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Man Alive: Transforming Your Seven Primal Needs into a Powerful Spiritual Life
You Don’t Have to Settle Over the last four decades, I’ve met one-on-one with thousands of men. Most of them know that Jesus promised “a rich and satisfying life” (John 10:10), but too many are confused about what that looks like. In fact, I’d estimate that 90 percent of Christian men lead lukewarm, stagnant, defeated lives—and they hate it. When men try to put into words what’s holding them back, they invariably describe one or more of these seven • “I just feel like I’m in this thing alone.” • “I don’t feel like God cares about me personally—not really.” • “I don’t feel like my life has a purpose. In fact, it seems random.” • “I have destructive behaviors that keep dragging me down.” • “My soul feels dry.” • “My most important relationships are not working.” • “I don’t feel like I’m doing anything that will make a lasting difference.” Do you see yourself in these statements? In my experience, these inner aches and pains correspond to seven primal God-given needs that all men feel deeply. And in Man Alive, I’ll show you something surprising—God’s plan to harness that raw, restless energy you feel, pull you out of mediocrity, and propel you toward the life you were meant to live. I promise you…there is a way. No man should have to settle for half alive. You can become the man God created you to be. You can experience a powerful life transformed by Christ. In this book, I’ll show you how. Patrick Morley, PhD.
210 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
55 people are currently reading
204 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
September 27, 2012
This is a book that really spoke to me. Patrick Morley outlines seven ways in which God can transform men's lives from stagnation to flourishing and producctive. He tackles seven different issues, all in separate chapters:
1. To feel like you don't have to do life alone
2. To believe--really believe--that God loves and cares about you personally
3. To understand how your life has a purpose, that your life is not random
4. To break free from the destructive behaviors that keep dragging you down
5. To satisfy your soul's thirst for transcendence, awe, and communion
6. To love and be loved without reservation
7. To make a contribution and leave the world a better place
If you're a Christian man who struggles with where he stands in the grand scheme of things, as I often do, I highly recommend this book. I know it made many things clear for me.
1. To feel like you don't have to do life alone
2. To believe--really believe--that God loves and cares about you personally
3. To understand how your life has a purpose, that your life is not random
4. To break free from the destructive behaviors that keep dragging you down
5. To satisfy your soul's thirst for transcendence, awe, and communion
6. To love and be loved without reservation
7. To make a contribution and leave the world a better place
If you're a Christian man who struggles with where he stands in the grand scheme of things, as I often do, I highly recommend this book. I know it made many things clear for me.
November 17, 2012
This author is a smart guy. Dr. Morley graduated from Harvard, Oxford and completed a stint at Reformed Theological Seminary. Yet he is better known for the ministry he created, The Man in the Mirror, which strategically focuses on biblical masculinity.
He begins this book with one of his many inspiring stories, directing the reader to his thesis statement: Every man has seven primal, instinctive needs (each need is unpacked within a specific chapter). Morley believes that most men they lead “lukewarm, stagnant, often defeated lives”. Because these primal needs are neglected, men default into physical isolation and spiritual indifference. This book grandly proclaims that it will bring hope, healing and practical help for such a man.
I am pleased to state that Dr. Morley succeeds in his literary purpose. Each chapter is embedded with sagely advice and anecdotal offerings. In addition, each of the seven primal needs are addressed with levity and simplistic language. It is clear that the author is sensitive to his audience and seeks to walk with the reader, rather than bark instructions from the sideline.
An example of this is found in chapter four, Created for a Life of Purpose. Morley states that men have a primal need to “believe that my life has a purpose and that my life is not random”. To elucidate his point, the author draws from his experience as a successful businessman. Yet after the euphoria of success wore off, he was miserable. Broken and humbled, God graciously revealed his Big Holy Audacious Goal (BHAG, as Morley calls it): It is for My children to become My disciples. The integration of the big Story and Morley’s story is compelling with obvious implications for the reader.
Lastly, chapter two is worth the price of the book. Through anecdotes and focused orthopraxy, the author unpacks the profound truth ‘that you and I are wired by God with an instinct to be in authentic relationships’. In other words, isolation is bad and community is good. Excellent, practical stuff.
