What do you think?
Rate this book
The Men We Need: God’s Purpose for the Manly Man, the Avid Indoorsman, or Any Man Willing to Show Up
The world needs real men, real bad. And there are all sorts of conflicting ideas and messages about what a "real man" is (and is not). Is a real man one who hunts, loves sports, grills meat, fixes cars, and climbs mountains? Sure, sometimes. But that's not really the point of being a man and it's not the purpose for which men were made.
Into our cultural confusion, Brant Hansen paints a refreshingly specific, compelling picture of what men are made to "Keepers of the Garden." Protectors and defenders. He calls for men of all interests and backgrounds (including "avid indoorsmen" like himself) to be ambitious about the right things and to see themselves as defenders of the vulnerable, with whatever resources they have.
Using short chapters loaded with must-have wisdom and Brant's signature humor, The Men We Need explains the essence of masculinity in a fresh, thoughtful, and entertaining way that will inspire any man who dares to read it.
Into our cultural confusion, Brant Hansen paints a refreshingly specific, compelling picture of what men are made to "Keepers of the Garden." Protectors and defenders. He calls for men of all interests and backgrounds (including "avid indoorsmen" like himself) to be ambitious about the right things and to see themselves as defenders of the vulnerable, with whatever resources they have.
Using short chapters loaded with must-have wisdom and Brant's signature humor, The Men We Need explains the essence of masculinity in a fresh, thoughtful, and entertaining way that will inspire any man who dares to read it.
242 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 29, 2022
356 people are currently reading
2862 people want to read
About the author
Brant Hansen
13 books549 followersBrant Hansen is a radio host who has won multiple National Personality of the Year awards. He also works with CURE International, a worldwide network of hospitals that brings life-changing medical care and the good news of God’s love to children with treatable conditions. Brant currently lives in Northern California with his wife, Carolyn; his son, Justice; and his daughter, Julia. He can be found at branthansen.com and @branthansen on Twitter.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 380 reviews
December 13, 2024
Great read! The main premise of this book can be summed up in this quote on page 108 - “You and I don’t have to fit the stereotypes of what manly men look or sound like. What we need to do is use whatever we have as great keepers of the garden to defend the defenseless.”
Very challenging and thought provoking.
Some favorite quotes:
“Women sense when we are fulfilling our purpose or not.”
“It’s not simply enough for someone to say about their life, ‘I didn’t bother anybody.’”
“Nobody admires a passive man. People don’t buy movie tickets to watch men without a mission. There is no Whatever-Man hero in the Marvel universe.”
(Concerning video games) - “Please don’t waste your God given desire for adventure and accomplishment by being a fake hero fighting fake injustices in fake worlds.”
“The people in your neighborhood, at your school, or at your workplace should be safe because you’re there. Even if they don’t know it.”
“You can take a kid to a thousand lessons and offer them the finest tutors, but that’s not the objective of a parent. Your main task here is not to impart skills. You do not exist to make your kids marketable in the corporate world. You are here to shape character as securely and fully as you can before they leave your home.”
“Few people will cheer you for keeping perspective. Few people will cheer you for being self controlled. You’ll likely never get a comment praising you for not responding.”
“When your wife is taking care of three little kids while you’re risking life and limb purely for the rush of it, you may find that she doesn’t think your hobby makes you hot anymore.”
“Run through fire to prove you’re a man? You’re not a man. Run through fire to save a baby? Now you’re talking.”
“We love keeping our options open. But our neighbors and communities need men who don’t keep their options open. We need men who commit.”
“Who we become is a direct result of what we pay attention to.”
“If the keeper’s heart is lost, the garden is lost too.”
“We’re always becoming something. I’ve had to realize that each decision I’m making now is shaping that future old guy.”
Very challenging and thought provoking.
Some favorite quotes:
“Women sense when we are fulfilling our purpose or not.”
“It’s not simply enough for someone to say about their life, ‘I didn’t bother anybody.’”
“Nobody admires a passive man. People don’t buy movie tickets to watch men without a mission. There is no Whatever-Man hero in the Marvel universe.”
(Concerning video games) - “Please don’t waste your God given desire for adventure and accomplishment by being a fake hero fighting fake injustices in fake worlds.”
“The people in your neighborhood, at your school, or at your workplace should be safe because you’re there. Even if they don’t know it.”
“You can take a kid to a thousand lessons and offer them the finest tutors, but that’s not the objective of a parent. Your main task here is not to impart skills. You do not exist to make your kids marketable in the corporate world. You are here to shape character as securely and fully as you can before they leave your home.”
“Few people will cheer you for keeping perspective. Few people will cheer you for being self controlled. You’ll likely never get a comment praising you for not responding.”
“When your wife is taking care of three little kids while you’re risking life and limb purely for the rush of it, you may find that she doesn’t think your hobby makes you hot anymore.”
“Run through fire to prove you’re a man? You’re not a man. Run through fire to save a baby? Now you’re talking.”
“We love keeping our options open. But our neighbors and communities need men who don’t keep their options open. We need men who commit.”
“Who we become is a direct result of what we pay attention to.”
“If the keeper’s heart is lost, the garden is lost too.”
“We’re always becoming something. I’ve had to realize that each decision I’m making now is shaping that future old guy.”
May 8, 2023
Hansen does it again.
March 17, 2022
The Men We Need is a call to all men to wake up and actually DO SOMETHING. Being passive is a choice. Not taking ownership and responsibility for your family is a choice. The simple truth is that all of our choices have consequences, and the series of choices we make shape who we are, how those around us see us, and determines the impact we can have on the world around us. Brant writes a no-nonsense plea to all men to become MEN, to make choices that have a positive impact on those they love, and to actually care about the impact they have in this world.
