Manual for Men

by Thomas J. Olmsted

Manual for Men is for men who are in the arena, warriors for Christ and his Church. It is for those men who battle daily for their souls and for their family. It is often a struggle to shed the sins and vices the world offers men, but it’s a battle we must fight and win. In Part I, Bishop Thomas Olmsted calls for Catholic men to step up and “into the breach” in service to God, their families, parishes, and wider communities. In the course of his exhortation, Olmsted • How being a Christian man is far more than physical prowess or worldly power; • Why the world and the Church desperately need men—real men—to fight for them in spiritual combat; • The vital importance of prayer and the sacraments in the life of every man; • Why fatherhood, fully understood, is so crucial for every man; • The value of devotion to a patron saint (complete with 10 manly suggestions); • Most importantly, how men have the perfect model of man in Jesus Christ, and how we can follow his example. In Part II, Dr. Travis Cook presents a treasure trove of prayers, Church teachings, and writings from the saints that serve as a tremendous source of inspiration for men seeking to become better men of God. It is at once an essential guide and a profound book of prayers designed specifically for men. Now, perhaps more than ever, men need to be men. But what it means to be a man has been twisted into a pale and mangled image of true manhood. Manual for Men serves as a field guide and instruction manual for those husbands, fathers, sons, and brothers who would become real men of God—men who protect, physically and spiritually, those entrusted to them; men who sacrifice, pray, fight, love, and live by the example of Christ. There is a battle for our souls, our families, and our world, and Our Lord calls us men to fight. Are you ready to answer the call? Will you accept Bishop Olmsted’s plea to “engage in the battle that is raging around you”?

Genres: Catholic, Christian, Theology

191 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 23, 2018

About the author

Thomas Olmsted is an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He is the fourth and current Bishop of Phoenix. He was Bishop of Wichita from 2001 to 2003.

Olmsted was ordained to the priesthood on July 2, 1973, for the Diocese of Lincoln, Nebraska. He was elevated to the episcopacy in 1999, and named bishop of Phoenix, Arizona in 2003.

Reviews

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not a book to be quickly devoured, but a tome to be savored and daily referred to. It begins with Bishop Thomas Olmstead's Apostolic Exhortation to men, "Into the Breach", a clarion call inciting all men to virtue, action, and joyful fulfillment of their duties as husbands, fathers, and men. Commenting on that alone could be a book itself, for now I summarily state that it is the perfect beginning to the Manual for Men. The remaining pages are filled with quotations from scripture, saints, and other classical, secular, or religious sources. Topically organized, these quotations are quick inspirations to men seeking to live in virtue. The book also contains quick mini biographies of saints. I enjoyed the chosen saints, but my sole critique is that the struggles of the saints seems downplayed, and I believe makes their virtue seem unobtainable in some instances. The book appropriately ends with a collection of prayers and litanies, an absolute necessity for the man seeking to grow in holiness. This is a book I'll continue to refer to and will carry with me daily.

[Lukas Vuorinen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Manual for Men is a catholic book that shows you the real way a catholic man would be. It talks about the “call to battle” which is phrase used to show the way a man should fight against anything that is against the catholic way, such as abortion, gay marriage, and much more. The book also has prayers to help you become a real man and to protect the ones you love, no matter if you are married, single, or a priest.

[Joseph Serwach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Catholic man should read this book..

Bishop Olmstead revived the Catholic understanding of what it means to be man with “Into the Breach” and this manual brings that message together with more depth and helpful prayers in this wonderful manual. Get your sons, friends, dad and grandpas copies.

[Marcus Greene · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book wasn't what I expected, but that's a good thing. There was a HUGE collection of expertly curated scripture and saintly writings on a wide variety of life topics. It has has some excellent great prayers at the end! I really benefited from reading this, and it changed several elements of my daily practice. I would recommend this to anyone looking to grow in the faith.

[Sam Mauck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful collection of wisdom for every man. I wish I had gotten this book when I was in my teens.

[Dan Harazin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a gift from my brother upon his return from Ireland which came unexpectedly soon (thanks COVID-19). A very quick read, packed with spiritual guidance and knowledge. I believe it will be more effective as a part of my morning ritual (reading 1-2 pages upon waking) but I wanted to take it all in prior to that.

[Brian Claassen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read for men. Our role in the faith of our families is so important. Bishop Olmsted clearly lays out ways we must live our lives in holy sacrifice for our families as well as our communities. Highly recommend this book to young men who are fathers and those that intend to be someday. Start to work on holiness now!

[Joshua Lee Fallaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great idea, especially considering the cowardly effeminacy of modern Western men. But I can no longer recommend Catholic content. Just search YouTube for "the Pope's annual prayer to Lucifer at the Vatican."

[Nick Anderson]

I forgot I saw this in the Catholic Center library a couple years ago and thinking “I’m a man I should probably read this” and then taking it. I guess I totally forgot to put it back because I just found it among my books. Oops

[Terry Sheehan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for all Catholic & Christian Men. Thanks for your courage Bishop Olmsted!

[Rob]

Like most of the TAN Catholic books, this is another great one. Good and important read for the Catholic man.

[Riley Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book I devoured. I recommend every Catholic man to read this book and use it often.

[know1 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not that there is anything wrong per se with this book and its message, but it's a bit underwhelming. For a book so beautifully printed and bound I expected the content to be more... perennial, universal and elegant. Most of the book is written in a very plain, conversational English. Prayers contain references to present political events, words such as "Congress", etc. The tone of the book as a whole is devotional, very seldom rational or philosophical.

Again, no harm, but with such a cover and such a title many may be misled to expect something different.