Jacob's Shadow: Christian Perspectives on Masculinity

by Herbert Anderson

Book Overview

In Jacob's Shadow, Herbert Anderson uses his own story and the biblical story of Jacob to imagine new and more inclusive patterns of masculinity that balance power with vulnerability. With a new... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1578951011
• ISBN13: 9781578951017
• Release Date: August 2002
• Publisher: Bridge Resources (KY)
• Length: 173 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Jacob's Shadow: Christian Perspectives on Masculinity

There is no other book like Jacob's Shadow which addresses the unique issues of a masculine practice of faith. Among so much "trendy" books on the subject of spirituality, Anderson shares himself as man, son, husband, father, and pastor in a way that is disarming, authentic and penetrating. Built around the Biblical narrative of Jacob, son of Isaac and brother of Esau, the book sensitively help us all lower our defenses and enter more fully what it means to be a male created in the image of God. This book is without peer!

The fullness of being man

Anderson does an incredible job of reflecting on the many facets of being a man and a man who loves and serves Christ. He challenges men to delve deeper into their lives exploring relationships,emotions, loves and friendships and their impact on self and others. He challenges common notions of "Christian Man" and their behaviors, feelings and reactions. He examines everyday events that happen to men and opens up a new dimension on how men can learn and interpret from those experiences. It has truly challenged me to examine myself, my relationships and the fullness of being a man, and a man who serves Christ.

More Than Just Another Book for Men

I read Jacob's Shadow on the recommendation of a friend and came to it with the scepticism that a man who in fact needs a book like this might be expected to bring to it. I found myself seduced by its clarity and was grateful for its lessons. In ten chapters the book covers ten areas of living in which men might well encounter challenges and benefit from wise advice gently offered. The need for men to acknowlege vulnerability and then confront that vulnerability with courage is both a chapter and an overall theme. In fact, in writing Jacob's Shadow Herbert Anderson made himself vulnerable and in doing so has given the reader a gift which is more than mere words.

Not Just a Book for Men

Herbert Anderson's honesty and well-honed ability to tell stories makes Jacob's Shadow: Christian Perspectives on Masculinity a book both men and women need to read. It will help women better understand their own partners, fathers and sons, and it surely will benefit male readers who are open to wrestling, as did Jacob, with their own weaknesses and their own wisdom to learn how to better handle disappointments, acknowledge their vulnerability, deal with aggression and violence, express feelings and learn to keep on promising. Readers will also learn how to pay attention, how to nurture, how to make and keep friends, how to grieve and how to share power. The integrating metaphor of Jacob's story together with the Australian artist and pastoral theological Doug Purnell's powerful drawings complement Anderson's compelling writing. Anderson's gathered stories are artfully woven and readers will find in them, and in the author's own journey, healing insights for their own vulnerabilities. Buy it as a gift for those you love. Those you truly love.