Unlike what you may be thinking, Brant doesn't pigeonhole a MAN as the rugged, John Wayne-esque archetype, nor as the modern "woke" person that is too in touch with his feelings than to be able to perceive reality. Instead, he asks readers to look at Jesus and learn the lessons he taught. He asks us to consider our own feelings and think about what it feels like when a man lives up to the calling of being a man.
This is the third of Brant's books I've read this year. Why? Because Brant does a great job of teaching and entertaining at the same time. He challenges, but doesn't condemn. He encourages, but doesn't patronize. I will read this book again, and share it with other important men in my life. It is worth the time investment to read it, and I already have made some changes in my own life as a result of what it revealed to me.
Unlike what you may be thinking, Brant doesn't pigeonhole a MAN as the rugged, John Wayne-esque archetype, nor as the modern "woke" person that is too in touch with his feelings than to be able to perceive reality. Instead, he asks readers to look at Jesus and learn the lessons he taught. He asks us to consider our own feelings and think about what it feels like when a man lives up to the calling of being a man.
This is the third of Brant's books I've read this year. Why? Because Brant does a great job of teaching and entertaining at the same time. He challenges, but doesn't condemn. He encourages, but doesn't patronize. I will read this book again, and share it with other important men in my life. It is worth the time investment to read it, and I already have made some changes in my own life as a result of what it revealed to me.
April 19, 2024
I think books which are good, but are missing something significant are the hardest to write a review for, but also the ones where a review is the most helpful. Helpful for myself, because it forces me to think through everything deeply, and hopefully helpful for others as well who read it.
The author has a great sense of humor and keeps the writing entertaining. Which makes it an easy read that didn't drag on or become tedious. He weaves in many scriptural concepts and emphases such as the need for self-control, contentment, self-sacrificial love, and others. It wasn't super deep, but not every book needs to be. There is a place for books that remind us of things that we already know. It was still very thought provoking.
There were however several things which seemed really "off."
1. Man's purpose. – Hansen writes, "God gave Adam the job of looking after the garden and the things within. He was to guard it, tend it, and help it flourish. He was responsible for it. I believe looking after our own 'gardens' remains our masculine purpose, and we all implicitly know it." He comes back to this frequently. However, he completely skips over the other part of God's mandate for Adam, which was, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it." (Gen. 1:28) Obviously, I don't think that he's wrong to say that men are supposed to guard, tend, and look after our own "gardens." But if you are going back to Adam to find THE purpose for men, you can't just take the part of God's mandate that fits your emphasis and skip over the rest. At least explain why you don't include "subdue the world, and rule over all the animals" as part of our masculine purpose.
2. Man's purpose, continued. – He has a very "women and children" focus for man's purpose. What about the emphasis in the epistles about older men training up younger men, or even younger, more mature men's need to be examples to the less mature men (1 Tim. 4:12)? It's not that he's wrong about protecting women and children, but that's not the thing the Bible makes the #1 priority for men, to the exclusion of other things. Instead it is one of many responsibilities men have.
3. His frequent use of dramatic stories. – It seems that almost all of his illustrations of man fulfilling his purpose of being a protector are dramatic stories about people performing news-worthy acts of heroism: climbing the side of a building to save a 4-year-old boy, tackling a potential kidnapper and holding him in a headlock until the police arrive, a man diving into a river to pull a women out of a sinking car, etc. He's trying to make the point that even seemingly small actions can make a big difference, and yet he feels the need to share stories of big actions, not small ones. Why not highlight small acts, and how they can make a difference? Things like calling up a friend who is discouraged can be a form of "showing up" and protecting. Offering to help drive a friend to the airport, even if it will be at 4am, and you know you will be extremely tired. But you do it anyway, because that can take a load off their mind about having to find someone.
4. His emphasis on being attractive to women. – This was something that really surprised me. He frequently refers to things that we, as men, can and should do, and one of the motivations to do them? Because they make us more attractive to women. "I'll show slides of real men helping people and use actual photos from news stories: a solider carrying an old woman out of a village, two guys helping a family into a boat during a flood, a middle-aged guy pulling a baby out of an overturned car in a canal. Some of the men are a little overweight, some balding, some covered in filth. Nobody has ripped abs. But it doesn't matter. I'll ask a seeming non sequitur. 'Oh, by the way, a question for the ladies: Do you find these men attractive?' The response, without fail, has been immediate, vocal, and emphatic. 'YEEEEEEEEEESSSS!!!' I do this because I want the males in the audience to feel the reaction. I want them to remember it… the women freak out. Why? Because these men are doing their thing as protectors. That's it." Story about a man climbing a building to save a small boy, "Every single woman in the world admires this guy. Every single women thinks that what he did is very, very attractive." Or, "Angry guys aren’t attractive. Men of action are." And many, many more such illustrations. It's not that being attractive is wrong, but is that really a good thing to highlight as a motivation to do what is right? Isn’t that falling into the same trap that he is trying to avoid? A self-focused motivation? Sure, I would rather men be protectors than abusers, even if they are only doing it because they want to be desired by women, but should that really be a key motivating factor for Christians? Isn't that ultimately also selfish? I was really surprised that he made such a big emphasis all the way throughout the book, it just seemed so out of place.
Which actually raises an extremely fundamental question. "How do you motivate someone to do the right thing?" As Christians, it should be enough to know that something is good, and right, and glorifies God. That should be sufficient motivation. But for a non-Christian, saying "You should do this because it glorifies God" is meaningless. In our flesh, we are all motivated by selfishness. And if you do not have the Spirit, then you are only in the flesh. Hansen frequently draws on both selfish motivations like a desire to be desired by women, or a desire to not be a lonely old man at the end of your life, a desire to not miss out on the fulfilling joys around you, etc. – The very core reason for living is fundamentally different for Christians and non-Christians. If a book seeking to motivate people to do right is going to have any success with non-Christians it needs to include selfish motivators, but are such things appropriate motivators for a Christian audience? Just food for thought.
