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Men on Fire: Restoring the Forces That Forge Noble Manhood
Men are in crisis. From every direction, they are presented with a deformed masculinity. One that sees women as conquests rather than partners. One that values success at work over success at home. One that hinders true and open friendships with other men who hold them up and hold them accountable. One that presents them as either the bumbling, disconnected dad in sitcoms or the predator in movies and video games (and the news). Men were made for more than this. It's time to rekindle the fire living inside of them and awaken them to the value of valiant, righteous manhood.Through inspiring stories and hard-hitting biblical truths, Stephen Mansfield uncovers the seven fires that ought to burn in a man's soul--the fires of destiny, heritage, friendship, love, battle, legacy, and God. This raw guide to the restoration of a noble, honorable manhood will challenge men of every generation to live well, invest in others, and leave a powerful legacy."Being a man isn't about the illusions mass media presents to us as the way we all should live our lives. Stephen Mansfield is going to make this clear . . . and he's going to call you to be the man you are meant to be."--from the foreword by Scott Hamilton, four-time national and world champion and Olympic gold medalist"A brilliant and absolutely essential book! Mansfield's prose cuts through the cultural darkness like a lighthouse shining across a storm-tossed sea."--Brad Thor, #1 New York Times bestselling author"My friend Dr. Stephen Mansfield's new book, Men on Fire, takes us back to the kind of timeless knowledge, wisdom, and truth that have served as a guide for countless generations of men throughout history. It will inspire you to awaken that age-old drive and restore that inner voice that says, 'I can do this. Thank God for another chance.'"--Darrell Green, member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the NFL 100 All-Time Team"There is a war on masculinity today, one that is leaving males with neither the knowledge nor the drive to become men. Seductive sirens of secular socialism lure them into settling to be either thugs or wimps. Men on Fire is both the roadmap and the antidote. For all of our sakes, place this book in the hands of the men you most care about."--Rabbi Daniel Lapin, author, TV host, and president of the American Alliance of Jews and Christians
- GenresSpirituality
194 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 2, 2020
40 people are currently reading
1031 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Mansfield
96 books158 followersStephen Mansfield is a New York Times bestselling author and a popular speaker who is becoming one of the nation’s most respected voices on religion and American culture. He is also an activist in a variety of social causes.
Stephen was born in Georgia but grew up largely in Europe due to his father’s career as an officer in the United States Army. After a youth filled with sports, travel, and mischief, he was recruited to play college football but turned down the opportunity when a Christian conversion moved him to attend a leading Christian college.
He earned a Bachelor’s degree in history and philosophy and then moved to Texas where he pastored a church, completed two Master’s degrees, hosted a radio show and began acquiring a reputation as a popular speaker of both depth and humor. He moved to Tennessee in 1991 where he again pastored a church, did relief work among the Kurds in Northern Iraq, served as a political consultant, and completed a doctorate.
It was during this time that he also launched the writing career for which he has become internationally known. His first book on Winston Churchill was a Gold Medallion Award Finalist. He also wrote widely-acclaimed biographies of Booker T. Washington and George Whitefield as well as a number of other books on history and leadership. In 1997, the Governor of Tennessee commissioned Mansfield to write the official history of religion in Tennessee for that state’s bicentennial.
In 2002, Stephen left the pastorate after twenty fruitful years to write and lecture full-time. Not long afterward he wrote The Faith of George W. Bush, which spent many weeks on the New York Times bestseller list and won numerous national awards. The book also became a source for Oliver Stone’s internationally acclaimed film W, which chronicled Bush’s rise to the presidency.
This international bestseller led to a string of influential books over the following eight years. Stephen wrote The Faith of the American Soldier after being embedded with U.S. troops in Iraq. He also wrote about the new Pope in Benedict XVI: His Life and Mission. His book The Faith of Barack Obama was another international bestseller and was often a topic in major media during the presidential campaign of 2008. To answer the crumbling values of portions of corporate America, he wrote The Search for God and Guinness and soon found himself speaking to corporate gatherings around the world.