Criticism
I am little surprised at the way the author use of certain biblical texts. In chapter one, Morley endeavors to show the difference between a successful Christian and an unsuccessful Christian. He points the reader to The Parable of the Soils (Matthew 13) and states,
“Most men today would recognize themselves in the first three soils, where the seeds don’t grow. Yet they honestly want to be like the good soil…..What is keeping men’s lives hard, rocky, and choked with thorns when so many urgently want more and when God created us for more—much more?” (p.10)
The problem with Morley’s use of this passage is that the three seeds symbolize false or undetermined faith, not explicitly weak or stunted faith. In other words, Jesus doesn’t comment of spiritual position of the three seeds. Some will prove to have embraced self-deception, bearers of the bad fruit. To give no warning to the readers of their possible self-deception is an unfortunate omission.
But a more tragic example of this is Morley’s use of the Sadducees in Matthew 22 to buttress his point. He states,
“Jesus gave us an insight when He was speaking to a group of confused religious men. He said, “Your mistake is that you don’t know the Scriptures, and you don’t know the power of God. (Matthew 22:29). Do you see it? Jesus made a direct connection between knowing the Bible and leading a powerful life.” (p.11)
Now I strongly applaud the author’s emphasis on the priority of “knowing the scriptures” and drawing the connection that this spiritual discipline will produce a life of power. This is certainly a biblical concept. Yet to use a Sadducee as an example is reckless. The Sadducees were a group of religious elite who denied the concept of resurrection. Matthew repeatedly put the Pharisees and Sadducees in the same group and denounced them both (Matt. 16:6). Again, to call them anything other than spiritually dead and blind is to ignore the plain implications of the text. Yet the baffling part is that later in the book Dr. Morley acknowledges the dangers of easy believism and cautions his readers.
“But there is a caution. Receiving Jesus, having your sins forgiven, and receiving the gift of eternal life is easy, but only if it’s sincere.” (p. 58)
Overall, Man Alive is a worthy contributor to the genre of biblical masculinity. I would encourage the use of this book in a small group dialogue (with a discerning leader) or as a gift to a spiritually indifferent man.
He begins this book with one of his many inspiring stories, directing the reader to his thesis statement: Every man has seven primal, instinctive needs (each need is unpacked within a specific chapter). Morley believes that most men they lead “lukewarm, stagnant, often defeated lives”. Because these primal needs are neglected, men default into physical isolation and spiritual indifference. This book grandly proclaims that it will bring hope, healing and practical help for such a man.
I am pleased to state that Dr. Morley succeeds in his literary purpose. Each chapter is embedded with sagely advice and anecdotal offerings. In addition, each of the seven primal needs are addressed with levity and simplistic language. It is clear that the author is sensitive to his audience and seeks to walk with the reader, rather than bark instructions from the sideline.
An example of this is found in chapter four, Created for a Life of Purpose. Morley states that men have a primal need to “believe that my life has a purpose and that my life is not random”. To elucidate his point, the author draws from his experience as a successful businessman. Yet after the euphoria of success wore off, he was miserable. Broken and humbled, God graciously revealed his Big Holy Audacious Goal (BHAG, as Morley calls it): It is for My children to become My disciples. The integration of the big Story and Morley’s story is compelling with obvious implications for the reader.
Lastly, chapter two is worth the price of the book. Through anecdotes and focused orthopraxy, the author unpacks the profound truth ‘that you and I are wired by God with an instinct to be in authentic relationships’. In other words, isolation is bad and community is good. Excellent, practical stuff.
Criticism
I am little surprised at the way the author use of certain biblical texts. In chapter one, Morley endeavors to show the difference between a successful Christian and an unsuccessful Christian. He points the reader to The Parable of the Soils (Matthew 13) and states,
“Most men today would recognize themselves in the first three soils, where the seeds don’t grow. Yet they honestly want to be like the good soil…..What is keeping men’s lives hard, rocky, and choked with thorns when so many urgently want more and when God created us for more—much more?” (p.10)
The problem with Morley’s use of this passage is that the three seeds symbolize false or undetermined faith, not explicitly weak or stunted faith. In other words, Jesus doesn’t comment of spiritual position of the three seeds. Some will prove to have embraced self-deception, bearers of the bad fruit. To give no warning to the readers of their possible self-deception is an unfortunate omission.