It is absolutely true that society's perception of the ideal man misses the mark. And this book tries to correct that misperception. I think it gets closer. However, I feel it falls short. It makes me appreciate just how difficult it would be to write a book that fully describes what being a man should look like, biblically, and in our modern day and age. That is the book we need.
I know that my list of critiques is much longer than the praises, that's simply because when something is right, there's not much else that needs said.
But don't get me wrong, this book is not bad. I would even say that it's good—I just wish it were better.
The author has a great sense of humor and keeps the writing entertaining. Which makes it an easy read that didn't drag on or become tedious. He weaves in many scriptural concepts and emphases such as the need for self-control, contentment, self-sacrificial love, and others. It wasn't super deep, but not every book needs to be. There is a place for books that remind us of things that we already know. It was still very thought provoking.
There were however several things which seemed really "off."
1. Man's purpose. – Hansen writes, "God gave Adam the job of looking after the garden and the things within. He was to guard it, tend it, and help it flourish. He was responsible for it. I believe looking after our own 'gardens' remains our masculine purpose, and we all implicitly know it." He comes back to this frequently. However, he completely skips over the other part of God's mandate for Adam, which was, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it." (Gen. 1:28) Obviously, I don't think that he's wrong to say that men are supposed to guard, tend, and look after our own "gardens." But if you are going back to Adam to find THE purpose for men, you can't just take the part of God's mandate that fits your emphasis and skip over the rest. At least explain why you don't include "subdue the world, and rule over all the animals" as part of our masculine purpose.
2. Man's purpose, continued. – He has a very "women and children" focus for man's purpose. What about the emphasis in the epistles about older men training up younger men, or even younger, more mature men's need to be examples to the less mature men (1 Tim. 4:12)? It's not that he's wrong about protecting women and children, but that's not the thing the Bible makes the #1 priority for men, to the exclusion of other things. Instead it is one of many responsibilities men have.
3. His frequent use of dramatic stories. – It seems that almost all of his illustrations of man fulfilling his purpose of being a protector are dramatic stories about people performing news-worthy acts of heroism: climbing the side of a building to save a 4-year-old boy, tackling a potential kidnapper and holding him in a headlock until the police arrive, a man diving into a river to pull a women out of a sinking car, etc. He's trying to make the point that even seemingly small actions can make a big difference, and yet he feels the need to share stories of big actions, not small ones. Why not highlight small acts, and how they can make a difference? Things like calling up a friend who is discouraged can be a form of "showing up" and protecting. Offering to help drive a friend to the airport, even if it will be at 4am, and you know you will be extremely tired. But you do it anyway, because that can take a load off their mind about having to find someone.
4. His emphasis on being attractive to women. – This was something that really surprised me. He frequently refers to things that we, as men, can and should do, and one of the motivations to do them? Because they make us more attractive to women. "I'll show slides of real men helping people and use actual photos from news stories: a solider carrying an old woman out of a village, two guys helping a family into a boat during a flood, a middle-aged guy pulling a baby out of an overturned car in a canal. Some of the men are a little overweight, some balding, some covered in filth. Nobody has ripped abs. But it doesn't matter. I'll ask a seeming non sequitur. 'Oh, by the way, a question for the ladies: Do you find these men attractive?' The response, without fail, has been immediate, vocal, and emphatic. 'YEEEEEEEEEESSSS!!!' I do this because I want the males in the audience to feel the reaction. I want them to remember it… the women freak out. Why? Because these men are doing their thing as protectors. That's it." Story about a man climbing a building to save a small boy, "Every single woman in the world admires this guy. Every single women thinks that what he did is very, very attractive." Or, "Angry guys aren’t attractive. Men of action are." And many, many more such illustrations. It's not that being attractive is wrong, but is that really a good thing to highlight as a motivation to do what is right? Isn’t that falling into the same trap that he is trying to avoid? A self-focused motivation? Sure, I would rather men be protectors than abusers, even if they are only doing it because they want to be desired by women, but should that really be a key motivating factor for Christians? Isn't that ultimately also selfish? I was really surprised that he made such a big emphasis all the way throughout the book, it just seemed so out of place.
Which actually raises an extremely fundamental question. "How do you motivate someone to do the right thing?" As Christians, it should be enough to know that something is good, and right, and glorifies God. That should be sufficient motivation. But for a non-Christian, saying "You should do this because it glorifies God" is meaningless. In our flesh, we are all motivated by selfishness. And if you do not have the Spirit, then you are only in the flesh. Hansen frequently draws on both selfish motivations like a desire to be desired by women, or a desire to not be a lonely old man at the end of your life, a desire to not miss out on the fulfilling joys around you, etc. – The very core reason for living is fundamentally different for Christians and non-Christians. If a book seeking to motivate people to do right is going to have any success with non-Christians it needs to include selfish motivators, but are such things appropriate motivators for a Christian audience? Just food for thought.
It is absolutely true that society's perception of the ideal man misses the mark. And this book tries to correct that misperception. I think it gets closer. However, I feel it falls short. It makes me appreciate just how difficult it would be to write a book that fully describes what being a man should look like, biblically, and in our modern day and age. That is the book we need.
I know that my list of critiques is much longer than the praises, that's simply because when something is right, there's not much else that needs said.
But don't get me wrong, this book is not bad. I would even say that it's good—I just wish it were better.
