Christian Manhood Books

As I rewrote our manhood material at Cityview (launching in two weeks as Kingdom Men), I read ten new books on masculinity from both Christian and secular perspectives. I learned from, argued with, and appreciated the work these authors did to articulate a healthy, holistic vision for masculinity.

As I’ve said many times, if we don’t clearly define manhood, men will drift into despair, waste their lives, and create chaos in their relationships.

I thought it would be helpful to update my list of favorite books on manhood from a Christian perspective. These are the books that have shaped me the most and helped me understand how God’s Word speaks uniquely to men. Most of God’s commands in the Bible apply equally to men and women (such as “love your neighbor”), but Scripture also gives us helpful insight into the distinct ways God has designed us.

The Bible teaches the equality of men and women as those made in God’s image, but it doesn’t flatten our differences until we become exactly the same. We are equal in God’s sight, but distinct by design.

We live in an era deeply conflicted when it comes to gender. On the one hand, our culture falsely teaches that gender is irrelevant to personhood, even though it is woven into our very biology. On the other hand, we hear messages every day that create hostility between the sexes. Men and women are increasingly portrayed as enemies, suspicious and skeptical of one another.

The Bible presents a completely different picture—one in which our biological sex is a good gift from our Creator. Jesus calls us to honor and love one another as brothers and sisters in His family. One of the primary New Testament pictures of the church is a spiritual family, where we are commanded to treat the men and women in our lives with respect, compassion, and purity.

So where would I point someone who wanted to learn more about biblical manhood? Of course, I would start by telling him to sign up for our Kingdom Men study this fall! But if he wanted to read on his own, here are the books I’d recommend:

Trout’s book is straightforward, biblical, and helpful. He avoids overstating his case, but he also gets practical and concrete, which we need as men. I REALLY enjoyed reading and reflecting on this book.

His book is structured around four virtues he believes every man needs to embrace and five roles every man needs to understand. The masculine virtues are humility (I’m not God), discipline (I’m not a boy), responsibility (I’m not a victim), and chivalry (I’m not a woman). The masculine roles are son, brother, maker, husband, and father.

He devotes a chapter to each virtue and role, providing clear definitions and practical insights along the way. We cover much of this material in Kingdom Men, but I appreciate how Trout organizes and communicates it.

Hansen is a radio personality, author, and speaker. He wrote another book I often recommend (Unoffendable) to people who struggle with being easily offended by others.

His book on manhood is funny, engaging, and true. Hansen offers a clear vision for men to use their strength, energy, and passion to serve, protect, and point others toward Christ. His honesty is disarming as he acknowledges both the challenges men face and some of the unfair stereotypes and expectations placed on them.

At the same time, I love how he challenges men to get off video games, take responsibility, and lovingly lead others toward Jesus.

Trust me—you will enjoy this book.

Longtime pastor and author Gene Getz crafted one of the best books I’ve read on godly character.

His structure is simple. He examines the characteristics of a mature elder found in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1, devoting a chapter to each trait. Getz’s book is especially helpful in explaining some of the more obscure Greek words that don’t translate easily into English.

The chapters are short and practical, which makes this book accessible even to men who don’t enjoy reading. I am thankful for Getz’s ministry for many reasons (including his wonderful study Bible), but few things he’s written are as valuable as this book in helping men pursue godly character.

If you’ve been around my writing for long, you’ve heard me talk about Nancy Pearcey, one of my favorite living apologists. Her book Love Thy Body is my favorite book on a biblical view of sexuality and gender. I have benefited greatly from her historical, cultural, and theological analysis on a wide range of issues.

Her book on masculinity helps us in two important ways.

First, it exposes the cultural attack on manhood (the “toxic war”) and responds with truth and grace. Second, it traces the changing cultural view of men in the West over the last 300 years. Both sections bring fresh insight to our understanding of masculinity.

Throughout the book, Pearcey does what she does best: she brings biblical truth, historical research, and careful reasoning to bear on false cultural narratives.

This book is longer and more academic than some of the others on this list, but it is worth the work.

Pastor Tony Evans’s book on manhood calls men to the high standard of living and loving like Jesus.

Evans is known for using contemporary illustrations to illuminate biblical truth, and he does that throughout Kingdom Man. I personally resonate with his love for sports and how he uses them to show how men should honor authority, love their brothers, embrace responsibility, and persevere through hardship.

Evans also does good exegetical work throughout the book, clearing up several common misconceptions about what the Bible teaches concerning men. I especially appreciate the way he highlights that Kingdom Men should become the kind of men women want to marry and raise children with.

This is an older book, but it is worth mentioning here for two reasons.

First, Hughes’s book has aged remarkably well and has continued to sell and influence men for decades. Second, Hughes shows what godly discipline should look like day to day.

This isn’t simply a book about traditional spiritual disciplines like Bible reading and prayer. It is about the discipline a man needs in every area of his life. Hughes addresses disciplines related to relationships, the soul, character, and ministry.

His basic point is one every man needs to hear: a godly life doesn’t happen by accident. A man needs specific, intentional disciplines that keep his life pointed in the right direction.

As a reminder, learning new information about godly masculinity will not automatically make you a godly man. Information only helps when it leads to new habits, attitudes, words, and actions.

Don’t just READ these books.

Ask the Lord to show you where you need to start new practices, reject vice, embrace responsibility, and walk in greater obedience to Jesus.

Brothers, we need you. Let’s show the world a better way.