Stephen continues to write books about faith and culture—recently on topics like Sarah Palin, Oprah Winfrey and America’s generals—but beyond his writing career he has founded The Mansfield Group, a successful consulting and communications firm, as well as Chartwell Literary Group, a firm that creates and manages literary projects. Together with his wife, Beverly, Mansfield has created The Global Leadership Development Fund, a foundation that sponsors leadership training and networking around the world.
In recent years, Stephen’s popularity as a speaker has nearly eclipsed his reputation as a bestselling author. He is often to be found addressing a university gathering, a corporate retreat or a fundraising banquet and stirring his audience with the humor and storytelling that have become his trademark.
Mansfield lives primarily in Nashville, Tennessee, with his beloved wife, Beverly, who is an award-winning songwriter and producer. For more information, log onto MansfieldGroup.com.
Stephen was born in Georgia but grew up largely in Europe due to his father’s career as an officer in the United States Army. After a youth filled with sports, travel, and mischief, he was recruited to play college football but turned down the opportunity when a Christian conversion moved him to attend a leading Christian college.
He earned a Bachelor’s degree in history and philosophy and then moved to Texas where he pastored a church, completed two Master’s degrees, hosted a radio show and began acquiring a reputation as a popular speaker of both depth and humor. He moved to Tennessee in 1991 where he again pastored a church, did relief work among the Kurds in Northern Iraq, served as a political consultant, and completed a doctorate.
It was during this time that he also launched the writing career for which he has become internationally known. His first book on Winston Churchill was a Gold Medallion Award Finalist. He also wrote widely-acclaimed biographies of Booker T. Washington and George Whitefield as well as a number of other books on history and leadership. In 1997, the Governor of Tennessee commissioned Mansfield to write the official history of religion in Tennessee for that state’s bicentennial.
In 2002, Stephen left the pastorate after twenty fruitful years to write and lecture full-time. Not long afterward he wrote The Faith of George W. Bush, which spent many weeks on the New York Times bestseller list and won numerous national awards. The book also became a source for Oliver Stone’s internationally acclaimed film W, which chronicled Bush’s rise to the presidency.
This international bestseller led to a string of influential books over the following eight years. Stephen wrote The Faith of the American Soldier after being embedded with U.S. troops in Iraq. He also wrote about the new Pope in Benedict XVI: His Life and Mission. His book The Faith of Barack Obama was another international bestseller and was often a topic in major media during the presidential campaign of 2008. To answer the crumbling values of portions of corporate America, he wrote The Search for God and Guinness and soon found himself speaking to corporate gatherings around the world.
Stephen continues to write books about faith and culture—recently on topics like Sarah Palin, Oprah Winfrey and America’s generals—but beyond his writing career he has founded The Mansfield Group, a successful consulting and communications firm, as well as Chartwell Literary Group, a firm that creates and manages literary projects. Together with his wife, Beverly, Mansfield has created The Global Leadership Development Fund, a foundation that sponsors leadership training and networking around the world.
In recent years, Stephen’s popularity as a speaker has nearly eclipsed his reputation as a bestselling author. He is often to be found addressing a university gathering, a corporate retreat or a fundraising banquet and stirring his audience with the humor and storytelling that have become his trademark.
Mansfield lives primarily in Nashville, Tennessee, with his beloved wife, Beverly, who is an award-winning songwriter and producer. For more information, log onto MansfieldGroup.com.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 22, 2020
Stephan Mansfield is a well-known author on topics of manhood and a biographer of famous and accomplished men such as Churchill, Obama, and Benedict XVI. In Men on Fire: Restoring the Forces that Forge Noble Manhood Mansfield tackles an explicitly stated goal to, "Ignite fires in your soul...live out manhood on fire." He pens seven core chapters on the "Fires" of Heritage, Battle, Destiny, Friendship, Love, Legacy, and God. Two themes that penetrate all the chapters is the call to "righteous" manhood and the appeal to pursue manhood in the fellowship of a "band of brothers."
