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Behold the Man: A Catholic Vision of Male Spirituality
Lucid and inspiring, Behold the Man is a unique exploration of Catholic spirituality for men. Much of the literature written for Catholic men focuses on topical issues such as fatherhood and sexuality. While this book does not exclude these subjects, it is the first to present a comprehensive picture of Catholic male spirituality.
What is authentic male Catholic spirituality? What distinguishes it from Protestant male spirituality? How does masculine spirituality complement feminine spirituality? These questions and many more are answered in this book.
Drawing from Scripture and Church teaching, the author roots Catholic male spirituality in a covenant relationship with God and the cross of Jesus Christ. He demonstrates that when a man embraces the cross he is truly able to be himself—the man that God created and calls him to be. Behold the Man can deepen a man’s experience of Christ and help him to know the Lord more intimately.
What is authentic male Catholic spirituality? What distinguishes it from Protestant male spirituality? How does masculine spirituality complement feminine spirituality? These questions and many more are answered in this book.
Drawing from Scripture and Church teaching, the author roots Catholic male spirituality in a covenant relationship with God and the cross of Jesus Christ. He demonstrates that when a man embraces the cross he is truly able to be himself—the man that God created and calls him to be. Behold the Man can deepen a man’s experience of Christ and help him to know the Lord more intimately.
279 pages, Paperback
First published September 3, 2015
60 people are currently reading
149 people want to read
About the author
Harold Burke-Sivers
11 books19 followersDeacon Harold Burke-Sivers is a powerful and passionate evangelist and preacher whose hands-on approach to living the Catholic faith will challenge
and inspire you! He is the Founder and Director of Servant Enterprises, Inc., a
Christian evangelization and apologetics organization dedicated to the
dissemination and promotion of Catholic values, principles, and teaching in
complete faithfulness and total submission to Holy Scripture, Sacred Tradition, and
the Magisterium. The goal of his apostolate is to bring as many people as possible
to a deeper love of Christ and the Gospel by sharing the truth of the Catholic faith
in love.
As one of the most sought-after speakers in the Church today, Deacon Harold is
active in giving lectures, retreats, and seminars in parishes, workshops, and at
numerous conferences across the nation and around the world. He has appeared
in Envoy and The Domestic Church magazines, and on many national and
international radio programs, including Catholic Answers Live, Catholic
Connection, Kresta in the Afternoon, the Drew Mariani Show, Searching the Word
and Catholic Bookmarks. He is a regular contributor to the Relevant Radio
Network and has been featured on the Eternal Word Television Network's Life on
the Rock, EWTN Live, EWTN Bookmark, and hosts the EWTN series, "Behold the
Man: Spirituality for Men”, “Made in His Image: Family Life Today” and “Christ the
Servant: The Vocation of Deacons.”
Deacon Burke-Sivers holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Business
Administration from the University of Notre Dame, and a Master’s degree in
Theological Studies from the University of Dallas. Deacon Harold is a Benedictine
Oblate of Mt. Angel Abbey, an associate member of the Fellowship of Catholic
Scholars, a member of the Confraternity of Catholic Clergy, and a consultation
team member for the National Conference of Catholic Bishops National Directory
for Catechesis.
Deacon Harold is featured on The Greatest Commandments: A 40-Week Spiritual
Journey for Married Couples, a vibrant marriage enrichment program rooted in
Biblical values designed to help husbands and wives know God better, trust Him
fully, and love Him completely throughout the journey of married life.
He is also the President of Servant Enterprises, a non-profit organization that
hosts an international institute for Catholic male spirituality, coordinates dynamic
speaking tours and life-changing retreats, and develops products and services
that support family life.
Most importantly, Deacon Harold is married to his wife Colleen and they have four
beautiful children.
and inspire you! He is the Founder and Director of Servant Enterprises, Inc., a
Christian evangelization and apologetics organization dedicated to the
dissemination and promotion of Catholic values, principles, and teaching in
complete faithfulness and total submission to Holy Scripture, Sacred Tradition, and
the Magisterium. The goal of his apostolate is to bring as many people as possible
to a deeper love of Christ and the Gospel by sharing the truth of the Catholic faith
in love.
