Randy Stinson

A good primer on the idea of Biblical manhood. Good for personal study or group study. It is split into four sections of varying size: "Lessons in Manhood"; "A Guide for Husbands"; "A Guide for Fathers"; and "A Guide for Pastors." The first section gave examples, what to do and what NOT to do, from the Bible of manhood in Adam, Job, David, Solomon, Paul, and Jesus. The second and third sections gave guidance from Scripture and personal illustrations from the lives of the authors to explain the duties and responsibilities of a Christian man in marriage and in fatherhood. The last section was about pastors.

Some of the advice here may seem old fashioned, as it is from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and the authors make no bones about it. But if we are to follow the Bible we must follow all the Bible says, we can't pick and choose. Now, the authors are quick to say that though a husband, a man, should be the leader of the family, see Ephesians 5:22-24, he should also lead in love, see Ephesians 5:25-33. They also note (p. 60) that: "Because, in a fallen world, people who are given authority sometimes believe that they are better than the people they’re leading. In a marriage, a man in his sinfulness can be deluded into thinking that because he’s the leader, he’s better. And so Peter reminds husbands to treat their wives as equals." Further down the authors state (ibid.): "God gives us authority and leadership as men, but it’s not to be used for our own self-aggrandizement; it’s to be used for the good of those we’re serving. That’s why we call it servant leadership and sacrificial leadership. It should be to the point of your own self-neglect; for the good of those you’re leading."

Some good, Bible-based advice for husbands and fathers.… (mere)