June 6, 2024
Could really get on board with most of his stuff. A refreshing read especially for the Christian manhood genre. Only thing I would quibble with is he claims to be writing a book that isn’t “theology” and at the same time isn’t “social commentary” because “the world doesn’t need more of either.” But then he talks about characteristics and qualities of God and quotes a bunch of sociological statistics. I think it’s fine to not be a theologian and say you’re doing theology. I think it’s fine to not be an anthropologist / sociologist and quote some statistics. Just like it’s fine to change your own transmission fluid without claiming you’re a mechanic. Maybe he’s just trying to be humble (or special) but it’s ok to just say you wrote another book that deploys theology and statistics about society (God’s truth) to make your points.
February 5, 2024
I knew within the first few minutes of starting this book that it was going to be phenomenal. Not only was that so, but I can also say that this is my favorite book in recent memory.
The central theme that Hansen gets across is very near and dear to my heart. As men, we have a duty to the world around us to walk with integrity in all aspects of our lives. Whether it be in our marriage, with our kids, or even to a stranger that needs a little hope, our responsibility is to be "keepers of our own personal garden." In a society where men have given up and given into the temptation of chasing dopamine rather than a fulfilled life, this concept seems to be lost on us.
As a Christian, my prayer after reading this book is that I would become the type of man that the world around us desperately needs. I highly recommend this book, especially if you are a young man that needs guided in the right direction. You will certainly find that guidance by reading this one!
The central theme that Hansen gets across is very near and dear to my heart. As men, we have a duty to the world around us to walk with integrity in all aspects of our lives. Whether it be in our marriage, with our kids, or even to a stranger that needs a little hope, our responsibility is to be "keepers of our own personal garden." In a society where men have given up and given into the temptation of chasing dopamine rather than a fulfilled life, this concept seems to be lost on us.
As a Christian, my prayer after reading this book is that I would become the type of man that the world around us desperately needs. I highly recommend this book, especially if you are a young man that needs guided in the right direction. You will certainly find that guidance by reading this one!
March 12, 2022
Brant has written another masterful book, calling out Christian men to take an active role in their lives, in their families, and in their communities. A lot of this was good life advice for men and women (shelter your kids, don't trade in real for fake), but I appreciate how Brant has cast such a strong vision for an engaged, active man who protects his family and those around him and makes the world safer with his presence, who puts aside the false offerings of the world in exchange for real relationships and adventures, who invest in relationships and worthwhile pursuits, and who take responsibility.
Brant is a strong writer with an excellent sense of humor. He blends Scriptural interpretation, sociological studies, current events, and personal experience to create memorable vignettes which artfully convey his message. He is relatable and funny, and overall never seems preachy or overly judgy in his writing-- instead, he shares from his own struggles, his own areas of growth, and he invites readers to grow alongside him. The specific and practical steps really struck me as something the boys and men in my life would benefit from. Finally, this book helped me really appreciate my husband and gave me ideas of how to honor and support him. After finishing "The Men We Need," I better appreciate how he sacrifices for our family and protects us.
Brant is a strong writer with an excellent sense of humor. He blends Scriptural interpretation, sociological studies, current events, and personal experience to create memorable vignettes which artfully convey his message. He is relatable and funny, and overall never seems preachy or overly judgy in his writing-- instead, he shares from his own struggles, his own areas of growth, and he invites readers to grow alongside him. The specific and practical steps really struck me as something the boys and men in my life would benefit from. Finally, this book helped me really appreciate my husband and gave me ideas of how to honor and support him. After finishing "The Men We Need," I better appreciate how he sacrifices for our family and protects us.
March 5, 2024
An excellent read for anybody and everybody. The overall theme is being the protector of the garden. Leading our family and community towards Christ. Gives a great perspective of life in the big picture in terms of various seasons we will encounter.
April 19, 2025
As always, Brant Hansen delivers a great book!
This is definitely geared more towards men, but us women can get quite a bit of takeaways as well.
I’m looking forward to the day when my son is old enough to pass along these books.
I listened to the audiobook and it was great 👍🏼
This is definitely geared more towards men, but us women can get quite a bit of takeaways as well.
I’m looking forward to the day when my son is old enough to pass along these books.
I listened to the audiobook and it was great 👍🏼
March 23, 2022
For those familiar with Hansen’s other works, this fourth offering of wisdom is a familiar one. Hansen’s dry humor, quirky delivery, and humble thoughtfulness cover the topic of “christian masculinity,” and what men must decide if they want to be what God desires. Divided into six sections or “decisions,” anecdotes pair with essays, interspersed with humorous interjection and asides. Gentle conviction is common with every page, and yet, Hansen commiserates with us in describing his own failures and fears. He is not the Hero of his book; merely one of the Men We Need. And, indeed, the man of extroversion, introversion, or indecision has hope and something for them within.
March 30, 2022
Hansen has done it again! He combines the perfect level of humor and depth in each of his books and The Men We Need is no exception. The chapters are short and manageable, but also powerful to remind us of who we were meant to be. While the book obviously does have a focus on men, I as a woman also found it extremely helpful and encouraging! I would highly recommend this book for small church groups to go through together. I’m also really looking forward to the audiobook version which Brant has personally read historically. I can’t say enough about how much I enjoyed this book! Go buy it!
February 9, 2024
10/10 every man (and woman) should read. Men of integrity and character. Men with a purpose. Men who are disciplined and want to work hard. Men who put down the video games and fight real battles for the vulnerable. Men of courage. Men who show up. Men of character. Brant Hansen is right, these are the men we need. I really appreciated the practicality of this book, the logical arguments that were made, the wide range of topics pertaining to biblical manhood, and the humor which was especially fun on audio. I also found takeaways that could be applied even for women, particularly in the chapters about how what we do and what we don’t do actually matters and actually affects others and about how we are constantly becoming something. Definitely a worthwhile read.
