| Title | : | Men of Courage: God's Call to Move Beyond the Silence of Adam |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 031033697X |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9780310336976 |
| Format Type | : | ebook |
| Number of Pages | : | 224 |
| Publication | : | First published May 7, 2013 |
Men of Courage: God's Call to Move Beyond the Silence of Adam Reviews
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As corny as the book sounds, it’s definitely worth the read. Crabb doesn’t say anything earth shattering, but he thoughtfully discusses some of the challenges and hurdles that men (and really all humans) face and he ultimately falls back on the truth that our priority is to make much of Christ and to love others well.
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I've read this 4 or 5 times now and there's always something new to value.
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I'd probably give this book 3 1/2 stars overall. For whatever reason, Dr. Larry Crabb seems to be one of those people who, in my mind, likes to resist the popular and buck the system. On the one hand, that can be good but sometimes I find it annoying.
In this book, Larry and his co-authors repeatedly stress the importance of avoiding what they call,
"recipe theology" and recipe approaches to life's problems. It's the common, "Do these 7 seven things and your problem will be solved!" approach. Instead, they promote what they call a "transcendence" theology that looks to God and challenges men to speak out into the darkness and cling to God and a mentor type of relationship with another man / spiritual elder. The goal isn't to become a successful fountain of knowledge that has all the answers to life's problems but rather to move towards the character a man who can function more like a spiritual elder.
Besides making the case that when satan tempted Eve in the garden, Adam was present yet silent and passive, the authors also made the case that there are no easy answers to the pain and problems we face and we'll all have to bear pain and confusion in this life.
I felt that Dr. Crabb and his co-authors provided some important things to consider. They raised some concerns about where many Christian men are today and some common (destructive) tendencies men have that have a negative residual effect on their relationships and lives. I think their concerns are valid. For that reason, I think this book would be a good one for most Christian men to read.
While I could see their point on moving beyond taking a recipe approach to life's problems, I think it's foolish to dismiss a recipe approach outright. Some things found in such approaches really do help. I think Dr. Crabb is right in challenging the idea that recipe theology is the only way and has all the answers to life's problems but I also think he's misguided to outright dismiss anything that takes a recipe approach to life.
Until the perfect arrives, we'll always have problems, pains, confusion, questions. Saint Paul wrote that in this life, we see in a mirror dimly and we know in part. (1Cor 13:12). So I tend to agree with the authors that there will be many unresolved mysteries and painful burdens to bear in this life that there are no recipes that can fix them. However,I just wouldn't dismiss all of the recipe approach altogether. -
This was an excellent book on manhood. I did not necessarily agree with everything in it (but that is almost always the case with books, right?) and I also think I did not get all that I could get out of it. I need to read it with a group of men, discuss it, and "digest it," so to speak, to get the most out of it I can.
What I really loved about it, even though I think I can get much more on a second read, was that the authors did not try to paint authentic manhood as something that can be achieved by a good program or set of steps. Instead, they offered a simple definition of manhood (basically, men are called to lead by confronting darkness and confusion even when they are not confident in their abilities but instead do it trusting God) and talk about moving towards it with lots of positive and negative examples.
One of the things that stuck out to me most is how they showed that our silence or passivity (which keeps us from achieving manhood and leading as God designed us to do) comes from our desire not to fail, not to be afraid, and not to feel like we do not know what we are doing. We are fine leading in areas where we feel competent, but we are silent and passive in those areas where we do not, even when God calls us to lead/speak into them. Instead, they wrote that men are not to back away from the confusion but to try to to reflect God's character while acting wisely and trust Him to work in the situation. Now, that can sound overly simplistic and they talk a lot about how this looks, but at the same time, it really is that simple: do something wise (i.e. biblical, good counsel, etc.) and try to reflect the character of God while trusting Him to work.
I definitely recommend this book, but I think men would get the most out of it reading it and discussing it in a group setting. I should have done this, and I will read it a second time (hopefully soon) doing just that. -
Men of Courage: God's Call to Move Beyond the Silence of Adam (2013) by Larry Crabb is the best book I have read on masculinity. Crabb begins the book with a brief discussion of how Adam remained silent, commenting, "the silence of Adam is the beginning of every man's failure." Against that backdrop, he spends the rest of the book encouraging men to "remember and move." In other words, we are to remember what God has said and have the courage to move into darkness, confusion, and chaos. Unfortunately, in our fallen society men hear a cacophony of voices telling them what it means to be a man, with most voices missing the mark. Though we may enjoy adrenaline pumping activities, we have the tendency as men to stay on the surface, to avoid real risk. Relational risk. Crabb writes, "Men are called to move into darkness, to keep moving ahead with purpose and strength even when they cannot clearly see the path before them" (p. 70). Most of us are reluctant to do this.
