cover image Man Enough: How Jesus Redefines Manhood

Man Enough: How Jesus Redefines Manhood

Nate Pyle. Zondervan, $15.99 trade paper (208p) ISBN 978-0-310-34337-0

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. Agent: Jenni Burke, D.C. Jacobson & Associates (Oct.)