July 16, 2025
In a world ranting against men for being either patriarchal or mysogynist, the question remains: what does it actually mean to be a man?
Written in an easy-to-read conversational style, with short chapters, the narrative of men tasked to be "keepers of the garden" was a refreshing take on masculinity.
Chock full of nuggets of both exhortation and encouragement, The Men We Need brings timely perspective to what often feels like a complex conversation.
As a single woman, I am probably the last kind of audience Hansen imagined for this book. As a single woman, I needed to read this book. Maybe you do too.
Written in an easy-to-read conversational style, with short chapters, the narrative of men tasked to be "keepers of the garden" was a refreshing take on masculinity.
Chock full of nuggets of both exhortation and encouragement, The Men We Need brings timely perspective to what often feels like a complex conversation.
As a single woman, I am probably the last kind of audience Hansen imagined for this book. As a single woman, I needed to read this book. Maybe you do too.
March 14, 2022
I love this book. The book challenges us on practical things , but challenges us in a way that does not shame those of us who have made mistakes. The stories really make his point and you will be very encouraged that what you do matters - a lot.
March 9, 2022
Fantastic book - highly recommend. This book is full of wisdom that is often overlooked. I found it very encouraging and appreciate the fresh perspective.
January 1, 2023
3.75 stars.
The Men We Need has some excellent, hard hitting truths. Hansen’s witty style had me engaged through most of the book, and I enjoyed much of what he had to say. The book is a wakeup call for those who have lapsed into not taking care of what they’ve been entrusted with, investing resources into non-worthwhile (and non-eternal) things, and generally being apathetic in most areas of life. There were plenty of puff-my-chest, lift-my-chin moments for me as I considered my God-given call as a man.
Hansen seems to start with action steps and what men should do, followed by what men should be in their character and behavior. I thought the first four chapters had lots and lots of great, gracious wisdom regarding what men should be doing. Hansen’s view of man’s work, tendency to indulge in fake things, and their interaction with women, children, and the vulnerable were all highly valuable.
The book sputters at the finish line, though. It still has some helpful insights for the common man, but instead of rooting the previous call-to-arms-heavy chapters with truths regarding who we are in Christ as a result of his redeeming mankind, and seeing how that creates fruits of the Spirit, it continues to harp on how we should behave without any real “how.” It reminds me of Colossians 3:20-23: extreme self-discipline is not helpful for avoiding the desires of the flesh - only seeing Jesus fulfill the law for us is. I worry someone reading this that is prone to legalism and heavy self-criticism would take the book as a weight on their shoulders instead of a galvanizing push in the right direction.
The book was at its best when it incorporated simple points from Scripture, and while I would have preferred to see more of it (like his excellent chapter on anger), I’d still recommend this book for young men to read with their fathers, but with Gospel encouragement at the ready.
The Men We Need has some excellent, hard hitting truths. Hansen’s witty style had me engaged through most of the book, and I enjoyed much of what he had to say. The book is a wakeup call for those who have lapsed into not taking care of what they’ve been entrusted with, investing resources into non-worthwhile (and non-eternal) things, and generally being apathetic in most areas of life. There were plenty of puff-my-chest, lift-my-chin moments for me as I considered my God-given call as a man.
Hansen seems to start with action steps and what men should do, followed by what men should be in their character and behavior. I thought the first four chapters had lots and lots of great, gracious wisdom regarding what men should be doing. Hansen’s view of man’s work, tendency to indulge in fake things, and their interaction with women, children, and the vulnerable were all highly valuable.
The book sputters at the finish line, though. It still has some helpful insights for the common man, but instead of rooting the previous call-to-arms-heavy chapters with truths regarding who we are in Christ as a result of his redeeming mankind, and seeing how that creates fruits of the Spirit, it continues to harp on how we should behave without any real “how.” It reminds me of Colossians 3:20-23: extreme self-discipline is not helpful for avoiding the desires of the flesh - only seeing Jesus fulfill the law for us is. I worry someone reading this that is prone to legalism and heavy self-criticism would take the book as a weight on their shoulders instead of a galvanizing push in the right direction.
The book was at its best when it incorporated simple points from Scripture, and while I would have preferred to see more of it (like his excellent chapter on anger), I’d still recommend this book for young men to read with their fathers, but with Gospel encouragement at the ready.
July 9, 2023
A humorous, yet serious look at what non-toxic Christian masculinity should look like!
To say I'm a bit jaded about the Christian publishing complex is a bit of an understatement, so the fact that I thoroughly enjoyed this book is a bit surprising. I might quibble a bit with Hansen's premise that the identifiable primary purpose for all men is for them to protect women and other vulnerable people around them. But I do agree at least that it's certainly a good trait for men to have, and the way he outlines it is perhaps a helpful reminder to the Anabaptist community I'm from where people sometimes tend to either a sort of pacifist passivity or a worldly machismo, neither of which is ideal. After reading a number of books about the pitfalls of purity culture (which are very necessary books btw!), it was a refreshing change to read a book with a positive vision for men that isn't based on worldly ideals of dominance. Hansen shows how all men, from the accordion players to accountants to lumberjacks can be God's man. I was encouraged that he didn't err in the way some manliness authors have tended to, but instead reminding me that it's 100% their choice whether they choose to lust if they notice someone attractive, regardless of how they're dressed. Also, he reminds us that anger is more a toddler trait than a manliness trait. That said, his message is primarily focused to husbands and fathers, and while he makes clear singleness isn't an inferior life, he leaves it to them to figure out how to adapt his message to their situation, which is a minor critique I had.