While I can appreciate Mansfield's passion for men to behave like men, I was disheartened in the opening pages to see that he failed to clearly define what he means by "fire." Indeed, a book titled Men on Fire needs clear definition but he muddles by denying that he means "emotion or passion" but instead the mythical fires of Prometheus or "the kind of fire that fell upon the first Christians on the day of Pentecost." Anybody who is biblically literate should bristle at the idea of pagan myth appearing in parallel with the coming of the Holy Spirit. The errors don't stop there either, as the rest of the book presents a vision for fiery manhood that is anything but powered by the Holy Spirit of God.
To be clear, I applaud Mansfield's love for manhood. In a culture that denies concrete genders - much less the idea that the two genders of male and female may be designed to accomplish different, complimentary purposes - his clarity that men are indeed called to be "manly" is refreshingly, counter-cultural. However, his ideas might just as well be grounded in the good, ol' fashionedness of a previous generation rather than clear, biblical fidelity. It is the difference between calling men to act like Winston Churchill or General Patton compared to calling men to trust God for transformation and then fulfill their calling by serving God. One is law; the other is grace. One calls us to find inner strength; the other acknowledges inner weakness (read: "sin"). One looks for self-improvement; the other seeks to glorify God.
The book is not without strengths. I enjoyed, and profited from, the chapters on friendship and love. His desire for men to have a band of brothers who can trust one another enough to confront each other while still delighting in each other's company is truly relevant. Men need one another more than they are willing to admit and I learned from some of Mansfield's experienced tips on building friendships. Likewise, the chapter on love had helpful pointers for pursuing ones wife.
However, a few helpful tips did little to make up for this book's fundamental flaws. Primary among them was poor interpretation of Bible passages, and a stark absence of the biblical Gospel. Almost every one of the very few Bible passages in this book was taken out of context and misused to serve Mansfield's chapters. Whether it be quoting half a passage to prove a point when the remainder would change the meaning, or misapplying promises to Israel, or turning the Passover into a picture of manhood, the Scripture was not handled well. The pinnacle of this misuse was his recounting of Jesus' final night, arrest, and crucifixion (the closest the book ever came to approaching the Gospel) to make the climactic point, "Guys, this was a man!" What a pathetic example of looking to Jesus merely as a moral example instead of as the Redeemer!
Which leads straight to what I believe is the fatal flaw in this book. It is devoid of the Gospel! Not only is it not articulated, but it is never acknowledged as the vital component to true manhood. Is manhood in trouble in our world? Indeed it is! But the solution is not to look to ourselves, but to Christ who sets things right. Furthermore, manhood is not an end unto itself but a means by which men can glorify God. Mansfield never makes the case that redemption from sin, and the power of the Holy Spirit is required for manhood to be anything more than superficial self-effort. In fact, he brushes over the need for the Gospel by calling men "of every faith, ethnicity, race, and background...to learn something of the ways of men...whatever your faith, I'm eager to learn from you too." There is no mention of the fact that men who are serving false gods must repent of that idolatry and be saved in order to live a life of meaningful manhood. I believe that Mansfield has put his finger on a great need but failed to offer a great solution!
Disclosure: I received this book free from Baker Books but the opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/wa....
While I can appreciate Mansfield's passion for men to behave like men, I was disheartened in the opening pages to see that he failed to clearly define what he means by "fire." Indeed, a book titled Men on Fire needs clear definition but he muddles by denying that he means "emotion or passion" but instead the mythical fires of Prometheus or "the kind of fire that fell upon the first Christians on the day of Pentecost." Anybody who is biblically literate should bristle at the idea of pagan myth appearing in parallel with the coming of the Holy Spirit. The errors don't stop there either, as the rest of the book presents a vision for fiery manhood that is anything but powered by the Holy Spirit of God.
