A Fresh Biblical Vision of Masculinity Grounded in the Fruit of the Spirit
For Christian men searching for purpose, the crisis of masculinity is real. But the solution isn't toxic bravado, gender erasure, or culture-war confusion. It's virtue.
In Men of Virtue, Zachary Wagner offers a distinctly Christian vision of masculinity inspired by the fruit of the Spirit that Paul commends to all believers. He shows us
● how the fruit of the Spirit guides character development; ● a nonpartisan, biblically grounded vision of masculinity; and ● what it looks like for men to live out scriptural virtues in distinct, embodied ways.
Moving through love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, Wagner shows how these virtues uniquely shape men's strength, relationships, sexuality, ambition, and emotions.
Written for Christian men (and the women who love them), this fresh biblical vision calls men to a new kind of character and purpose--one grounded in Christlike discipleship rather than false cultural binaries. Men of Virtue is also a great resource for men's discipleship groups and campus ministry contexts.
Terrific book with practical application of how the Holy Spirit can work in our lives. I am recommending this to men of all ages, but especially for those in teens and 20s.
I’ve had to read a bunch of books on “biblical” manhood over the years and this is the first book on Christian masculinity that was actually good. It will be a go-to resource for me in mentoring and shepherding young men. If you’re discouraged, disturbed, or disgusted by the loudest voices and most popular books on “biblical” manhood, I recommend giving this book a read. If you are in the “biblical” manhood world, give this book a chance. It offers a much needed perspective.
I was pleasantly surprised at how much I loved this book. I enjoyed Zach's first book, but was hoping for more of a general look at the concept of "masculinity," which this one provides in spades. He strikes a difficult balance of looking at the whole subject through the broader lens of human virtue, but with a sensitivity to the specifics of masculine embodiment. Highly recommended!
Between his first book, Non-Toxic Masculinity, and Men of Virtue, Zachary Wagner is trying to cast a better vision of masculinity between the two “ditches” of false narratives. On the one side, one vision of masculinity says that urges to greed, lust, and violence are “natural” for men. On the other side, “The assumption, whether stated or unstated, is that if men acted a little bit more like women, we’d all be better off.”
In a nutshell, Wagner argues that true biblical masculinity is what Christlike virtue looks like when lived out by male-embodied people. Because of this focus on virtue, he structures the bulk of the book according to the Fruit of the Spirit, with two or three short chapters on each virtue. I appreciate Wagner’s project but think this book could have been stronger. Following the introductory chapters, the chapters on each virtue felt like a smattering of topics.
Wagner gives us the gift of some powerful lines. “Jesus didn’t come to turn beta males into alphas; he came to make dead men alive.” And, “This anxious (fearful?) preoccupation with ‘manliness’ and ‘feminineness’ is not reflected in the New Testament.”
Since we all are called to be formed in Christlikeness, Wagner wrestles with the differences between men and women. The goal of Christlikeness is the same for everyone; being embodied as male is one of the specific ways that plays out. Occasionally, the examples he gave seemed more like pictures of mature adulthood than men versus women. For example, “Being a man means going out into the world—facing the imaginary lions, as it were—and getting things done in order to fulfill these obligations.” I would respond, women also have to “adult” in the world.
Yet, Wagner helpfully reminds us, “We should not essentialize maleness as being all about strength (not all men are equally strong, and women also demonstrate strength), but we should account for these patterns of difference in our vision of human virtue.” In another place, he reiterates, “Men and women…have far more in common as humans than what separates them.”
While some talk of “biblical masculinity” tries to discern what is “natural” to men because of biology or “gender patterns” in Genesis 1–3, Wagner sidesteps the conversation on what is “natural.” “The very fact that some men may find kindness to be a difficult virtue to cultivate means they must work that much harder to cultivate it,” he says.
At one point, he mentions that men statistically commit more violent acts than women; therefore, it is more important that we learn peace and patience. Later in the book, he acknowledges a different study that shows women “act out physically against their partners at similar rates to men” but, because of their statistically smaller size, are less likely to cause injury. He says that because men have more ability to harm, patience is so essential for men. We are all called to the same Christlikeness, but that requires different things based on our embodiment and social history.
I am glad that Wagner’s message is not, “You need to prove your manliness,” but, “You were created man enough.” He contrast “man up” messages with his “call to grow up into a more mature and virtuous expression of male character.” At the conclusion of the book, he exhorts: “Reject the voices that tell you your value as a man is determined by the ‘role’ you fulfill. No one can give or take away your status as a man when you have been adopted as a son of God's kingdom.”
He also critiques Wild at Heart for making “the warrior nature of God part of the call for men today.” First, both men and women are image bearers: “If men are more warlike, does that make them more god-like?” Second, we are actually not God: “The Scriptures repeatedly tell us that vengeance belongs to the Lord.”
Throughout the book, he speaks against reading into Scripture that “leadership” is essential to masculinity. “My main concern arises when we make leadership the essence of so-called ‘biblical manhood’ despite phrases like ‘male leadership,’ ‘lead your wife,’ and ‘spiritual leader’ appearing literally nowhere in the Bible.” He mentioned this a few times, so I wish he had spent more time explaining an alternative framework for how men and women have different vocations.
Wagner made some interesting observations on virtue. For one thing, virtues should not be a checklist: “The fruit of the Spirit is not plural but singular.” He also says that in order to be virtuous, we need to do virtue. He also explored how virtuous behavior flows from a transformed heart, not mere behavior modification. “[I]f you wanted to summarize the entire New Testament's teaching to husbands and fathers in two words, a pretty good phrase would simply be this: ‘Be gentle.’”
My biggest critique on the virtue section is that I wanted to see more how virtue is a portrait of Jesus. Thankfully, he did finally mention this in the conclusion. I recognize that Wagner wanted to steer clear of the perspective that says “Jesus was manly” and leaves little room for women to follow Jesus. However, these virtues that Paul shared in Galatians 5 point to Christlikeness that the Holy Spirit grows in us as we are “conformed to the image of Christ” (Romans 8:29).
I found his pushback on Stoicism particularly worth reading. While there is some overlap between Stoicism and Christian virtue in the focus on self-control and not being anxious about things outside your circle of influence, “[R]ationalist philosophical traditions like Stoicism are insufficient for transforming the heart.” This is primarily seen in a gnostic disregard for physical bodies. “For Stoics, the goal is to rule or even to suppress the passions. But for Christians, the hope is to be made into a ‘new human’ with new desires…” Amen—may our desires be shaped by the Holy Spirit (see Ezekiel 36:26).
**received early access via NetGalley from the publisher**
Positively- it’s nuanced. Negatively- it’s so nuanced when I finished reading it I’m not sure I had any clue what a godly man is or that I could give a real definition of it.
I wouldn’t read this as a stand alone to understanding manhood, but helpful to think through Christian virtue in relation to it.
I very much appreciated this book. In a book like this, such a topic could easily be co-opted for one side of the current cultural war that seems to be ragging in American christian culture. In my estimation, the author avoids such pitfalls, offering fair and balanced treatment of even the most tangential of conversation partners (even though his language doesn’t get stronger when dealing with online theology bros…it is, in my estimation, fair and prophetic!). It is clear that the goal of the book is to see Christ as the goal of what a virtuous person looks like as demonstrated by the fruit of the Spirit as listed in Galatians 5. I use the term persons initially because much of what is treated in this book can be applied to both men and women as it regards a mature and sanctified life. That being said there are important specific applications to men. This book provides good reminders that while there is much that men and women share in common, where there are differences we should not shy away from understanding those differences but nevertheless all embodied life should be taken up into the mystery of Christ. The author does a great job of offering good exegesis of key biblical terms and passages, particularly uncovering the Greek terms of the fruit of the Spirit. Nevertheless, the scholarly background of the author is put to a very practical and accessible tone that can be read at a level that does not require a theology degree.
While I am such that each side of the cultural war debate could find ways that the author doesn’t go far enough or goes too far in this or that direction, being branded too conservative or too liberal, I believe that is due to the fact that the author’s center of orbit not being any side of the culture but of Christ himself and the scriptures. If you are interested in the perspective of an author humbly but clearly aiming for this goal then you will be edified much. If you find yourself more clearly on one side of the current culture war, but are willing to humbly listen a perspective that is looking to Jesus for its true north you also will still find much here.
Powerful. Controversial. Desperately Needed. This is one of those books where "Preacher" is stepping on *everyone's* toes (while aiming for their hearts, as the old joke goes). Left. Right. Woke. Based. Southern Baptist. Cooperative Baptist. Andrew Tate. Elliot (fka Ellen) Page. Don't matter. Wagner openly proclaims you're all wrong, and here's why. Yet even while doing this in a fairly direct, uncompromising manner... he also has (and shows within the text here) quite a bit of heart and compassion for everyone, no matter where they happen to currently find themselves in this particular discussion.
As one example that particularly stood out, at one point Wagner proclaims (apparently quoting someone else?) "A Christian is someone who is always more willing to die than to kill.", when speaking to Jesus' pacifism.
But this is truly the heart of the book, from the introduction:
"This book is not a call for us to take back the culture from the 'feminists' or the 'bigots' or whoever your preferred scapegoat may be."
Instead, Wagner uses the famous Pauline "Fruits of the Spirit" - Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control - to walk us through a fairly balanced view of what male virtue *should* be according to the Bible itself.
One area that I always look at in Christian nonfiction is the use of prooftexting - citing Bible verses out of context in support or opposition of some point or another - and here, while Wagner decries the practice in the introduction... he actually uses it fairly often throughout the text. Not as horribly as some other authors, and indeed in focusing so much on expounding the famous verse from Galatians he actually provides quite a bit of the overall context of *most* of what he discusses... there's enough "throw away" proof texting here that it almost constitutes slamming his pinkie toe onto the corner of the bed and snapping it (as I did while reading this book!). Painful in the moment and an unforced error... but ultimately not actually harmful. Yet it still cost him a star on my rating, because I try to be consistent about removing that star *any* time I see the practice used as my one "weapon" in my personal war against all vestiges of the practice.
If you're interested in Christian ethics and virtue at all, you're going to need to read this book. Wagner truly does an excellent job of looking at the topic from a remarkably balanced view while actively ignoring many more hot button culture war issues - and actively telling you he is going to and his reasons for doing so.
If you're not interested in Christian ethics or virtue - or perhaps even question whether that last phrase is an actual oxymoron - this book isn't going to be for you. Which the cover and description should have told you, but I'm telling you here now as well. Just leave it alone if you are so adamantly anti-Christian or anti-organized religion generally or what have you. You're only going to make yourself upset as you read it and if you review this book you're more than likely going to make yourself look like a jackass. So *please*, just leave it alone. This book isn't for you, and that is perfectly ok. It has an audience, that audience simply doesn't include you.
Overall though, this book really is a solid examination of its premise, written in a very approachable style and using a cohesive narrative structure quite well indeed.
Recently I’d become interested in a particular way really for the first time since childhood in the Fruits of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control), and how these are good for the soul and others, what should be pouring out of any Christian’s life, what I should be concerned about cultivating in my own, etc. I did a Google search for books on the topic, found this one published this year, and was really delighted with it for the most part. This is NOT a book that tries to say the Fruit of the Spirit are the unique domain of “biblical masculinity”; rather, this author (who I think must live in a neighboring suburb to me, if I am discerning my context clues correctly?) says the cultivation of these virtues is the calling of any person wanting to walk in faith, and is simply speaking here on the topic in the context of one’s embodied experience as a man—which is a worthwhile thing, honestly, in a world that does not value such “soft” virtues like gentleness, kindness, love, or joy in anyone and particularly not its men—even if it might pay lip service to doing so (in point of fact, I can’t tell you how many modern and “enlightened” men I know who talk positively about equality, inclusion, and a certain kind of gentleness, and maybe even succeed in demonstrating these goals in certain spheres, yet who exhibit a certain kind of impatience, lack of genuine meekness, and even ruthlessness in much their lives anyway). This book was almost entirely affirming of a quiet, faithful, love- and other-oriented way of living, which I appreciated, and as we raise a son of our own it reminded me of the very traits I hope I can help him cultivate, as a blessing to others, when he (like other men, like other people in general) will face so many external pressures in life to be hard in heart in one way or another.
My wife raised an eyebrow when she saw I was reading a book about "biblical masculinity," as we've both become very skeptical of modern Christianity's approach to gender. But so is Wagner, and this book is a refreshing corrective to so much "manly man masculinity" that evangelicalism posits as biblical. Using the fruit of the spirit as a guide, he talks about how God's goal is to make us fully human, and that being a godly man is about becoming someone who embodies these virtues -- who is full of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness and self-control. It's a balanced book -- I admit that I didn't know what to make of the few references Wagner pulls from people like Charlie Kirk and J.D. Vance (men whom I do not view as aspirational figures), but I also think the people who read those guys are the people who need this book the most.
I really appreciated Zachary Wagner's approach to discussing the relationship between Christianity and masculinity. Wagner's argument centers around the Fruit of the Spirit; the life of faith for *all* Christians begins with the Fruits of the Spirit, then can tap into the distinctiveness of each person. The chapters are insightful, yet quite accessible. Zach draws upon current cultural phenomena to offer the implications of Christian virtue on a man's life. He also offers clarity on what is cultural versus what is virtuous. Ultimately, I'd recommend this book to anyone seeking a nuanced exploration of how to understand the experience of masculinity in a Christian way.
There are few more crucial topics than living a life of virtue - especially for men. Wagner resets the conversation about biblical masculinity by going back to what it means to be a Christian, first, and a Christian man, second. Through the book, he challenges readers’ assumptions about masculinity and how specific the Bible really is with its gendered instructions. Overall, it’s thoughtful, engaging, biblical, and in places controversial. It’s a welcome book to the biblical masculinity conversation and an enjoyable read!
I know this book was for men, but as a woman, I found this book to be a refreshing exposé of masculinity amid a time that finds the overall messaging to Christian men to be more about asserting specific roles and less about the fruit of the spirit. Zachary Wagner presents a balanced perspective. He points to real issues that men face in our culture today, and provides the solution: Christlikeness. This will encourage anyone who would like to be challenged in their thinking, emotions, personal responsibilities, and their God-given identity. I pray this book finds its way into many hearts.
Really enjoyed this book. A refreshing look at masculinity that is full of honesty realism and commitment to Jesus as the vision. Cultivating virtues are something I hope is taught way more in our Christian circles.
Only complaint was the amount of “authors translation” designations in the book was sometimes unnecessary. Felt like nearly ever verse was altered from a well known translation by one word and it wasn’t always valuable to the argument and just lost a little credibility for me unnecessarily.
Really good, practical, and mostly non-controversial writing from Wagner. I enjoyed how he attempted to call out both sides of the spectrum. I didn’t necessarily always agree with his takeaways or preconceived notions, but I enjoyed reading & listening to his thoughts on masculine virtue. The world would be a better place if more men focused on the biblical advice from Wagner as opposed to the Tates & Trumps of the world.
“The most important parts of being a good man are not about the differences between men and women. Rather, being a good and godly man is first and foremost about being a good and godly human. That goodness is refracted in a unique way through our identity and the body God has given us” (pg. 53).
It's hard to argue with the premise Wagner sets forth. And if you did, you would be arguing with the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians. You may not agree with some of the applications/implications that Wagner draws out, but overall this is a solid and challenging book. It's a great biblical foil to the hyper-masculinity that even views meekness as something not to work towards.
This is a book I want to share with all of my friends. Zachary Wagner's research on and heart for Jesus-like character in men-- this is exactly what the church, our youth, and the rest of us need. I really appreciated his perspective on the problem and his solution. We need more men of virtue, and seeking Christ-like formation is exactly how we will get it!
No rating - it's a lesson in why I should NEVER check out audiobooks from the library. I don't enjoy listening to a book - I can digest it much quicker by reading a physical copy.
A must read for men, boys, and those who love them. Wagner does an amazing job defining terms and laying out a clear and holistic understanding of true Gospel-centered masculinity. And he does it without once degrading women or men in the process. I am recommending it to everyone and I can’t wait for my son to read it!