But a more tragic example of this is Morley’s use of the Sadducees in Matthew 22 to buttress his point. He states,
“Jesus gave us an insight when He was speaking to a group of confused religious men. He said, “Your mistake is that you don’t know the Scriptures, and you don’t know the power of God. (Matthew 22:29). Do you see it? Jesus made a direct connection between knowing the Bible and leading a powerful life.” (p.11)
Now I strongly applaud the author’s emphasis on the priority of “knowing the scriptures” and drawing the connection that this spiritual discipline will produce a life of power. This is certainly a biblical concept. Yet to use a Sadducee as an example is reckless. The Sadducees were a group of religious elite who denied the concept of resurrection. Matthew repeatedly put the Pharisees and Sadducees in the same group and denounced them both (Matt. 16:6). Again, to call them anything other than spiritually dead and blind is to ignore the plain implications of the text. Yet the baffling part is that later in the book Dr. Morley acknowledges the dangers of easy believism and cautions his readers.
“But there is a caution. Receiving Jesus, having your sins forgiven, and receiving the gift of eternal life is easy, but only if it’s sincere.” (p. 58)
Overall, Man Alive is a worthy contributor to the genre of biblical masculinity. I would encourage the use of this book in a small group dialogue (with a discerning leader) or as a gift to a spiritually indifferent man.
October 18, 2024
I really enjoyed this book and will probably read more of Patrick Morleys books. I like his mission to help men and how his books address that. This one talks about men’s 7 primal needs and bring in the spiritual aspect to those needs
The 7 primal needs are below
1. To feel like I don’t need to do life alone
2. To believe — really believe — that God knows, loves, and cares about me personally
3. To believe that my life has a purpose — that my life is not random
4. To break free from the destructive behaviors that keep dragging me down
5. To satisfy the souls thirst for transcendence, awe, and communion
6. To love and be loved without reservation
7. To make a contribution and leave the world a better place
A passage from this book that I found important. Was:
Unfortunately the last thing most men think about is taking care of their souls. That’s understandable. We live getting things done in the physical world. And then there is the pressure to meet deadlines, pay bills, and keep wives and children happy. The one who would like to eat your soul —the devil — loves it when you’re distracted and under pressure. That’s because he knows what every great defensive coach knows; men under pressure make mistakes.
I’d recommend this to someone to read and hope do use this as a small group or just a way to have a spiritual conversation with someone in the future.
The 7 primal needs are below
1. To feel like I don’t need to do life alone
2. To believe — really believe — that God knows, loves, and cares about me personally
3. To believe that my life has a purpose — that my life is not random
4. To break free from the destructive behaviors that keep dragging me down
5. To satisfy the souls thirst for transcendence, awe, and communion
6. To love and be loved without reservation
7. To make a contribution and leave the world a better place
A passage from this book that I found important. Was:
Unfortunately the last thing most men think about is taking care of their souls. That’s understandable. We live getting things done in the physical world. And then there is the pressure to meet deadlines, pay bills, and keep wives and children happy. The one who would like to eat your soul —the devil — loves it when you’re distracted and under pressure. That’s because he knows what every great defensive coach knows; men under pressure make mistakes.
I’d recommend this to someone to read and hope do use this as a small group or just a way to have a spiritual conversation with someone in the future.
August 12, 2017
"Every man feels a deep need to make a difference, to make his life count, and to leave the world a better place."
Overall, the book has a good list, explanation, and examples of ways on how to live a life the way God wires a man to be.
Love. <3
Overall, the book has a good list, explanation, and examples of ways on how to live a life the way God wires a man to be.
Love. <3
August 22, 2020
wow
There were many times, as I read, I wanted to stop and run purchase some hockey goalie hear for protection but God had other thoughts. He was ready to move forward . . .off the mark I*d been on for some time.
There were many times, as I read, I wanted to stop and run purchase some hockey goalie hear for protection but God had other thoughts. He was ready to move forward . . .off the mark I*d been on for some time.
May 11, 2022
Read this and don’t miss out on a life changing opportunity
The chapters are short and to the point. I read this in one sitting it was that good I could not put it down. Now I have finished it I need to go out and make the changes.
The chapters are short and to the point. I read this in one sitting it was that good I could not put it down. Now I have finished it I need to go out and make the changes.