To be clear, I applaud Mansfield's love for manhood. In a culture that denies concrete genders - much less the idea that the two genders of male and female may be designed to accomplish different, complimentary purposes - his clarity that men are indeed called to be "manly" is refreshingly, counter-cultural. However, his ideas might just as well be grounded in the good, ol' fashionedness of a previous generation rather than clear, biblical fidelity. It is the difference between calling men to act like Winston Churchill or General Patton compared to calling men to trust God for transformation and then fulfill their calling by serving God. One is law; the other is grace. One calls us to find inner strength; the other acknowledges inner weakness (read: "sin"). One looks for self-improvement; the other seeks to glorify God.
The book is not without strengths. I enjoyed, and profited from, the chapters on friendship and love. His desire for men to have a band of brothers who can trust one another enough to confront each other while still delighting in each other's company is truly relevant. Men need one another more than they are willing to admit and I learned from some of Mansfield's experienced tips on building friendships. Likewise, the chapter on love had helpful pointers for pursuing ones wife.
However, a few helpful tips did little to make up for this book's fundamental flaws. Primary among them was poor interpretation of Bible passages, and a stark absence of the biblical Gospel. Almost every one of the very few Bible passages in this book was taken out of context and misused to serve Mansfield's chapters. Whether it be quoting half a passage to prove a point when the remainder would change the meaning, or misapplying promises to Israel, or turning the Passover into a picture of manhood, the Scripture was not handled well. The pinnacle of this misuse was his recounting of Jesus' final night, arrest, and crucifixion (the closest the book ever came to approaching the Gospel) to make the climactic point, "Guys, this was a man!" What a pathetic example of looking to Jesus merely as a moral example instead of as the Redeemer!
Which leads straight to what I believe is the fatal flaw in this book. It is devoid of the Gospel! Not only is it not articulated, but it is never acknowledged as the vital component to true manhood. Is manhood in trouble in our world? Indeed it is! But the solution is not to look to ourselves, but to Christ who sets things right. Furthermore, manhood is not an end unto itself but a means by which men can glorify God. Mansfield never makes the case that redemption from sin, and the power of the Holy Spirit is required for manhood to be anything more than superficial self-effort. In fact, he brushes over the need for the Gospel by calling men "of every faith, ethnicity, race, and background...to learn something of the ways of men...whatever your faith, I'm eager to learn from you too." There is no mention of the fact that men who are serving false gods must repent of that idolatry and be saved in order to live a life of meaningful manhood. I believe that Mansfield has put his finger on a great need but failed to offer a great solution!
Disclosure: I received this book free from Baker Books but the opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/wa....
May 20, 2022
I don't normally read the summary of books anymore before I start them. I have follow several goodreads communities and just read what the communities are reading. This book was much better than I was expecting. I thought this was going to be macho man book. I was pleasantly surprised. This book is not written for me, it is written for males so I am not sure how good my point of view review will be for others. I agree they are not as many good role models for males nor females and I like the idea of this book for men to be the best man they can be. They are Bible verses quote and I know that turns some people off from this book, but overall much better than I was expecting.
April 1, 2024
Book #4 in 2024
Audiobook
5 stars
I’m often leery of books on manhood, especially from Christians, but I was pleasantly surprised by this one.
Not so much an exegesis of biblical teaching as it is a book chalked full of common grace practical advice that isn’t hokey.
Good stuff, and I’m planning on rereading it with a good friend of mine.
Audiobook
5 stars
I’m often leery of books on manhood, especially from Christians, but I was pleasantly surprised by this one.
Not so much an exegesis of biblical teaching as it is a book chalked full of common grace practical advice that isn’t hokey.
Good stuff, and I’m planning on rereading it with a good friend of mine.
July 5, 2020
What does it mean to be a man? It takes more than facial hair and a dose of testosterone. Especially if the goal is to be more than a male, but to grow into the man that you were created to be. A man who lives life to the fullest, and leaves behind a legacy. A man who has a passion for life, and is not afraid to chase after it.
