 IntegrityYour Body: The LiverTrue MinistryDon’t Neglect Your GiftSearching for Your Self-Worth |
|
From the EditorFellowship of ServiceWho, Me? Serve?MentoringThe Role of Christian Women in Paul’s DayElizabeth: A Woman of FaithShopping for Modesty in Egypt |
|
| |
|
A Book Review:
The Mark of a Man by Elisabeth Elliot By Tyler Barnett
It is curious that a book titled, “The Mark of a Man” is written by a woman, but Elisabeth Elliot shows her ability to define male masculinity with a Biblical perspective rather than her own. Elliot blames feminism for blurring the distinctions so much that Biblical definitions, roles, and responsibilities are subservient to gender equality. The anecdotes to her nephew Pete, although cheesy and out dated at times, are effective in showing the reader real world examples along with scriptures to prove her points. Elliot takes many opportunities to directly attack supporters of ideologies that contradict Biblical masculinity, so the book tends to get personal and argumentative. The beginning of the book lays out the equalities of Men and Women: Men and Women have both been created, they were created as two complimentary elements in God’s image and they are equal in moral responsibility. The following chapters explain and support the distinctions that set men apart. She expands upon scriptures that exemplify the roles of men as initiators, servants, sacrificial lovers and leaders. Elliot inspires the reader to revive chivalry and outlines the characteristics that will allow him to fulfill his roles as a Christ-like husband, father and man. One cannot discuss the roles of a Man without mentioning the roles of a Woman. Elliot includes a checklist for what a man should look for in a woman and how men can help women fulfill their complimentary feminine roles. One umbrella concept I have taken from “The Mark of a Man” is: Be a Man. Christ embodies this concept, the Bible teaches it, and Men are called to fulfill it. i | |