April 22, 2024
Not a great first half. One quote that stuck with me was that you don’t have to behave differently if you want to get closer to God you simply have to take what you already do and use it for Gods purpose
August 11, 2017
Very easy read with tons of information and godly wisdom to improve yourself and improve others perceptions of you.
September 26, 2017
Good book for small group study.
Modivational more than theological great opening chapter. The men in my group enjoyed getting together to talk about what we read.
Modivational more than theological great opening chapter. The men in my group enjoyed getting together to talk about what we read.
March 14, 2018
A decent call to action for men. Lacking in solid theology and Scripture- most of the references are out of context and used to fit an agenda.
October 14, 2018
Spot on, in many topics. This is going on the reread list.
January 16, 2020
Great for a group reading but as an individual it was more of a thumb through...
March 24, 2020
Must read for All men! instruction manual for men! With a biblical twist. 10/10. Essential read!
May 13, 2020
Great book to start your journey as a disciple of Christ. It will help you find your way to being able to serve as Christ did.
November 27, 2020
Good book, especially if your interested in starting a small group men’s bible study. Not a mind-blowing, change-your life type book but a decent book.
February 2, 2022
This book was great! Super informal, challenging, easy to read and instructive..I’ll have to check out more from this author.
November 30, 2023
An excellent read for Christian young men.
October 18, 2024
It was fine and I think a lot of men will enjoy this book, but I'll admit that it wasn't exactly my style of devotional/Christian men type of reading.
September 10, 2012
Here’s a winning addition to the growing shelves of Christian books for men. There’s no lack of need since men as a general rule are lagging behind in spiritual advancement. Frankly, we need the help.
Mr. Morley talks a language you can understand. It’s where we live–good or bad. He says “…as many as 90 percent of Christian men lead lukewarm, stagnant, often defeated lives. They’re mired in spiritual mediocrity–and they hate it.” True on both counts, wouldn’t you agree?
The book arranges around what he calls the seven primal needs of men. You might think some of them selfish, or addressing brokenness, but they are undeniably the fabric of men’s lives. We don’t want to live life alone despite the male tendency for aloof isolation. Our actions, like being swallowed by a career, pull us away from meeting our real need. See the difference in approach? Not spend time with your family because it’s a good thing, but because it meets your own deepest needs. We so often misunderstand ourselves.
In our complete misunderstanding we run from God and the fellowship of other believers in a local church when that is our very need. We need the “transforming” mentioned in Romans 12:2. He distinguishes between heart transformation and behavior modification. Which do we need? But where do we put our emphasis? No wonder we have such a hard time. Learning that the Father really loves me, individually me, is another. He explains how the tendency for macho behavior among men is at its core just a cover up in this area.
We also must believe our life has purpose. Sadly, most of us do not. He gives practical insight that can help. He progresses to explain our need to break free from destructive behaviors, which likely spring from the aforementioned. Needs 6 and 7 seem, to me, to be found in the earlier mentioned ones, but they are critical enough to be worthy of the extra effort to grasp.The 8th one is a good summary–To make a contribution and make the world a better place. That’s not as selfish as it sounds, and I imagine, is where Christ would be glad (on His terms of course) to help us. There’s psychology here, but the Bible lurks in the wings as well. I recommend the book.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 .
Mr. Morley talks a language you can understand. It’s where we live–good or bad. He says “…as many as 90 percent of Christian men lead lukewarm, stagnant, often defeated lives. They’re mired in spiritual mediocrity–and they hate it.” True on both counts, wouldn’t you agree?
The book arranges around what he calls the seven primal needs of men. You might think some of them selfish, or addressing brokenness, but they are undeniably the fabric of men’s lives. We don’t want to live life alone despite the male tendency for aloof isolation. Our actions, like being swallowed by a career, pull us away from meeting our real need. See the difference in approach? Not spend time with your family because it’s a good thing, but because it meets your own deepest needs. We so often misunderstand ourselves.
In our complete misunderstanding we run from God and the fellowship of other believers in a local church when that is our very need. We need the “transforming” mentioned in Romans 12:2. He distinguishes between heart transformation and behavior modification. Which do we need? But where do we put our emphasis? No wonder we have such a hard time. Learning that the Father really loves me, individually me, is another. He explains how the tendency for macho behavior among men is at its core just a cover up in this area.