Stephen Mansfield talks about fires of several types in his book Men on Fire: Restoring the Forces that Forge Noble Manhood (Baker Books, 2020). Small fires and larger fires, but they all matter little compared to the fire that he’s really talking about: PASSION.
He describes ‘the seven fires’ that define the passion for manhood that he hopes his readers will embrace: the fires of Heritage, Battle, Destiny, Friendship, Love, Legacy, and God in 7 easy to read chapters. Each chapter is full of examples from his own life and experience, and that of friends or historical figures. Each chapter concludes with a ‘battle plan’, and the starting point for the battle plan is to gather a ‘band of brothers’. Nothing new to those familiar with men’s ministry. But included in these plans are action items and questions that the brothers might want to be asking each other.
Although I hate to admit it, there are several areas where I could stand a lot of improvement. I want to be a better man, husband and father, and Mansfield may have just given me some ideas on how to get started.
If you already have a band of brothers, there may be some great tools in this book for you to use. This would work well in a men’s ministry setting, not with the goal of forcing the attendees to become a band of brothers, but encouraging individuals to develop that band (and there are some helpful suggestions included). Or you can read it like I did, on my own, and be nudged into the next level.
I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review based on my perceptions and opinions of the book.
4/5
Stephen Mansfield talks about fires of several types in his book Men on Fire: Restoring the Forces that Forge Noble Manhood (Baker Books, 2020). Small fires and larger fires, but they all matter little compared to the fire that he’s really talking about: PASSION.
He describes ‘the seven fires’ that define the passion for manhood that he hopes his readers will embrace: the fires of Heritage, Battle, Destiny, Friendship, Love, Legacy, and God in 7 easy to read chapters. Each chapter is full of examples from his own life and experience, and that of friends or historical figures. Each chapter concludes with a ‘battle plan’, and the starting point for the battle plan is to gather a ‘band of brothers’. Nothing new to those familiar with men’s ministry. But included in these plans are action items and questions that the brothers might want to be asking each other.
Although I hate to admit it, there are several areas where I could stand a lot of improvement. I want to be a better man, husband and father, and Mansfield may have just given me some ideas on how to get started.
If you already have a band of brothers, there may be some great tools in this book for you to use. This would work well in a men’s ministry setting, not with the goal of forcing the attendees to become a band of brothers, but encouraging individuals to develop that band (and there are some helpful suggestions included). Or you can read it like I did, on my own, and be nudged into the next level.
I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review based on my perceptions and opinions of the book.
4/5
July 22, 2020
Stephen Mansfield’s book Men On Fire is a must read, not just for men but for all those who care about a man’s maturity, wisdom, graciousness, and his ability to reflect Jesus Christ. Mansfield, throughout the book, speaks directly to men with a tone that is simultaneously honest and authoritative. His goal is “to ignite fires in your souls. I want to recover what has been lost. I want to set on fire again what has been doused. I want to see you live out manhood on fire… and I want to encourage passionate living wherever I can… I’m referring to fire from heaven… Fire that was meant to be a part of us from the beginning and that must be stoked and tended if we are to be what we are created to be” (Stephen Mansfield , Men On Fire: Restoring the Forces that Forge Nobel Manhood. Baker Books, 2020. pp. 13, 14). The seven fires that he urges men to “stoke and tend” are the fire of heritage, the fire of battle, the fire of destiny, the fire of friendship, the fire of love, the fire of legacy, and the fire of God. He provides a blessing to men that is a prayer every man, woman, and child needs to pray for this generation: “May you be the man you are meant to be. May our God set your soul a fire with his purposes and free you from every bondage that keeps you from your destiny. May the fires of noble manhood burn in your soul, and may you be a righteous light in our generation of men and a great and noble man in your time”(p. 170) Amen. Five stars M.L. Codman-Wilson PhD. 7/22/2020
-I received this book free from BakerBooks through the Baker Books Bloggers Program (http://Bakerpublishinggroup.com/baker...). The opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, part 255 http://www.acess.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/wai....
