The Three Marks of Manhood: How to be Priest, Prophet and King of Your Family by Dr. G. C. Dilsaver

by G.C. Dilsaver

G.C. Dilsaver writes that the time has come for Catholic families to re-discover true patricarchy-- time for Catholic men to accept and fulfill their role as leader and head of their families. THe role of Christian manhood, as ordained by God and confirmed by Catholic teaching, is symbolized by three the Scepter of authority and self-discipline, the Crosier of spiritual stewardship, and the Cross of redemptive suffering. Christian husbands and fathers are called by God to a familial headship which is not one of old and obsolete brute dominance over wife and children which rose out of pagan notions of male superiority. Dilsaver promotes a new and untained patriarchy in which the husband's ultimate authority is rooted in CHrist's example of humility and self-sacrificing love. Three Marks of Manhood can help CHristian families realize their identiy to the fullest-- empowering them to resist the encroachment of secular culture. Read it and learn how to build a strong and lasting marriage, raise children to become faithful men and women of God, and foster an authentic Catholic culture in your home.

Genres: Religion, Catholic, Family, Gender, Parenting

Paperback

First published April 1, 2010

Reviews

[J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is certainly an amazing read. Its probably the most counter-cultural book out there, for our time. This book confirms what I have been thinking for quite sometime with regards to men and society: While most domesticated men are busy living for parties, drunkenness, and pleasure seeking, the Real Man is out busy actually cultivating in virtue, growing in intelligence and communing with God. The Real Man, will become a true leader while those out living selfish and excessive hedonistic lifestyles will be the followers who get caught off guard. It is good to have read such a book, for having felt so alone, I now have a book that makes me feel like I am part of something larger than myself and wiser then the alleged wisdom of the world. As always any good book inspires and serves to give conviction about some type of unseen warfare, giving The Real Man an outlet to direct his need for Justice and Victory.

[Raul · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The powers of the state, augmented as they are by technology and by the propagandizing of the mass media, have never been greater, nor as intrusive. Only an unbreachable family unity, one in Christ, will withstand this ungodly power, and it is only the Christian patriarchal hierarchy of the family that creates such a unity."

Oh yes. This and more greatness like it awaits the man who desires to learn his true purpose in life.

[Amy Gieser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend this for all Catholic men but even we wives can learn much from this book. The last chapter specifically deals with our vocation and is the best part for us.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book for every man.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sensational. All men should read this and then hand it to their wives. The ideas present in here are so counter-cultural and if followed sincerely will lead to a holier family.

[Daniel Millard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short but powerful volume with the goal of defining true Christian patriarchy, describing the threats and overwhelming opposition against it, and presenting clear principles and historical & scriptural proofs for implementing it so that the average layman can digest and follow. Something desperately demanded, as Dilsaver spells out in no uncertain terms, in a modern society so fragmented and disfigured; and a culture which has so strangely and maliciously warped the concept of patriarchy.

This is a fairly intellectual work (Dilsaver is a reknowned psychologist and clinical director), but all concepts are very easily distilled and rooted in long-standing and irrefutable Christian tradition and Church teaching alike. I remember at one point in the past joking that I wish there was a handbook on how to be a good husband - this is the closes thing I've found. It addresses the impotent, hedonistic, clueless, and utterly emasculated Western male (like myself) who is so badly in need of God's grace and direction, and presents them with basal, universally applicable direction on what must be done to correct a man's attitude and priorities, make one's home a shrine of holiness, ensure one's marriage is a holy, sacrificial covenant, and to direct one's family toward heaven.

Will re-read at some point, and probably purchase for friends.

[Lori Guerin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The more I read of Dilsaver’s “The Three Marks of Manhood”, the more I think this book should be required reading for all couples pursuing marriage! Though many concepts seem outdated, I am also drawn to the beauty they each hold. Every man should read this! The book dives into what it means that men are to “love their wives as Christ loved the church” and what that entails. Though many would say this book sets unrealistic expectations, I think it sets standards for new/future families to raise their children up towards.
I found it interesting that, though the book is centered around the duties of a Catholic man, so much time is dedicated to discussing a Catholic woman/wife’s responsibilities and needs from her husband. Dilsaver refers to the Catholic home as a “cloistered” place - a holy and sacred space where one can be “truly human, truly oneself, spontaneous and without need of pretense.”
I 10/10 recommend this book, albeit maybe with a grain of salt.

[Stephen Z. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Agree or disagree...you'll have to think

This book was a great challenge to men and women. Women, because they rarely hear the exhortation to be submissive and men because... Well dying is difficult. The reviews I saw that were low for this book concentrated on the fact that the author seems to take seriously Saint Paul's exhortation for wives to be submissive... But I think that like St. Paul this is a great pedagogical technique. He says "wives need to remember to be submissive," and men read it with great enthusiasm so that they stumble into the next line, "which means men need to lay down their life for their wife and actual show some leadership instead of just watching football." I feel this book will help to strengthen my marriage.

[Roberto Rosas · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most challenging books a man can read nowadays. This small book contains a sobering discussion of the elemental crisis of the God-established patriarchy in the contemporary world and its devastating effects on the individual, the family, the nation and the world. I cannot wait to share this invaluable book with my sons and all my friends.

[Ashton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not being an avid reader it was hard to understand the difficult language and words I’ve never heard before. However this book does an excellent job in describing a traditional Catholic family, and how it should run. Being young, having a son, and a catholic for only about 2 years this books is helpful!

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent presentation on being a Catholic man and father. Avoid the first appendix though unless you want to experience the philosophical equivalent of an Olympic gymnast as the author tries to rehabilitate the novel and unorthodox views of John Paul II.

[Levi Borba · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. Every catholic man should read it.

[Tommy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best book on the topic that I have read yet.
Will give it to friends and newly married men.

[Kori · Rating 5 out of 5]

He ultimately comes to some conclusions I don't necessarily agree with, but the basic premise is solid and thought provoking. Perfect for the men in your life.