We also must believe our life has purpose. Sadly, most of us do not. He gives practical insight that can help. He progresses to explain our need to break free from destructive behaviors, which likely spring from the aforementioned. Needs 6 and 7 seem, to me, to be found in the earlier mentioned ones, but they are critical enough to be worthy of the extra effort to grasp.The 8th one is a good summary–To make a contribution and make the world a better place. That’s not as selfish as it sounds, and I imagine, is where Christ would be glad (on His terms of course) to help us. There’s psychology here, but the Bible lurks in the wings as well. I recommend the book.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 .
August 10, 2023
Man Alive
There is a difference between thriving and surviving. Most men tend to say they they are just going through the motions and trying to get by. This book points out that God has a much greater plan than you just pushing through to get to the weekend.
This book is filled with good, Biblical advice for men. It covers advice about behavior, marriage, children. This is definitely a good read for any man.
Content Warning: none
There is a difference between thriving and surviving. Most men tend to say they they are just going through the motions and trying to get by. This book points out that God has a much greater plan than you just pushing through to get to the weekend.
This book is filled with good, Biblical advice for men. It covers advice about behavior, marriage, children. This is definitely a good read for any man.
Content Warning: none
August 22, 2015
Man Alive
It is funny how God works sometimes as I have taken the time to take in the stories from Patrick and the ways us Men can be alive. The first few chapters were about finding out who we really are, then how we must treat our wives and children. I thought it was interesting and funny that Patrick had to bribe his children to read the Bible and go to church. I know it is much harder getting any young person to attend church, but what caught my eye out of the whole book was the very last chapter where it really reaches everyone and like Francis Schaffer said that everyone is ordained by God to reach their community for Jesus.
As a pastor that works at a theme park I believe that God has brought me there to be a witness to those who may hate or despise God and he could be testing my faith as I have seen so many people from all walks of life attend a theme park. There are days I feel like I am being persecuted for my faith and question why God has not given me a job closer to home since that time some people sense that I am angry, but I try to be happy. As a man who has responsibilities to my family, church, and paying bills. Some months I do no know where the money is coming from. I believe with all my heart God will meet my circumstances and continuing making me the Man of God he wants me to be. I do plan on using this book for teaching, because it has become so relevant in my life as I continue to soak in the information and share it with others to let God work in their own lives. The Wesleyan Church has a new slogan titled "Made New" which goes along the lines of this book.
Being "Made New" we must be changed on the inside and get right with God then take what we have learned from our personal lives to start "Made New" Gatherings wherever we are. After all this is what Paul did on the Damascus road.
It is funny how God works sometimes as I have taken the time to take in the stories from Patrick and the ways us Men can be alive. The first few chapters were about finding out who we really are, then how we must treat our wives and children. I thought it was interesting and funny that Patrick had to bribe his children to read the Bible and go to church. I know it is much harder getting any young person to attend church, but what caught my eye out of the whole book was the very last chapter where it really reaches everyone and like Francis Schaffer said that everyone is ordained by God to reach their community for Jesus.
As a pastor that works at a theme park I believe that God has brought me there to be a witness to those who may hate or despise God and he could be testing my faith as I have seen so many people from all walks of life attend a theme park. There are days I feel like I am being persecuted for my faith and question why God has not given me a job closer to home since that time some people sense that I am angry, but I try to be happy. As a man who has responsibilities to my family, church, and paying bills. Some months I do no know where the money is coming from. I believe with all my heart God will meet my circumstances and continuing making me the Man of God he wants me to be. I do plan on using this book for teaching, because it has become so relevant in my life as I continue to soak in the information and share it with others to let God work in their own lives. The Wesleyan Church has a new slogan titled "Made New" which goes along the lines of this book.
Being "Made New" we must be changed on the inside and get right with God then take what we have learned from our personal lives to start "Made New" Gatherings wherever we are. After all this is what Paul did on the Damascus road.
September 6, 2012
My introduction to the writing of Patrick Morley was when I picked up a copy of his book Man In the Mirror. His passion for men's ministry poured from every word of the book. Man Alive resounds in the same easy-to-read style and the author's passion for men flows freely throughout. Each chapter is followed by questions that will make you think.