-I received this book free from BakerBooks through the Baker Books Bloggers Program (http://Bakerpublishinggroup.com/baker...). The opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, part 255 http://www.acess.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/wai....
September 29, 2020
Let's face the facts, men are not likely to read books. Although I see some indication that men are returning to the activity of reading, most do not devote any time to expanding their knowledge. This is a shame, but that is not the point of this review. What is important is that you get this book in the hands of the men in your life. I have enjoyed other writings from Mansfield, but this one hits differently. This one seems to be correlated to this specific time of history that men need this message more than ever.
Through Men on Fire, Mansfield takes us through what he sees as seven fires that need to be stoked in the life of every man. Each of these fires seem easy to list, but can be harder to apply to life. If we are being honest, we may never mature in these fires but that should not stop us from pursuing a greater life in these areas. All along the way there are stories of Mansfield's life that apply to the topic at hand as well as things that will challenge you to ponder the idea presented. For instance, when it comes to the fire of destiny, Mansfield writes:
"If history is any guide, it will not be lack of talent that will keep you from being what you are called to be. It will not likely be lack of education or money or will. No, you are more likely to be kept from your purpose by destructive forces you welcome into your life than anything else."
If you are looking for a book to hand to your son, friend, spouse, or any other man in your life that is less than 200 pages and easy to read, get this book. As men apply these principles to their life, it will change the world.
I was provided for this book for a fair and honest review. The words and rating are my own and have not been influenced in any way by the author or publisher outside of the written manuscript.
Through Men on Fire, Mansfield takes us through what he sees as seven fires that need to be stoked in the life of every man. Each of these fires seem easy to list, but can be harder to apply to life. If we are being honest, we may never mature in these fires but that should not stop us from pursuing a greater life in these areas. All along the way there are stories of Mansfield's life that apply to the topic at hand as well as things that will challenge you to ponder the idea presented. For instance, when it comes to the fire of destiny, Mansfield writes:
"If history is any guide, it will not be lack of talent that will keep you from being what you are called to be. It will not likely be lack of education or money or will. No, you are more likely to be kept from your purpose by destructive forces you welcome into your life than anything else."
If you are looking for a book to hand to your son, friend, spouse, or any other man in your life that is less than 200 pages and easy to read, get this book. As men apply these principles to their life, it will change the world.
I was provided for this book for a fair and honest review. The words and rating are my own and have not been influenced in any way by the author or publisher outside of the written manuscript.
August 1, 2020
Stephen Mansfield offers sincere guidance regarding how men can regain what it means to be a man. Mansfield presents seven fires that should burn deep in a man's soul in order for that man to restore noble manhood. In presenting these seven fires: Heritage, Battle, Destiny, Friendship, Love, Legacy, and God, Mansfield encourages positive lifestyle choices for men. He seeks to reignite the morality that should guide men as they enter into society and into relationships.
Mansfield depends too much on the metaphor of battle though. In this writing he encourages an almost conqueror mentality in men. Not all men have hearts that beat with the heart of a warrior. Not all men have a passion to dominate. Not all men view life as a battle to be won. This metaphor might encourage some men as they grow as people, but it might actually be detrimental to others. If the primary metaphor of masculinity is winning the battle then some men might seek to conquer rather than offer Christ-like compassion.
In addition, at one point in the book, Mansfield makes a huge point of looking at Christ as a man. While this is certainly true, Jesus was and is a man, Mansfield's exploration of Christ as a man does not fully speak to who Christ is. The exploration of Christ as an adventurer who lived on the edge, may have been more impacting if the point of Christ's life choices and actions was more fully explored. Jesus lived on the edge and died on the cross as an act of love and compassion for all people. Men, and all who seek to follow Christ, need to find their passions in the midst of a love that reflects Christ's sacrificial attitude.
I received this book from the publisher in return for an honest review.