Crabb also argues that "the design of every man is to talk and be talked to" (p. 104). This runs contrary to what many modern notions of manhood imply. However, it seems to me that our failure to talk is rooted in fear of uncertainty and confusion about who we are. To counteract this trend, Crabb encourages us to get into real relationships--with fathers, with brothers, with other men.
Father's Day is coming soon. This may be one of the best gifts for men who desire to live a godly life. I would like to get this message out to every man that I know. -
This book is probably somewhere in my top 10 all-time books I've read. The authors discuss Godly manhood with such genuineness and passion for Scripture and the gospel. It was such a refreshing read because time and time again they reiterated their own brokenness and God's sufficiency for all that a man is called to do. They also cast a vision for manhood- which is Christ himself. This book was full of so much wisdom, brought from a lifetime of experiences failing and finding God's grace. Each chapter was well-written, practical, real, and founded in Scripture.
I highly recommend this book to any man seeking to draw near to God, be humbled by the gospel, and grow in reflecting Christ. -
I read this book in its first edition as The Silence of Adam. This revised, updated, and expanded edition seemed a little more clear. Men of Courage struck me in a way that a The Silence of Adam did not. It's a great read on how to be a man in a culture that despises masculinity.
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Selfless and Sacrificial – the ultimate vocation
To have any hope of comprehending the beauty of 'Men of Courage' by Dr Larry Crabb, one requires faith in the spiritual divinity of God’s design; namely, the notion that “He created them male and female.” Gen 1:27
If one walks into this reading experience with a secular, intellectual human understanding, the reigning, contemporary perspective that expresses there are more than two genders, could potentially result in great offence or most likely, ignoring this book altogether.
Of course, Crabb doesn’t intend to cause offence or be ignored. He is speaking out of his Christian principles and relationship with a supreme spiritual God.
The idea of this book—that men have a predesigned role—may appear to a worldly audience as archaic. Factually, if we review the world’s current trajectory, the perspective presented by Men of Courage is reviled, ridiculed, and in some capacities, becoming increasingly outlawed.
Nevertheless, to Christ-centred believers, there’s a recognition how sacred masculinity and femininity are as designed and defined by God. If studied in depth, one will discover a beautiful, holistic plan for humanity’s salvation now and forevermore, through the unity of men and women.
Co-labouring with both genders, God reflects His incredible love through healthy relationships that exhibit kindness, peace, joy, fidelity, and honesty, glorifying a faithful Creator who never leaves us.
Despite the massive range of worldviews, it would be difficult to miss the clarity of Crabb’s words, which focus on gently and assertively showing us what a Christ-centred man looks like.
According to Crabb, God has established a high standard for men in relation to “moving beyond the silence of Adam,” – a clever tagline, referencing the moment when the snake entered the Garden of Eden, deceived Eve, and Adam did nothing to speak against the manipulation of the serpent.
Some may rightly argue that God has created an impossible benchmark for men, but anyone who knows their Bible Scripture will be aware that God can do the impossible when we surrender to His will over following our own…
The Godly man—as reflected by Crabb—is one who has continually confessed his brokenness, choosing to live through a constant leading and empowerment from God. He’s a flawed man who’s transparently admitted his weaknesses and intentionally seeks to be healthier in mind, body, and spirit – an active pursuit of holiness. He is unable to boast because he humbly knows his sin and receives his support from a loving, graceful God to move forward as a selfless, sacrificial being to all, whether friend or enemy.
When comparing 'Men of Courage’s' image of masculinity to that of the concept produced by the world, illumination over the immense misunderstanding by worldly perpetrators, becomes starkly evident.
The worldly depiction of a man—the individual who lords his authority over all—is that which has aroused activists with outcries of injustice and inequality from a variety of movements. These activists rightly proclaim men as “male, chauvinist pigs!” and “sexist, misogynist dinosaurs!” and we males deserve this. There is a wretched male ego within us that has committed terrible atrocity the world over and only God can heal this brokenness.
In a world that continually erodes Holy foundations, replacing them with human good intentions, society is afflicted with confusion and an over-abundance of choice on how to live.
It is no surprise that there’s a visible descendance into narcissism, hedonism, sociopathy, and megalomania; a view that could only be denied by an individual who’s discarded the notion of objective morality.
The very notion of the ‘selfie’—a supposedly harmless bit of self-adulation—speaks volumes of western society’s permissible decadence and growing destruction.
One of the greatest active deceptions to date, is the human free-will choice to reject a ‘sovereign designer’ and therefore rebuke all notions that there is a purpose for what we see around us.
One arena that’s gained global traction, is the supposedly ‘progressive movement’ to cancel the gender differences of male and female, hindering any concept of the loving, Kingdom-culture community that God wants us to experience.
