Maybe for me, but not for you guys with younger children still at home. If that's you, read on.
The process toward authentic manhood consists of three key elements, per Lewis: (1) defining an authentic manhood vision (a true man rejects passivity, accepts responsibility, leads courageously, and expects the greater reward—God’s reward); (2) clarifying an ethical code of conduct (ten biblical ideals); and (3) embracing a transcendent cause (something truly heroic, timeless, and extremely meaningful). This book is rich with ceremonies for a community of men to drive home these boy-to-manhood points.
Knight is a “quick read” for anyone familiar with the “Quest for Authentic Manhood,” the multi-segment, 3-year video series that men from my church went through recently and will resume in 2012. Now you can get much of that good stuff in book form.
After reading this book, I had some reservations and regrets. Not about the author or the book, but about me missing the mark, even missing my sons Mark and Eric. So I re-read a Father’s Day card from this past month (“Thanks for being the father that you have been to us. You have been great, and you have passed on so much to us that we take through our own lives. I love you a ton.”), then compared it to one from 1990 (“Thanks for being such a great dad, you really are an Everyday Hero!”)
Don’t you just long to hear such affirmations commending your efforts, your example and your legacy?! But it’s not about us. This book is about raising up sons who imitate those ideals that bring glory to their fathers, as they become heroes, every day, under God. Amen.
If you've got another men's book to recommend, one you want me to read and comment on--or if you have had similar struggles raising your sons in a godly path according to their bent--please let me know. Let's collaborate.