Mansfield depends too much on the metaphor of battle though. In this writing he encourages an almost conqueror mentality in men. Not all men have hearts that beat with the heart of a warrior. Not all men have a passion to dominate. Not all men view life as a battle to be won. This metaphor might encourage some men as they grow as people, but it might actually be detrimental to others. If the primary metaphor of masculinity is winning the battle then some men might seek to conquer rather than offer Christ-like compassion.
In addition, at one point in the book, Mansfield makes a huge point of looking at Christ as a man. While this is certainly true, Jesus was and is a man, Mansfield's exploration of Christ as a man does not fully speak to who Christ is. The exploration of Christ as an adventurer who lived on the edge, may have been more impacting if the point of Christ's life choices and actions was more fully explored. Jesus lived on the edge and died on the cross as an act of love and compassion for all people. Men, and all who seek to follow Christ, need to find their passions in the midst of a love that reflects Christ's sacrificial attitude.
I received this book from the publisher in return for an honest review.
May 29, 2024
Mansfield does it again! As a 21st century man living in the culture that seems primarily anti man i struggle all the time to get what life is all about. I struggle to know the rules, and the way. Because Im a proud straight, white male doesnt
Make me better than you, or a judge of you, im just me. That’s all. I don’t seek to “sell” myself or convince anyone of my way. Mansfield writes for men like me that look for the right thing to do on my path of life. I don’t know that I’ll be able to adhere to all of the seven action points brought up in the book, I read it mostly to prove to myself that it’s not just me. I’m not a misogynist, sexist or homophobe. I’m just a dude looking at the best way to define modern manhood. If you’re like me and you’re looking at the best way to define your life or if you need help figuring out the modern rules I’d recommend ANYTHING by Mansfield he is passionate on the topic without slamming the door in the face of those that don’t quite fit his understanding. It’s safely written, maybe a bit “too” safe at times, but nevertheless, MOF IS another winner and a life preserver to those lost on a sea of woke political correctness! Recommended!!
Make me better than you, or a judge of you, im just me. That’s all. I don’t seek to “sell” myself or convince anyone of my way. Mansfield writes for men like me that look for the right thing to do on my path of life. I don’t know that I’ll be able to adhere to all of the seven action points brought up in the book, I read it mostly to prove to myself that it’s not just me. I’m not a misogynist, sexist or homophobe. I’m just a dude looking at the best way to define modern manhood. If you’re like me and you’re looking at the best way to define your life or if you need help figuring out the modern rules I’d recommend ANYTHING by Mansfield he is passionate on the topic without slamming the door in the face of those that don’t quite fit his understanding. It’s safely written, maybe a bit “too” safe at times, but nevertheless, MOF IS another winner and a life preserver to those lost on a sea of woke political correctness! Recommended!!
November 11, 2020
Stephen Mansfield is by far my favorite writer on the topic of manhood. His book Mansfield's Book of Manly Men is fun, enlightening, creative, and challenging. Men on Fire is a shorter sequel of sorts that hones in on the reader's life. His book especially speaks to the man who's lost the fire within his soul. Mansfield lays out the seven fires that should burn within every man and provides a guide to rekindle the fires that have burned out. Since Mansfield is a historian, I found his chapters on heritage, destiny, and legacy the most riveting. He weaves transparent stories from his own life along with great stories from men in history. I also was challenged by his chapter on friendship as he addresses the issue that adult men have of maintaining friendship better than anyone else I've read. He lays out some practical steps of how men can regain life-giving friendships that may have "rusted" from neglect.
I'd recommend this book for a man in his 30s or older that's lost his passion for the things a man must be passionate about.
I'd recommend this book for a man in his 30s or older that's lost his passion for the things a man must be passionate about.
September 30, 2020
Men on Fire
by Stephen Mansfield
4 stars
This book calls men to return to being men. With a claim that men are in crisis from every direction. It is urging men to reclaim their manhood.