I read this listening to the audiobook version and I recommend it. I love his not-to-serious tone with a dash of self deprecating humor and listening to it in his voice really seals the deal!
To say I'm a bit jaded about the Christian publishing complex is a bit of an understatement, so the fact that I thoroughly enjoyed this book is a bit surprising. I might quibble a bit with Hansen's premise that the identifiable primary purpose for all men is for them to protect women and other vulnerable people around them. But I do agree at least that it's certainly a good trait for men to have, and the way he outlines it is perhaps a helpful reminder to the Anabaptist community I'm from where people sometimes tend to either a sort of pacifist passivity or a worldly machismo, neither of which is ideal. After reading a number of books about the pitfalls of purity culture (which are very necessary books btw!), it was a refreshing change to read a book with a positive vision for men that isn't based on worldly ideals of dominance. Hansen shows how all men, from the accordion players to accountants to lumberjacks can be God's man. I was encouraged that he didn't err in the way some manliness authors have tended to, but instead reminding me that it's 100% their choice whether they choose to lust if they notice someone attractive, regardless of how they're dressed. Also, he reminds us that anger is more a toddler trait than a manliness trait. That said, his message is primarily focused to husbands and fathers, and while he makes clear singleness isn't an inferior life, he leaves it to them to figure out how to adapt his message to their situation, which is a minor critique I had.
I read this listening to the audiobook version and I recommend it. I love his not-to-serious tone with a dash of self deprecating humor and listening to it in his voice really seals the deal!
Read
March 24, 2022As a Mom that’s raising young men, as an encourager to my husband, and in ministry with wonderful brothers in Christ, this book is such a good read. When culture tries to sway and give us false truth, this book gives a very real and practical layout for quality manliness.
Some of my favorite quotes:
"What you pay attention to is everything. It determines who you will become."
"We can harbor selfishness and bitterness at nineteen and maybe get away with it while we're still youthful. But over time, it will shape us and misshape us."
"Don't confuse your emotions--or lack of emotions--with spirituality."
"Sometimes you might 'feel' God around, sometimes you won't.
But that's never the point. He's looking for loyalty."
"Contentment brings freedom. Discontentment makes you dependent."
Some of my favorite quotes:
"What you pay attention to is everything. It determines who you will become."
"We can harbor selfishness and bitterness at nineteen and maybe get away with it while we're still youthful. But over time, it will shape us and misshape us."
"Don't confuse your emotions--or lack of emotions--with spirituality."
"Sometimes you might 'feel' God around, sometimes you won't.
But that's never the point. He's looking for loyalty."
"Contentment brings freedom. Discontentment makes you dependent."
September 2, 2022
This is a fantastic take on what we need right now in society, without being preachy or judgmental. Brant comes off as very authentic and likeable, as he does on his podcast. His wit provides some cushion in the parts where he has to deliver a light blow to people, and he always admits that he is also talking to himself. Very easy to read - short chapters, conversational tone. Would recommend to women and men alike! WELL DONE!
March 19, 2022
I keep bringing this book up in conversation with friends. Brant is not adding more to men’s To Do list with his Six Decisions; he’s putting into words the choices everyone is making every day whether we know it or not. If we’ve learned anything in the past few years, it’s that so much is out of our control – but each and every one of us gets to decide how we respond – how we play our part in our own lives. The Men We Need is so clarifying, for parents raising boys, for young women weighing what matters in a future spouse, and for men of every age, because we each get to decide what matters in the one life we’ve been given. The best part is that he writes with a wry wit and humor akin to Dave Barry, so the book doesn’t feel like a lecture or (dare I say it?) a sermon. Yes, his perspective is Christian and he’s drawing on Biblical history and wisdom, but no matter your spiritual background, what Brant Hansen says is just good sense and well worth your time to consider. In quick easy to read bite-size chapters Brant Hanson breaks down the six decisions that could literally (and I’m only using a tiny bit of hyperbole here) change the course of your entire life.
The six decisions:
1. Forsake the Fake and Relish the Real
2. Protect the Vulnerable
3. Be Ambitious about the Right Things
4. Make Women and children Feel Safe, Not Threatened
5. Choose Today Who You Will Become Tomorrow
6. Take Responsibility for your own spiritual life
A few of my favorite snippets:
“taking responsibility is the very essence of masculinity”
“It’s remarkable how good we are at shifting an argument or even fashioning a whole new worldview in order to dodge blame. We’re sophisticated at it.”
“The world… needs men who resist distortion, who engage reality at all times, and who are fully real themselves.”
“If your “love” for a woman dies when she fails to give you good feelings, you didn’t love her; you loved you.”
“Who you are reverberates through your home and neighborhood and the world”
5/5. Read this book. Buy a copy for your son, your daughter, anyone who needs a positive vision for their life. (which is pretty much everyone rn) Read it together. Pass it on. Trust me, it’s that good.
The six decisions:
1. Forsake the Fake and Relish the Real
2. Protect the Vulnerable
3. Be Ambitious about the Right Things
4. Make Women and children Feel Safe, Not Threatened
5. Choose Today Who You Will Become Tomorrow
6. Take Responsibility for your own spiritual life
A few of my favorite snippets:
“taking responsibility is the very essence of masculinity”
“It’s remarkable how good we are at shifting an argument or even fashioning a whole new worldview in order to dodge blame. We’re sophisticated at it.”
“The world… needs men who resist distortion, who engage reality at all times, and who are fully real themselves.”
“If your “love” for a woman dies when she fails to give you good feelings, you didn’t love her; you loved you.”
