Book:
Metaxas, Eric. Seven Men: And Their Secret of Greatness. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2013.
Pages: 211
Point: Manhood is not measured by physical proportions, but by a deep resolve to live rightly in the sight of God and fellow man.
Path: This book attempts to answer two questions, “What is a man?” and “What makes a man great?” (xiii). Both the style and message is geared toward young men. Metaxas walks through the lives of seven men who all stand tall amidst their weak and timid companions. These men did not share a similar education, social status, nor geographical connection. However, they shared a common trait, living their life in pursuit of a greater goal.
George Washington, William Wilberforce, Eric Liddell, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Jackie Robinson, Pope John Paul II, and Charles W. Colson all demonstrated that true manhood lies deeper than the skin.
Sources: Through his own personal study of original sources, and also the work of other biographers, Metaxas gives brief overviews of each life as though he is telling the story of a life around a warm fire and refreshments.
Agreement:
I appreciated the desire to pinpoint key characteristics of each man which contributed to his greatness.
The chapters were short enough to jump in and read in one sitting, giving a good overview.
The reading was easy and not bogged down with unnecessary detail.
His own preface to each story illuminated how this individual had impacted him personally.
The broad range of men shows depth in Metaxas’ study.
Disagreement: I felt as though the style of writing was not as good as men like Ambrose or other biographers. I have not read any of his other works, so it may just be the format of this book.
Personal App: Am I living for me, or am I living for Someone greater?
Favorite Quote: “Until we realize that God is concerned with the size of our hearts and not that of our genital apparati, we can never understand God’s idea of true masculinity” (xxii).
Stars: 4 out of 5
It would be worth another read and I would recommend it.
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I received this book from Booksneeze.com in exchange for my honest opinion.