The book has is based on stories and is written in an easy to follow narrative style. It is an easy read, with seven chapters to keep the message simple.
The question is will some of the concepts be controversial in current society? There will be some members of society that think that the book is divisive. However, there are elements that will help men with their self-identify
This title has been reviewed by www.books-reviewed.weebly.com
This title was provided by Netgalley and the publisher in return for an open and honest review.
#MenonFire #NetGalley
by Stephen Mansfield
4 stars
This book calls men to return to being men. With a claim that men are in crisis from every direction. It is urging men to reclaim their manhood.
The book has is based on stories and is written in an easy to follow narrative style. It is an easy read, with seven chapters to keep the message simple.
The question is will some of the concepts be controversial in current society? There will be some members of society that think that the book is divisive. However, there are elements that will help men with their self-identify
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August 22, 2023
I knew not what to expect from this small beautiful book. You may say that it was my first read in the field of gender studies... The author puts in context, for a popular audience, the ancient virtues and more generally the notion of filial piety. Reminding our people of modernity about the nobility of the male soul really holds an unprecedented significance. These are tying times and it goes without saying that Stephen Mansfield is indeed a very thoughtful geezer.
"A wise man is full of strength, and a man of knowledge enhances his might, for by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory."
- Proverbs 24:5-6, English Standard Version
"A wise man is full of strength, and a man of knowledge enhances his might, for by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory."
- Proverbs 24:5-6, English Standard Version
July 16, 2020
This book was interesting writing and compelling to read with that also encouraging and captivating story that will be inspiring and challenging us to understand more that as a human we can not choose where what and how we want to born never as our time but we still have a choice that who you want to be and how to be a man that meaning to be and the man God really making inside of you. No matter what never giving up to fight for your life. I highly recommend to everyone must read this book. “ I received complimentary a copy of this book from Baker Books Bloggers for this review”.
October 28, 2020
Once again, Stephen Mansfield has sounded the call to wake men up from the lazy slumbering lives we were never meant to live, and engage the noble manhood offered to us by God. I’m always challenged and encouraged after reading Mansfield’s books. I’m especially grateful for the practical steps he gives his readers to start living these principles out after reading.
January 13, 2021
Great motivating book on a man's role in the family. Most of the chapters fired me up to take my responsibility as a husband and father seriously and purposefully. Great insights to explore as a man, and especially as a father.. the last couple of chapters kind of lost me though. Overall I would recommend it to other men. Glean the wheat and burn the chaff.
May 2, 2022
5/5! Loved this book and practically the whole thing is highlighted. It'll be a book that I read multiple times throughout my life as a man of faith, as a husband, as a father, and as a part of a band of brothers. All things that I'm continuously trying to improve in - this book helps to challenge and grow in ways that are both practical and aspirational.
May 12, 2025
This was a great book overall! Very similar to Dragon Slayers (See on my read list). But this is a better "Get your feet wet" style of book on a similar topic. Essentially what areas of your life are you needing to be more intentional about. Highly recommend for men who need a push to grow in their personal lives
September 15, 2020
Every man should read this!
I'm not exaggerating. Every man should read this book... Multiple times! I know I plan to read it again. And with so many books, and magazine and the like to read, choosing to read something again stresses how good this is.
I'm not exaggerating. Every man should read this book... Multiple times! I know I plan to read it again. And with so many books, and magazine and the like to read, choosing to read something again stresses how good this is.
July 29, 2023
A most excellent book! This is a book I wish had been written much earlier. Solid, simple, truthful, challenging, and inspiring. This is a book I will keep with me daily. I strongly recommend it!
June 9, 2020
Great read to think about life a little deeper.
January 11, 2021
This book is so needed during a time like this. I Recommend to any man that wasn’t to raise the bar for himself and family.
January 13, 2022
Few books have set my heart on fire, this one has. This is a must read.
August 8, 2022
Really enjoyed this reminder to be a man and burn with manly fire within! Love it especially the emphasis of having a brotherhood.
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