Instead, what’s been birthed is a counterfeit ‘community’ where everything is relative, riddled with vengeance, incensed by injustice, and enflamed by entitlement, leaving little—if anything—to grasp for stability.
Essentially, anything goes and no one really knows what they’re purpose is other than to make money and be happy, which would be fine if the damage wrought by such selfish ambition didn’t harm so many others in the process.
'Men of Courage' explores what it means to be a surrendered man of God.
The Godly man described by Crabb’s reflections on the Bible is very different to this worldly male who has caused unaccountable pain and provoked unquantifiable division.
Personally, the first thing I noted about 'Men of Courage' was how impossible the vocation of Godly masculinity is.
In practical, applicable terms, the author unveiled that Christ-centred men are to walk in utter selflessness and sacrificial love the way Jesus did and continues to do for humanity. From experience and reading of much literature, I see that this is only possible with divine leadership abiding with us daily.
The book follows a comparison drawn by what Crabb calls the authentic and inauthentic man.
Dealing with the ‘passivity of Adam’ spiritual disposition, the inauthentic male is revealed as the pride-driven, fear-inspired person with confused ideas of masculinity, exhibited in unruly acting out; an individual unable to handle life’s problems effectively, choosing passivity or quick-escapism in the face of fear, and selecting self-exaltation when challenges of pride emerge.
The very common phrase “men are pigs” came to mind as I continued to read.
The fact for any discerning Christian, is that men are either predators or protectors. There is no middle ground and sadly, the predator category has greater numbers today.
The book reveals the brokenness of such a man and that his optimum exit strategy is the one given by God, to surrender to the Lord, relinquishing pride and fear, and enduring the crushing of male-ego in order to become the courageous, humble Christ-centred man, who will love all without discrimination, offer protection, and be cheerfully self-sacrificing. I also noticed the significance of memory for men relating to priorities and responsibility.
Readers are compelled to question whether they choose the silence of Adam, incorporating passivity or absenteeism; silence in the face of chaos or escapism into fantasy. Powerful questions throughout the book convicted and inspired me like: Do we have a passion for holiness, toughness, or neediness?
Light is also shone in the direction of that dark place within us all - the enemy-voice inside who feigns friendship, offering rational self-preservation and quick relief for fixing fears.
Overall, we are given an image of a man that I’d be baffled to see rejected or refuted. A true man of Christ, living through the Holy Spirit doesn’t boast and isn’t misogynistic—he isn’t prejudice in any way. He is utterly, self-sacrificingly, gracefully selfless.
Personally, I think that Crabb’s reflections unveil a stunning standard for men, but with the world being so contentious—even about seemingly positive things—I’m sure there would be readers out there who would reject this God-inspired masculinity.
In relation to the calling, the interesting thing is that in life, we’re never short of tests of our selflessness. From small, seemingly unnecessary requests to bigger, time-consuming issues, the forks in the road between selfishness and selflessness are constant until our end.
https://stephen-l-france.com/ -
Huge fan of Dr. Larry Crabb. I love his transparency and vulnerability that he is always so confident to share in his books. This book is a challenge for men to RISE up and stop being SILENT. Originally titled the "Silence of Adam."
Was challenged to question the worlds ideas of masculinity and manhood. Was a brilliant look at placing value where there is actually true value.
I wish I could have had a conversation with this man. -
What an awesome book on manhood! Legit life changing stuff packed in each chapter. The writing style is unique. You have to dig into it and really take time to process what they’re saying. Really good stuff!
Rating: 8.5/10, five stars -
3.5 - first chapter incredible, rest of it eh
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Listened to it as an audiobook.
One great insight in this book: How the Word orders chaos, and how men are called, in Christ, to follow "the Word", Christ, and imitate God, somehow, and enter into chaos with courage and trust.
Very good insight.
Did not need more than 50 pages to get it though.
This said, I come out of this reading confused, without the clear impression that the author really believed what he says. He does not seem very clear himself about what is the purpose of christian life. He does not sound very full of hope. The way the stories are told... oftentime, seems to relate to the authors themselves, and... I got the impression... to nobody else.... Had a hard time really relate to many of the stories.
Spoken word orders chaos. Great. True.
Can you please give me some practical tips ?
Not even a word about learning to pray (by attending the liturgy, or praying the Our Father, or the Psalms, for example).
No. Instead... some kind of existential "angst".
Got out of the book feeling like the christian life is an existential leap of faith. The important thing is to "go", not really about "where to go".
There was one practical tip. And a crucial and very good one.
To share our "secrets" with at least one brother in the faith.