As one of the most sought-after speakers in the Church today, Deacon Harold is
active in giving lectures, retreats, and seminars in parishes, workshops, and at
numerous conferences across the nation and around the world. He has appeared
in Envoy and The Domestic Church magazines, and on many national and
international radio programs, including Catholic Answers Live, Catholic
Connection, Kresta in the Afternoon, the Drew Mariani Show, Searching the Word
and Catholic Bookmarks. He is a regular contributor to the Relevant Radio
Network and has been featured on the Eternal Word Television Network's Life on
the Rock, EWTN Live, EWTN Bookmark, and hosts the EWTN series, "Behold the
Man: Spirituality for Men”, “Made in His Image: Family Life Today” and “Christ the
Servant: The Vocation of Deacons.”
Deacon Burke-Sivers holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Business
Administration from the University of Notre Dame, and a Master’s degree in
Theological Studies from the University of Dallas. Deacon Harold is a Benedictine
Oblate of Mt. Angel Abbey, an associate member of the Fellowship of Catholic
Scholars, a member of the Confraternity of Catholic Clergy, and a consultation
team member for the National Conference of Catholic Bishops National Directory
for Catechesis.
Deacon Harold is featured on The Greatest Commandments: A 40-Week Spiritual
Journey for Married Couples, a vibrant marriage enrichment program rooted in
Biblical values designed to help husbands and wives know God better, trust Him
fully, and love Him completely throughout the journey of married life.
He is also the President of Servant Enterprises, a non-profit organization that
hosts an international institute for Catholic male spirituality, coordinates dynamic
speaking tours and life-changing retreats, and develops products and services
that support family life.
Most importantly, Deacon Harold is married to his wife Colleen and they have four
beautiful children.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
December 5, 2016
At the beginning of last year I made a list of 32 Catholic books I had purchased over the last few years and made a commitment to try and read and review them all over the year. It started as A Year of Reading Intention. This book was on the original list but over the year my goal expanded, currently there are 93 books on the list and of those 93, and I have read 73 of them and this will be the 67th Catholic book to be reviewed that was read this year.
I was first attracted to this book by its cover. I know we are not supposed to judge a book by its cover but the close up of the rosary and hands clasped in prayer. I do not know who had recommended it; I can think of a number of Christian men I know who might have posted about this book. But as some point I had picked it up. So when I was going through my eReading apps to make a list of books I had but had yet to read, this title was only a few months old. It is one of a few books dealing with manhood from a Catholic perspective I have read this year. Including Be A Man by Fr. Larry Richards and Catholics Wake Up by Jesse Romero. Each of these books offers something different to the dialogue.
The Chapters in this book are:
Foreword by Archbishop Alexander K. Sample
Introduction
Chapter One: Biblical Manhood
Chapter Two: Covenant Relationship
Chapter Three: Sin and Forgiveness
Chapter Four: Truth and Freedom
Chapter Five: Theology of the Body
Chapter Six: Fatherhood
Chapter Seven: Work
Chapter Eight: The Armor of God
Epilogue
Suggestions for Further Reading
Bibliography
This book draws extensively from church history. To the point that there are 12 primary sources that Deacon Harold draws from to the extend he uses abbreviations for them. Those twelve are composed of the Catechism, 3 Documents from Vatican II, 7 writings of Saint John Paul II, and one Encyclical from Pope Benedict. And he has almost 120 secondary sources that are quoted in this book. To say that this book is pretty packed full would be an understatement. If it was a meal it would be meat and potatoes, and with a second helping of meat.
Now some might be concerned that with so many sources this book would read like an academic dissertation, but those fears would be completely unfounded. This book from a reading level was a very easy read, and extremely engaging. From a spiritual or personal level not so much. It is one thing to read about being a better man, it is something altogether different to actually apply that knowledge; to learn to live it out day by day. That might be why Deacon Harold provides so many resources at the end of the book for the readers to take this teaching further. In some ways this book makes me think about the 1975 version of the movie Rollerball, James Caan's character - Jonathan E is growing in knowledge, but the more knowledge he attains the harder his life becomes, the more difficult his choices. But like Jonathan once we read this book we will not be able to not remember it. We will carry that knowledge forward.
The write up about this book states "What is authentic male Catholic spirituality? What distinguishes it from Protestant male spirituality? How does masculine spirituality complement feminine spirituality? These questions and many more are answered in this book." And it truly does a wonderful job of that.
Not only was this a great read in and of itself. But it is an amazing jumping off pint. Having 128 primary and secondary sources that can lead to further reading it also has a whole sections dedicated suggestions for going deeper. And that list has 42 books, dvd's, websites and ministries.