I look intently at the primal needs this book addresses because each one of them applies directly to me. Often I feel as if I am living life alone. I do believe God cares about me personally and loves me. I am sometimes concerned that life is random and purpose is evasive. I do feel bound and desire to break free from destructive behavior. I do thirst to go beyond my limitations, to be amazed, to enjoy intimate communion with God. I want to love and be loved. I want to make a mark on this world.
I like the manner in which each need is discussed and the how-to is answered with Scripture. I like how the author continually points the reader to the Word. Reading the words of Man Alive will do nothing to help if the words aren't put into action, just as we are to be doers of the Word, not hearers only (James 1:22).
I must conclude with a quote from the end of the book:
"So here's your challenge. Instead of ignoring your primal needs, or letting them drag you into a wasted life, claim them as God's gifts to you."
I love it! Patrick Morley does not disappoint in his promise "I'll show you how." This is a great book for any man searching for answers to many of the questions he must deal with.
I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.
You can follow all of my reviews and more at:
http://lpweaver.blogspot.com
I look intently at the primal needs this book addresses because each one of them applies directly to me. Often I feel as if I am living life alone. I do believe God cares about me personally and loves me. I am sometimes concerned that life is random and purpose is evasive. I do feel bound and desire to break free from destructive behavior. I do thirst to go beyond my limitations, to be amazed, to enjoy intimate communion with God. I want to love and be loved. I want to make a mark on this world.
I like the manner in which each need is discussed and the how-to is answered with Scripture. I like how the author continually points the reader to the Word. Reading the words of Man Alive will do nothing to help if the words aren't put into action, just as we are to be doers of the Word, not hearers only (James 1:22).
I must conclude with a quote from the end of the book:
"So here's your challenge. Instead of ignoring your primal needs, or letting them drag you into a wasted life, claim them as God's gifts to you."
I love it! Patrick Morley does not disappoint in his promise "I'll show you how." This is a great book for any man searching for answers to many of the questions he must deal with.
I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.
You can follow all of my reviews and more at:
http://lpweaver.blogspot.com
April 10, 2012
"Man Alive". by Patrick Morley, is one book that every man should read. Why you may ask?, well every man whether he wants to admit it or not has the 7 primal needs that are addressed in this eye opening book. Like most men including the author of this work, may not have realized just how important the various things that we do as men are dependent upon how we feel or need to feel. "Man Alive will transform you with each and every chapter.
What I especially liked about this book is the everyday way in which the author explained each need and also gave examples through life experiences, not only his own, but from the eyes and mouths of others he has come in contact. "Man Alive is also set up as a study, so that small groups of men can form and go through this guide together. Thus eliminating the feeling of abandonment that so often occurs when man thinks that he must go through his trials and tribulations alone. Men, I must say that I now know that I am not alone. Thank You Jesus for giving Patrick Morley the ideas and knowledge to write "Man Alive".
Before reading this book, I didn't think that I needed to work on my 7 primal needs. Heck, I didn't even know I had these primal needs. What "Man Alive" has done for me, is to open my eyes to what can be accomplished, through Jesus. For this, I thank Patrick Morley for putting the opportunity out there for we men. I'd also like to thank Blogging for Books and Multnomah Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book. It's sure to make a difference in the men who read and following the guidance provided in its pages.
What I especially liked about this book is the everyday way in which the author explained each need and also gave examples through life experiences, not only his own, but from the eyes and mouths of others he has come in contact. "Man Alive is also set up as a study, so that small groups of men can form and go through this guide together. Thus eliminating the feeling of abandonment that so often occurs when man thinks that he must go through his trials and tribulations alone. Men, I must say that I now know that I am not alone. Thank You Jesus for giving Patrick Morley the ideas and knowledge to write "Man Alive".
Before reading this book, I didn't think that I needed to work on my 7 primal needs. Heck, I didn't even know I had these primal needs. What "Man Alive" has done for me, is to open my eyes to what can be accomplished, through Jesus. For this, I thank Patrick Morley for putting the opportunity out there for we men. I'd also like to thank Blogging for Books and Multnomah Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book. It's sure to make a difference in the men who read and following the guidance provided in its pages.
