Agree with him 100%. The host of CNN was getting on my nerves as he was always alluding to the stereotypical “male macho” type – which is nothing near what Eldredge is talking about.

I also agree with his assertion of the “feminisation of man.” Men have become wimps and are under the yoke of feminists all over the place. As a result, many have lost their masculinity while others retaliate and become complete jerks.

The “Jesus” we worship is often is often downplayed to a softy, product in your hair, air brushed Jesus – which makes me sick really. No wonder guys hate church – it embodies a weakling. But if guys had the proper understanding of the true nature of Jesus, He becomes a character worth pursuing.

I have elaborated more on this here: http://layguy.com/2006/10/20/how-real-is-your-jesus/

Eldredge is stirring the “man” to come out. Sure, he needs to be meek but he also needs to be a real man also. I have way too many male friends who are door mats to their wives due to a lack of understanding of what it is to be a man. A real man will love his wife and protect her and shield her with all he is. A woman in this situation will look up to her man in admiration instead of looking down at him barking orders.

A woman in this situation will look up to her man in admiration instead of looking down at him barking orders.

Just so long as the man looks up to his wife in admiration as well.

Calvin – that’s such a SNAG comment! A man is to love his wife like Christ loved the Church – to the point of giving up his life for her. This is way beyond “admiration”. My wife would not settle for my admiration. She wants, and deserves, way more.

I have way too many male friends who are door mats to their wives due to a lack of understanding of what it is to be a man. A real man will love his wife and protect her and shield her with all he is. A woman in this situation will look up to her man in admiration instead of looking down at him barking orders.

I, frankly, don’t need any ‘real’ (other unreal) man to ‘protect’ me. In fact, I’m at the point where I feel like I need protection against men (how truly sad). I wear the t-shirt that says ado(RED) … not my husband. Perhaps that’s because I gave him 2 sons … ? And because I’m fully aware the world doesn’t revolve around me? Do I know what it is to be a man? No ~ do I need to? I’m thinking … No. Do you know what it is to be a woman? I will go out on a limb here and say ‘no, you don’t.’ And you don’t need to, to ‘get it.’ Any spouse, male or female, should not be calling the shots, barking orders or leading the other by the nose. We all have choices about how we live. Those who live the cow=towed life, choose such. Simple.

What is lost masculinity and how do you plan on getting it back?

Regarding Jesus, I’m seriously doubting the real thing was blond, had feather straight hair with golden highlights, nicely manicured hands, smooth skin or blue eyes. I’m seriously doubting he spoke english with a british accent, or any english at all! The currently marketed Jesus? He’s really a creation carved in our own image of what’s ‘good’ and ‘beautiful’ by the standards of society (like an extension of our Selves, perhaps?) Nothing real about that.

Interesting post. :^)

@Layguy – It was meant to be a little snarky. I’m not saying that both spouses don’t need and deserve more than mere admiration. I was making the point that we’re talking equal here. Certainly we are to love our wives as Christ loves us – and so our wives are to love us. Yes, our wives are to submit to us – and so we to our wives. (cf, the texts above love and submitting are part of larger passages were all Christians are commanded to love one another and all Christians are commanded to submit to one another). I like 68.9’s question – “What is lost masculinity and how do you plan on getting it back?” I’m genuinely interested in your thoughts on that one.

@68.9 – I agree that one spouse shouldn’t be “in power” over the other, and that we should live together, lovingly, and cooperatively.

A look at the book’s backcover may make you get Eldredge’s point:

Helping men rediscover their masculine heart, this guide to understanding Christian manhood and Christian men offers a refreshing break from the chorus of voices urging men to be more responsible, reliable, dutiful? and dead. God designed men to be dangerous, says John Eldredge. Simply look at the dreams and desires written in the heart of every boy: To be a hero, to be a warrior, to live a life of adventure and risk. Sadly, most men abandon those dreams and desires-aided by a Christianity that feels like nothing more than pressure to be a “nice guy.” It is no wonder that many men avoid church, and those who go are often passive and bored to death. In this provocative book, now available in trade paper, Eldredge gives women a look inside the true heart of a man and gives men permission to be what God designed them to be-dangerous, passionate, alive, and free.
Back cover of book “Wild at Heart: Discovering the Secret of a Man’s Soul” by John Eldredge

I really want a copy!