This book was an excellent read. It was so good I have already picked up another of Deacon Harold's books and added it to next year's reading list. If you want to grow in all areas of manhood as a Catholic, as a Christian than this book is for you, but be prepared to be challenged!
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More.
(Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: A Year of Reading Intention - Catholic Reading!)
I was first attracted to this book by its cover. I know we are not supposed to judge a book by its cover but the close up of the rosary and hands clasped in prayer. I do not know who had recommended it; I can think of a number of Christian men I know who might have posted about this book. But as some point I had picked it up. So when I was going through my eReading apps to make a list of books I had but had yet to read, this title was only a few months old. It is one of a few books dealing with manhood from a Catholic perspective I have read this year. Including Be A Man by Fr. Larry Richards and Catholics Wake Up by Jesse Romero. Each of these books offers something different to the dialogue.
The Chapters in this book are:
Foreword by Archbishop Alexander K. Sample
Introduction
Chapter One: Biblical Manhood
Chapter Two: Covenant Relationship
Chapter Three: Sin and Forgiveness
Chapter Four: Truth and Freedom
Chapter Five: Theology of the Body
Chapter Six: Fatherhood
Chapter Seven: Work
Chapter Eight: The Armor of God
Epilogue
Suggestions for Further Reading
Bibliography
This book draws extensively from church history. To the point that there are 12 primary sources that Deacon Harold draws from to the extend he uses abbreviations for them. Those twelve are composed of the Catechism, 3 Documents from Vatican II, 7 writings of Saint John Paul II, and one Encyclical from Pope Benedict. And he has almost 120 secondary sources that are quoted in this book. To say that this book is pretty packed full would be an understatement. If it was a meal it would be meat and potatoes, and with a second helping of meat.
Now some might be concerned that with so many sources this book would read like an academic dissertation, but those fears would be completely unfounded. This book from a reading level was a very easy read, and extremely engaging. From a spiritual or personal level not so much. It is one thing to read about being a better man, it is something altogether different to actually apply that knowledge; to learn to live it out day by day. That might be why Deacon Harold provides so many resources at the end of the book for the readers to take this teaching further. In some ways this book makes me think about the 1975 version of the movie Rollerball, James Caan's character - Jonathan E is growing in knowledge, but the more knowledge he attains the harder his life becomes, the more difficult his choices. But like Jonathan once we read this book we will not be able to not remember it. We will carry that knowledge forward.
The write up about this book states "What is authentic male Catholic spirituality? What distinguishes it from Protestant male spirituality? How does masculine spirituality complement feminine spirituality? These questions and many more are answered in this book." And it truly does a wonderful job of that.
Not only was this a great read in and of itself. But it is an amazing jumping off pint. Having 128 primary and secondary sources that can lead to further reading it also has a whole sections dedicated suggestions for going deeper. And that list has 42 books, dvd's, websites and ministries.
This book was an excellent read. It was so good I have already picked up another of Deacon Harold's books and added it to next year's reading list. If you want to grow in all areas of manhood as a Catholic, as a Christian than this book is for you, but be prepared to be challenged!
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More.
(Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: A Year of Reading Intention - Catholic Reading!)
December 14, 2015
When I was a Protestant, I remember there being books geared towards men. They focused on being a husband, being a father, and just being a better man. Though I was just in my late teens at the time, I remember reading those, because I wanted to be the best man I could be both now and in the future. Since, I became Catholic I have noticed that there is a lack of "male spirituality" books, but that trend seems to be changing, slowly but surely. In 2009, we had Fr. Larry Richards' book Be a Man! After that came the series of books Joseph's Way. Now, we have Behold the Man, from well known Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers.
Deacon Harold begins his Introduction by telling us how rare the Catholic man is, and says it is Catholic men themselves who are responsible for their own destruction and extinction. He then provides an example from a raunchy television show, Two and a Half Men, to show just how far we have sunk. After this painful example, we are presented with statistics that show how much men shape their children's religious lives. He cites a study that shows us the importance of Catholic men going to Mass regularly. If we don't go regularly, it says that only 2-3% of children will attend regularly. That's pretty devastating. The book is then divided into eight chapters, which cover topics like Biblical Manhood, Covenant Relationships, Theology of the Body, and Fatherhood.