... From an "convert-to-catholicism" (me) point of view, this wordy chapter appears as a good try. Why not simply trust the church, who told us all along that confession to a real man, in flesh and bone, and not only to a disembodied "Christ" out there in my imagination, is necessary for spiritual growth ? It looks like an evangelical trying to convince his brothers in the faith, using psychological and experiential arguments, of what a blessing it would be if every men could confess to a brother, ... but trying to do so without ever make it looks too much catholic ... To their credit, the authors seem to not ever even be aware that this practice is simply part of the "ordinary" life of hundred of millions of catholics since the beginning of christianity.
If men get out of that book, not too much puzzled and confused, and are able to "get" that practical advice, despite how hard the authors make it, ... then it might not have been an unuseful book...
But average Joe the plumber will totally get lost, and just abandon the book after a chapter or two.
(Unless he is used to read stuff he does not really understand, and still continues to read anyway... )
I had hardtime following where he was going, and getting what he was referring to... He seems to be talking to a crowd of people who already know what he is talking about. I got the feeling that I kind of was not part of that crowd.
Cannot recommend it, unless someone is really, ultra-specifically, into studying contemporary evangelical men's movements and litterature. -
I was interested in the book because of Dr. crabb's background of being a psychologist and also being a christian. I really liked the psycho-ananlysis on authentic men and inauthentic men, and the style of relating. The style of relating reminds me of Stephen Covey's model "dependent- independent- interdependent". I also like the message toward the end of the book, that ordinary men (fathers, brothers) play an extraordinary role in other people's lives in the community that lead them to grow, to mature. It makes me interested his work on church community.
The critique I would gave is, there seem to be a weak link between the Silence of Adam and the whole thing about remembering. I would agree that we are called to remember the fall of man and God's redemption through Adam, but the sin of Adam caused by forgetting who God is is a strech, in my opinion.
The book makes sense although it is nothing new for me. The hard part is not about consuming knowledge, but about putting them into practice. -
I didn't know what to expect when I purchased this book, but something about the title and summary called out to me. although unsure why, I felt this was a book I needed to read. It did not disappoint. Although not everyone will agree with everything in the book I recommend it to anyone who has wondered what it means to be an authentically Godly man. Ever since reading this book I have found myself having a lot more conversations with friends about what it means to be a man biblically. It has caused me to reflect and grieve in the most beautiful ways. It has shown me the importance of speaking order into chaos and stepping into a life of faith amoungst the fear.
"The path to authentic manhood is entered through the narrow gate of a single- minded passion to abandon oneself completely to God. The path beyond the gate is the freedom to speak into darkness as one hears and echoes the voice of a well- remembered God." -
There are life long concepts I will hold on to from reading this book. If you are looking for a step by step plan to be a better father, husband, and man you will not find it here (the authors give us fair warning!). But I was personally challenged to love and seek God through the confusion of life. That as men, we are called to remember the goodness and truth of God even when the circumstances say otherwise. I would recommend this to any husband, father, son, or man who wants to live a true Christ-like life!
Biggest takeaway: As fathers we need to communicate 3 things to our sons.
1. It can be done (how we live)
2. They are not alone (our presence)
3. We believe in them (we listen, and give them space and freedom to make their own choices. Just as our Heavenly Father gives us space and freedom) -
This is an updated and expanded edition of Crabb's, The Silence of Adam, which I had never read. It's a great book for understanding the struggles men face and what our calling is. On one of the hardest nights my wife and I faced this year, as we struggled to believe truth two months into our marriage, I remember reading the quote below out loud with tears in my eyes. It nailed me and my desire to run away from conflict. Although, I'm sure I felt some shame in that moment, the tears seemed to come more from a place of hope, a hope that God had indeed called me to more and promised to give me strength to become more.
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This is probably the best book I have read on biblical manhood. This is the updated version from “The Silence of Adam”. It provides a good theological perspective to why men are the way we are, some keep insights into our design, and how to approach manhood in a biblical way. It does a good job of pointing out the need for biblical friendships between men and how we can go about fighting for that. I would highly recommend to any man out that wanting to learn more about how to be a man of God.
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A very helpful book on biblical masculinity written by a Christian psychiatrist. Most of the points in the book tie back to Adam's passivity and silence when Eve was being tempted in the garden of Eden. I wish the author made clearer distinctions between what conclusions he came to via scripture and which where from his psychological research. Worth reading.
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courage grows in connected community, need vision obstacles examples, find self by losing in Christ, for help turn to those who have relationships of value vs counselors, extraordinary valor and common virtue, there but for the grace of God go.
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I like this updated version and I still enjoy the personal stories and the lessons each author shares openly with the readers. It is a good application of scripture and thinking about humanity (focus on men) and how we act and why we do what we do.
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You're writing to men and using too much counselor psychologist speak. Takes too long to make his point and then repeats the same point over and over. Would have been effective with 30 pages not 200.
