The earthly crisis within manhood will remain until Jesus returns, but in Christ a man is pointed toward the gospel as the vision for renewal. Manhood Restored by Eric Mason combines theological depth with practical insights, putting men in step with a gospel-centered manhood that will enrich every facet of their lives.
This book examines The Problems in Manhood: the false icons that lead to cultural caricatures of men—the business man, the thug, the playboy, the athlete, etc.—then makes a connection to the cross-cultural fatherhood crisis by looking at what men do to fill the void when their relationship with Dad or God is not there. Mason identifies a "crisis of identity" for the male gender, which often plays out in genocide, self-preservation, spiritual anemia, role disillusionment, absence, perpetual adolescence, and emotional immaturity. He maintains that men are deeply deficient in understanding and practicing how to relate to God and others in a healthy way.
Mason points to "Daddy Deprivation" as primary in creating this identity crisis. The absence of a father leaves a lasting void in a man's identity and development. Because of the deprivation of fathers, we see human efforts as unredeemed replacements: unredeemed determination, womanizing, being a better father than their father, bitterness, and all the rest can't fill the gap of a father. All replacements are illegitimate means for a legitimate need (Jer. 1:11-13). We need fathers, and we're only going to be fathers to our children when we see that true fatherhood is rooted and defined in God the Father.
And finally, he offers The Redemption of Manhood: Jesus is the true standard of biblical manhood, looking to his perfect example to redeem and restore a man's life in the areas of sexuality, home, and work.
Eric Mason is founder and lead pastor of Epiphany Fellowship in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and president of Thriving, an urban leadership development organization.
Manhood Restored: How the Gosepl Makes Men Whole is published by B&H Publishing and releases May 1, 2013.