September 13, 2012
Man Alive opens with the story of Welles Crowther. The "man in the red bandana," Crowther was on the scene of the 9/11 attacks and selflessly accounted for numerous lives saved as he escorted others out of the South Tower of the WTC at the expense of his own life. His actions displayed the type of courage we all claim to have and hope we never have to display. Further, in his death, he spent his final hours on earth fully alive.
Patrick Morley is no stranger to books designed to encourage men to be more manly. He's the author or the Man in the Mirror series, which seems to expand every year and he leads a men's Bible study group of the same (or at least similar) name. Man Alive, the latest in his catalog, focuses on the seven "primal" needs of men. In a nutshell, they are companionship, acceptance, purpose, forgiveness, living water, accountability, and impact. Morley describes them differently, but I think this list accurately reflects what he's getting at.
The book itself is chock full of personal stories of first-name-only men whose personal struggles exemplify each need and Morley's guidance and encouragement. It is a surprisingly unrepetitive book, in that there are iterations and re-iterations, but not to the obnoxious extent that many books of this ilk tend to take it. Included amidst the pages are worksheets, gut-check quizzes, and discussion questions in case you share this book (as recommended) with a small group. I enjoyed the book, it was a mildly quick read at about 200 pages, and it offers some good insight along with practical examples.
-from TRudATmusic[dot]com[slash]raw
Patrick Morley is no stranger to books designed to encourage men to be more manly. He's the author or the Man in the Mirror series, which seems to expand every year and he leads a men's Bible study group of the same (or at least similar) name. Man Alive, the latest in his catalog, focuses on the seven "primal" needs of men. In a nutshell, they are companionship, acceptance, purpose, forgiveness, living water, accountability, and impact. Morley describes them differently, but I think this list accurately reflects what he's getting at.
The book itself is chock full of personal stories of first-name-only men whose personal struggles exemplify each need and Morley's guidance and encouragement. It is a surprisingly unrepetitive book, in that there are iterations and re-iterations, but not to the obnoxious extent that many books of this ilk tend to take it. Included amidst the pages are worksheets, gut-check quizzes, and discussion questions in case you share this book (as recommended) with a small group. I enjoyed the book, it was a mildly quick read at about 200 pages, and it offers some good insight along with practical examples.
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October 9, 2014
This was a good read for me as a husband and father, as well as a friend and co-worker. Morley challenges men to consider their basic needs and how these needs are being or are not being met in our lives. What is it that really makes us come alive? What is it that leads us to experience life the way God intends us to experience it? Are we being the men we are created to be - as husbands, fathers, friends, etc?
I appreciated the importance Morley placed on living life with other men. I appreciate the challenge to really go deep with others, and that necessity of being real and opening up with other men. We need accountability in our lives. We need other men to help us. I also appreciated the importance placed on the family, and what it means to be a husband and father. This role is so much more than being the provider, though that is part of it. This is about loving and being loved. I was challenged to consider how well I am loving my family, and how I can love them better.
This was a good devotional read for me.
I appreciated the importance Morley placed on living life with other men. I appreciate the challenge to really go deep with others, and that necessity of being real and opening up with other men. We need accountability in our lives. We need other men to help us. I also appreciated the importance placed on the family, and what it means to be a husband and father. This role is so much more than being the provider, though that is part of it. This is about loving and being loved. I was challenged to consider how well I am loving my family, and how I can love them better.
This was a good devotional read for me.
June 13, 2024
If you are looking for something deeper in theology or more Scriptural based, this is not for you (which is kind of ironic as much time as he spends talking about his Bible study). Nevertheless, it could absolutely be used to help men in their lives, families, etc., which can make worth the read for someone in need.
July 18, 2013
Haven't read much else by Morley, and I don't think I'd call his insights into the masculine character and journey "new," but this was a good, accessible read that I think a lot of guys will benefit from.
May 21, 2015
Thought provoking approach exploring the "primal" needs of the masculine gender of humanity. Offering spiritual answers to life-meaning questions all men have...whether they are open enough to ask them or not. A good read.
November 8, 2013
I read this as a part of a men's group at our church. There was a great video series that accompanied the book. It included sound, biblically-based reasoning and great stories that will not fail to inspire.
January 18, 2012
Great book. Upbeat, positive and well-written. Great for any Christian. Thank you for sharing.
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