“Who you are reverberates through your home and neighborhood and the world”
5/5. Read this book. Buy a copy for your son, your daughter, anyone who needs a positive vision for their life. (which is pretty much everyone rn) Read it together. Pass it on. Trust me, it’s that good.
June 8, 2022
I find a lot of books on biblical masculinity to be not terribly helpful, but this one was actually rather good. While there weren't a ton of new insights from it, Hansen made some good points and was a fairly engaging writer to boot.
Rating: 3.5-4 Stars (Good).
Rating: 3.5-4 Stars (Good).
February 16, 2024
Fantastic. Not only for men but also for women.
March 2, 2025
Book: 3/5
Watchmen table group discussions: 5/5
Watchmen table group discussions: 5/5
September 6, 2023
This is an excellent book concerning the necessity of being a good man and for women who desire a good man in their lives. An easy & fast read with very short chapter that touch on a great many things men should know. Factoids and wisdom necessary to be a good man for your wife, for your children, your church, society/community, etc. You will not regret reading this book, nor its contents! Well worth your time to read.
March 7, 2022
I received a complimentary copy.
This is a brief, yet bold book for today and the author tackles the issue unashamedly. Blending his personal experiences, his understanding of God's purpose for men, some sociological study and generous slices of self-deprecating humor he outlines the intended role of men as "keepers of the garden". Hansen writes from a traditional Christian perspective and as such his intended audience is younger Christian men, but in no way is this book limited to just those individuals. I have enjoyed Brant's Hansen's previous three books and he didn't break that streak with the fourth.
This is a brief, yet bold book for today and the author tackles the issue unashamedly. Blending his personal experiences, his understanding of God's purpose for men, some sociological study and generous slices of self-deprecating humor he outlines the intended role of men as "keepers of the garden". Hansen writes from a traditional Christian perspective and as such his intended audience is younger Christian men, but in no way is this book limited to just those individuals. I have enjoyed Brant's Hansen's previous three books and he didn't break that streak with the fourth.
November 7, 2024
The good: 1 - this book missed a lot of the pitfalls that most Christian books on manhood fall into. Did not just baptize machismo and call it “biblical manhood.” Painted a picture of manhood that is broad enough for all sorts of men to find compelling. 2 - the writing was engaging and funny. Lots of great self-deprecating humor which makes a book like this easier to stomach. 3 - the discussion questions at the end were really helpful. I read this with a men’s group from church and we had great discussions. 4 - the six decisions it covers all felt relevant to me as a man.
The bad: 1 - this book did a very poor job of pointing to the gospel as the source of change. So much of the things laid out in here were “here’s what it looks like to be a man and by golly if you just commit to it enough you can do it!” The author constantly talks about how men are called to be “Keepers of the Garden”, taking up the mantle where Adam failed. Not once did he mention the faithfulness of the second Adam (Jesus) as the very source of our forgiveness and ultimately our ability to obey. This book needed a healthy dose of “it is finished” before it ever got to “now you go and do this.” Honestly, without the gospel the things that he suggests will just become a new law that crushes men rather than equipping them to be like Jesus. 2 - there were several “if you do this women will find you attractive” comments thrown in throughout the book. Maybe that’s helpful for a single young guy who’s looking for motivation to grow up but for a married guy in his 30s that just felt gross. 3- there is no mention of friendship in this book. How in the world can I expect to be a good man without having friends who know me deeply and hold me accountable to being a certain type of person. 4 - there was barely anything mentioned about the church. I have zero confidence that anyone can become a man after God’s own heart by reading his Bible, praying, and trying really hard **by himself** Without the fellowship, prayers, Word, and sacrament found in the church any efforts at “biblical manhood” is a fools errand.
Overall, can be a helpful book if you read it with a group of guys and keep the gospel in the conversation.
The bad: 1 - this book did a very poor job of pointing to the gospel as the source of change. So much of the things laid out in here were “here’s what it looks like to be a man and by golly if you just commit to it enough you can do it!” The author constantly talks about how men are called to be “Keepers of the Garden”, taking up the mantle where Adam failed. Not once did he mention the faithfulness of the second Adam (Jesus) as the very source of our forgiveness and ultimately our ability to obey. This book needed a healthy dose of “it is finished” before it ever got to “now you go and do this.” Honestly, without the gospel the things that he suggests will just become a new law that crushes men rather than equipping them to be like Jesus. 2 - there were several “if you do this women will find you attractive” comments thrown in throughout the book. Maybe that’s helpful for a single young guy who’s looking for motivation to grow up but for a married guy in his 30s that just felt gross. 3- there is no mention of friendship in this book. How in the world can I expect to be a good man without having friends who know me deeply and hold me accountable to being a certain type of person. 4 - there was barely anything mentioned about the church. I have zero confidence that anyone can become a man after God’s own heart by reading his Bible, praying, and trying really hard **by himself** Without the fellowship, prayers, Word, and sacrament found in the church any efforts at “biblical manhood” is a fools errand.
Overall, can be a helpful book if you read it with a group of guys and keep the gospel in the conversation.
March 26, 2022
You never know what you're getting into with Brant Hansen...BUT It's always SO GOOD! (I was lucky to get an advanced copy after pre-ordering the book.) This book is one that you'll want to own at least two of one to keep and one to loan out!
This book has a plethora of great encouragement on so many topics that boys and men need to hear. Porn. Gaming. Anger. Attitude. Focus. Character. Loyalty. And that's not even all of it!
"Anger stops us from growing up..."
"I’m a sinner and an addict. And so are you. We’re all addicted to ourselves. I justify and rationalize, and I’m biased toward myself in every interaction. I think about myself nearly every minute of every day."
