander the Great to an essay on the work ethic of baseball hall of famer Cal Ripken, Jr., the works of John Locke, writings from Ronald Reagan, Winston Churchill and accounts of biblical heroes. There are also numerous readings from Scripture on topics such as the divinely-ordered dignity of work and the necessity for manhood of godly wisdom.

Bennett's book is an excellent resource and an enjoyable read. Each selection may be completed in a few minutes and have the potential to teach men about authentic manhood as well as about great men and important literary works from history. I highly recommend that Christian men place this work high on their reading list in 2012.

Tools:Top Print E-mail