"The Masculine Mandate" by Richard D. Phillips. A Short Review

 

Richard Phillips, a pastor in the Presbyterian Church in America (Second Presbyterian, Greenville, SC), has given a handy, straightforward, readable 220-page softback on biblical masculinity. It won't resonate with those who are happy touting their victimhood and their need to victimize women in manosphere world. But for those who really desire to grow in godly, biblical manhood, this is a fine work. 

The summary statement by Jerry Bridges in the Foreword, gives the overall them and direction of the book, where "the humble man, toiling faithfully at his job, nurturing and shepherding his wife, and seeking to bring up his children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord, conforms to God's picture of a real man" (xii). That covers the subjects in the book in a nutshell.

Though I have a few quibbles with some smaller details, in the end this is a book worth reading and even reading with other men. As Phillips notes, "If we do not seek truth in this matter from God, then something not only precious but essential will be lost from our churches: biblical models of godly masculinity for our boys and for male converts to follow, and the manly leadership God has ordained as intrinsic to the strength and health of His church" (xvii). Get the book. Read the book. Discuss the book. Apply the book.

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