I can't wait to get the audio book so I can put it on while my kids are in the car with me. Boys need to hear this to glean what they can and should be. Girls need to hear this to know what to look for in friends and for their future. Men need to hear this so they see where they might need to grow. Women need to hear this to know a different view other than their own.
We all do the things we know we shouldn't, because we're all human. Brant lays it out in how to combat that to not only make ourselves better but also how to make our little world around us better.
"Don't follow your heart ---- open your eyes."
This book has a plethora of great encouragement on so many topics that boys and men need to hear. Porn. Gaming. Anger. Attitude. Focus. Character. Loyalty. And that's not even all of it!
"Anger stops us from growing up..."
"I’m a sinner and an addict. And so are you. We’re all addicted to ourselves. I justify and rationalize, and I’m biased toward myself in every interaction. I think about myself nearly every minute of every day."
I can't wait to get the audio book so I can put it on while my kids are in the car with me. Boys need to hear this to glean what they can and should be. Girls need to hear this to know what to look for in friends and for their future. Men need to hear this so they see where they might need to grow. Women need to hear this to know a different view other than their own.
We all do the things we know we shouldn't, because we're all human. Brant lays it out in how to combat that to not only make ourselves better but also how to make our little world around us better.
"Don't follow your heart ---- open your eyes."
May 15, 2024
Books about men tend to be about leaders. They seem to convey the fact that men should be buff and outdoorsy and have beards. Aside from the beard I don’t match any of those descriptions. And that’s the reason why this book hooked me from the title. The Men We Need: God’s Purpose did the Manly Man, the Avid Indoorsman (that’s me!), or Any Man Willing to Show Up. And the rest of the book was just as good as the title.
Brant Hansen (the author) throughout the book provides six different decisions that Christian men should pursue that all stem from the idea of men being keepers of their garden. Hansen shows that the Bible calls men to protect others and provide them with an environment to help them grow to be more like Christ. It was challenging and heartfelt and often quite humorous.
One of the things I appreciated about the book was the direction that Hansen was writing from. Oftentimes these kinds of books put forward the idea that men are to act Biblically because we are called to by God. And this is true, and reiterated by Hansen. But Hansen also brings up how living against God’s commands can also have a horrific consequence on the lives of others. He shows that men pursuing sin affects more than just themselves. And that is a wonderful motivation for growth alongside striving to honor God.
Short, concise, and easy to read I highly suggest this book. And not just for men. But for any Christian women to also see how to encourage men to pursue a life of God-honoring purpose.
Brant Hansen (the author) throughout the book provides six different decisions that Christian men should pursue that all stem from the idea of men being keepers of their garden. Hansen shows that the Bible calls men to protect others and provide them with an environment to help them grow to be more like Christ. It was challenging and heartfelt and often quite humorous.
One of the things I appreciated about the book was the direction that Hansen was writing from. Oftentimes these kinds of books put forward the idea that men are to act Biblically because we are called to by God. And this is true, and reiterated by Hansen. But Hansen also brings up how living against God’s commands can also have a horrific consequence on the lives of others. He shows that men pursuing sin affects more than just themselves. And that is a wonderful motivation for growth alongside striving to honor God.
Short, concise, and easy to read I highly suggest this book. And not just for men. But for any Christian women to also see how to encourage men to pursue a life of God-honoring purpose.
April 11, 2024
The Men We Need is a must-read for any young men trying to find their place in a world that continually degrades men. Many men in this era are either weak and effeminate or misogynistic and cruel. Hansen would have us be a different kind of man, the kind of man we were created to be. Keepers and protectors of the garden.
The man Brant Hansen calls us to be is a counter cultural man. Using the gifts God has given us, we should fulfill our role in life to the best of our ability. A man of self-control, honesty, humility, gentleness, loving those around us. Keeping our community and family safe by taking action, not standing aside for someone else to solve our problems. By using our eyes, not blindly following our hearts. By taking responsibility, not shifting blame. Taking action to better the lives of those around us, being the men we have the potential to be, not coasting through life and forsaking the gifts we've been given.
All the points in this book seem incredibly obvious, but are often looked over in lieu of the *actual* toxic traits of masculinity commonly seen in this world. We should strive to be the men that God created us to be, protectors over that which he has given us to steward. Hansen nails this concept in a very easy to digest format. He is an excellent narrator, and the audio version of this book is very approachable. Highly recommend for men looking to better themselves or women looking to clarify how a Godly man should behave and what values he should hold dear. Now more than ever these are the kind of men we need.
The man Brant Hansen calls us to be is a counter cultural man. Using the gifts God has given us, we should fulfill our role in life to the best of our ability. A man of self-control, honesty, humility, gentleness, loving those around us. Keeping our community and family safe by taking action, not standing aside for someone else to solve our problems. By using our eyes, not blindly following our hearts. By taking responsibility, not shifting blame. Taking action to better the lives of those around us, being the men we have the potential to be, not coasting through life and forsaking the gifts we've been given.
All the points in this book seem incredibly obvious, but are often looked over in lieu of the *actual* toxic traits of masculinity commonly seen in this world. We should strive to be the men that God created us to be, protectors over that which he has given us to steward. Hansen nails this concept in a very easy to digest format. He is an excellent narrator, and the audio version of this book is very approachable. Highly recommend for men looking to better themselves or women looking to clarify how a Godly man should behave and what values he should hold dear. Now more than ever these are the kind of men we need.
September 26, 2022
Brant is back with his signature blend of relatable humor and convicting truth. I am thankful to have a guidebook with 6 simple but profound decisions to help align me with God's design as a man. And it's a relief to read a book on Christian masculinity with all the usual cliche trappings about being outdoors and whatnot. This is way more than that!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 380 reviews