Before diving into examples of Biblical Manhood, Deacon Harold reminds us that we need to understand Biblical context before dissecting a passage. In this chapter there is heavy focus on God the Father and the first family of Adam and Eve. He then dives into the meaning of covenants, how God's love is central in covenants, and how important marriage is. He tells us that it is so important that God Himself, Jesus, chose to be born into a covenant marriage. In the chapter on fatherhood, he begins by emphasizing the importance of the Mass and Eucharist, and how so many Catholic men view this Sunday obligation as a burden. He also tells us that as Catholic men, we must focus on Christ crucified and model our life after His life so that we can grow in love for God and our fellow man. The most interesting section on fatherhood compared our roles as fathers to Christ the King, Prophet, and Priest. As fathers, we must exhibit love-centered headship, servant-based leadership, and life-giving authority.
Deacon Harold always speaks with passion and conviction, so it was refreshing to see that style reflected in his book Behold the Man. He was able to mix practical with scholarly and deliver a book that was a clear call to action to all Catholic men. He didn't just rely on his words though, he backed them up with copious notes and references to both Scripture and the Catechism. What is most refreshing about this book is that it is not just aimed at a specific type of Catholic man, i.e., a husband or a father. It is instead aimed at ALL Catholic men, both laity and religious; single and married. So if you are looking for a book for the man/men in your life, I'd strongly recommend this one.
Deacon Harold begins his Introduction by telling us how rare the Catholic man is, and says it is Catholic men themselves who are responsible for their own destruction and extinction. He then provides an example from a raunchy television show, Two and a Half Men, to show just how far we have sunk. After this painful example, we are presented with statistics that show how much men shape their children's religious lives. He cites a study that shows us the importance of Catholic men going to Mass regularly. If we don't go regularly, it says that only 2-3% of children will attend regularly. That's pretty devastating. The book is then divided into eight chapters, which cover topics like Biblical Manhood, Covenant Relationships, Theology of the Body, and Fatherhood.
Before diving into examples of Biblical Manhood, Deacon Harold reminds us that we need to understand Biblical context before dissecting a passage. In this chapter there is heavy focus on God the Father and the first family of Adam and Eve. He then dives into the meaning of covenants, how God's love is central in covenants, and how important marriage is. He tells us that it is so important that God Himself, Jesus, chose to be born into a covenant marriage. In the chapter on fatherhood, he begins by emphasizing the importance of the Mass and Eucharist, and how so many Catholic men view this Sunday obligation as a burden. He also tells us that as Catholic men, we must focus on Christ crucified and model our life after His life so that we can grow in love for God and our fellow man. The most interesting section on fatherhood compared our roles as fathers to Christ the King, Prophet, and Priest. As fathers, we must exhibit love-centered headship, servant-based leadership, and life-giving authority.
Deacon Harold always speaks with passion and conviction, so it was refreshing to see that style reflected in his book Behold the Man. He was able to mix practical with scholarly and deliver a book that was a clear call to action to all Catholic men. He didn't just rely on his words though, he backed them up with copious notes and references to both Scripture and the Catechism. What is most refreshing about this book is that it is not just aimed at a specific type of Catholic man, i.e., a husband or a father. It is instead aimed at ALL Catholic men, both laity and religious; single and married. So if you are looking for a book for the man/men in your life, I'd strongly recommend this one.
April 30, 2016
Meticulously researched, compellingly written, and overall soul striking: the dynamic deacon lives up to his name. I can't recommend this book highly enough. Deacon Burke-Sivers never backs down, never compromises the truth, and never ceases to inspire. He does an excellent job introducing theology, scripture, and doctrine, then carefully leading you further into fruit understanding. Punctuated with occasional anecdotes. rich with manly quotes film scripture, this book is a must read for all Catholic men.
February 21, 2019
This book speaks in two distinct ways. First, it serves as a very practical overview of the Catholic faith. It would be a terrific book to share with curious friends, especially protestants who wish to better understand Catholic tradition. Burke-Sivers handily draws on scriptural references and occasionally his own experiences as a family man and as a Catholic Deacon to illustrate the topics of discipleship. Secondly, the book speaks as a motivational call to action. On several instances the book stirred me to desire a deeper faith and closer unity with our Eucharistic Lord Jesus. The book reminds the reader of society's desperate need for men of Christ to step up and live lives of genuine discipleship and sacrifice within their interior lives, their families, their workplaces, and their communities at large. My favorite chapter is the final one in which Burke-Sivers relates practical ways that men may dawn the armor of God. He draws insightful parallels between men praying the Rosary today and a young David preparing his stones to take down a giant. Protestants who read this book will develop some understanding of Theology of the Body, why Catholics seek Mary's intersession, and the practice Adoration, and much more.
March 14, 2020
This Book woke me with a slap in the face on what it is to be a catholic male.
this is what every man whether catholic or protestant should read.
this really wakes the man up and tells him HEY remember what God has made you to be remember what Gods word says about you.
this is a book that took me a long time to work thorugh because it held a lot of insight and powerful teachings of How we as men are to love our families fight and sacrifice inorder that God may be glorified.
this is what every man whether catholic or protestant should read.
this really wakes the man up and tells him HEY remember what God has made you to be remember what Gods word says about you.
this is a book that took me a long time to work thorugh because it held a lot of insight and powerful teachings of How we as men are to love our families fight and sacrifice inorder that God may be glorified.
June 8, 2023
On many points, I do agree with the author. In other points of his exegesis, I do not. But that's the great thing about theology - it's an ongoing conversation with the tradition, revelation, and learning what it means to advance in the way of holiness. I would recommend this book as one approach to masculine theology and spirituality, but not as the only one. I think he has a good sense of the tradition, but overly focuses on parts of it.
September 20, 2019
Become the man Christ wants you to be
This a great book for any Catholic man to strengthen and reaffirm his faith and to become reenergized to live as Christ wants us to live. It emboldened me to be a better example for my kids and an example to those around me whether at work, church, or in the world. Thank you Deacon Harold and God bless you and your ministry.
This a great book for any Catholic man to strengthen and reaffirm his faith and to become reenergized to live as Christ wants us to live. It emboldened me to be a better example for my kids and an example to those around me whether at work, church, or in the world. Thank you Deacon Harold and God bless you and your ministry.
November 14, 2018
Every man should read this before marriage! Started off great but the last 70 pages or so were dry.
April 8, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this book!!! It taught me many things about being a man in God's eyes!!!
January 25, 2016
An Absolute Must Read
Deacon Harold has a home run of a book here. I found it to be very engaging, uplifting, motivating, challenging and thought provoking. Masculinity in the Catholic Church has been at an all time low however, I believe, NO! I firmly believe that if this book was read by those men who question their faith, question their efforts and question themselves in their walk with Christ, it would motivate them and get them back on track. It will get them back in the game so they too can go out and hit some homers for Christ! This is a must read for any man. If ever there was a gift that you ladies wanted to give to the man in your life that you hope would make a difference, this is it.
Deacon Harold has a home run of a book here. I found it to be very engaging, uplifting, motivating, challenging and thought provoking. Masculinity in the Catholic Church has been at an all time low however, I believe, NO! I firmly believe that if this book was read by those men who question their faith, question their efforts and question themselves in their walk with Christ, it would motivate them and get them back on track. It will get them back in the game so they too can go out and hit some homers for Christ! This is a must read for any man. If ever there was a gift that you ladies wanted to give to the man in your life that you hope would make a difference, this is it.
July 18, 2016
The author, Harold Burke- Sievers, is both a dynamic speaker and author as well. His passion for God and helping us share in that is exposed in almost every word he writes, or so it seems.
The book explains the role that we as Catholics and men, need to play in the lives of our families and society. His text is filled with stories, quotes and footnotes which make reading this book at once a religious and personal experience.
Read the book and check out any of his YouTube videos and you will not be disappointed.
BTW- The good Deacon tends to be a bit 'fire and brimstone' in a St Paul sort of way. To me this shows the passion and depth of his beliefs.
The book explains the role that we as Catholics and men, need to play in the lives of our families and society. His text is filled with stories, quotes and footnotes which make reading this book at once a religious and personal experience.
Read the book and check out any of his YouTube videos and you will not be disappointed.
BTW- The good Deacon tends to be a bit 'fire and brimstone' in a St Paul sort of way. To me this shows the passion and depth of his beliefs.
July 3, 2016
Convicted to be a better man! I have alot of work to do. :-)
Lots of good, sound theology and exhortation. My only criticisms of the book are need for better organization and flow as well as more concrete tips and examples.
Lots of good, sound theology and exhortation. My only criticisms of the book are need for better organization and flow as well as more concrete tips and examples.
April 28, 2017
Though I love this book and everything that he teaches, his brash response to arguments and his American bluntness can be off putting. But behind it, he has a very clear and concise message, for men and women alike.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews