The Manual: Getting masculinity right

by Al Stewart

Understanding what it means to be male has never been more confusing. As more male behavior is called out for being patriarchal or toxic, how does a man navigate these waters? What does healthy masculinity even look like, and what examples are there of good men that can be followed?

In Al Stewart’s new book, The Manual, he explores so many of the issues that men struggle with. The Manual is written to men, for men and about men and is one of those great books that outlines the issues but also gives practical help in how to live your life as a man who is valued by others. Al works through much of the current debate on masculinity and finds helpful advice from many experts but most importantly works through what the Bible has to say about men and how being a follower of Jesus is central to living a life the loves and serves others. A life that exhibits what healthy masculinity means.

The Manual is refreshingly honest as Al works through some of his own struggles with the aim of helping others avoid similar mistakes. It explores a general understanding of manhood but also drills down into what it means to be a healthy son, workmate, friend, singleman, husband and father. Al makes no bones about his belief in Jesus and the central role his faith has in making him a better man and urges other men to hear the good news of who Jesus is and the difference he makes in all walks of life.

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Nonfiction

267 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 14, 2022

About the author

There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads data base.

Reviews

[Joel Davison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book so it was indeed. It’s good to be a man etc, only didn’t give it a Michelle Pfeiffer cause it had chapters that didn’t apply to myself anol

[Marty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book that every guy should read. Helpful to see what true masculinity is and how the Bible defines it, using power to self-sacrificially to care and nurture those around you.

[Joel Rasmussen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good high level view on Christian masculinity. The book draws from good men and scripture and distills it down to simple easy to action ideas and steps for men wanting to move towards Christian masculinity.

If this is something you've read about before I would not say this book is for you. If masculinity and its place in Christian patriarchy is new to you then this is a great start.

[James Kellahan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Man up and read this book

[Dan Sanders-Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really helpful practical book full of biblical wisdom, I particularly benefitted from the chapters on friendship and marriage.

I felt uneasy about the author’s repeated references to prominent universalist Richard Rohr’s work in one of the chapters, but aside from this I have no criticisms of this book.

[Mariah Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

*disclaimer: I am not a man.* 😆
I bought this for my boys, the oldest especially, hoping to cultivate some discussion between them and their dad as they get older. While I also read the book, appreciating the insight as I try to raise some men, I give this book four stars based on what discussions I overheard as they discussed the ideas within this book.

[David Lasseter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great guidance for young men and fathers, Christian or non.

[Josiah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read! Enjoyed every part of it and was challenged in helpful ways. I particularly liked chapter 5: "How to look after future you".

However, I found that because Al was appealing to a non Christian, as well as a Christian, audience, that it wasn't as biblically grounded as I thought it might be. Though, I think this was an attempt to not be as overt and so be off putting to the non Christian reader. But regardless, Al provides much wisdom from his many years as a Christian and his relationships as a man which I found invaluable.

Very helpful!

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written in an accessible and engaging style, Stewart provides a wise and thoughtful book for men to think about biblical masculinity. While this book doesn't break any new ground, its strength is the ability to engage with men from a wide range of backgrounds and direct them towards Jesus and practical growth in maturity. This one would be high on my list for young men with little biblical background.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Manning up' the biblical way= using your power to care and nurture those around you. A clear call to biblical masculinity in a world of confusion, with some interesting insights from culture [ie Jordan Peterson], and practical wisdom. Good chapter about patient endurance; the importance of just turning up in life. Good to read with student boys/young men.

[Albert Hehr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book with amazing lessons. It really highlights the meaning of being a man from a religious standpoint and gives keys starting for being a son, friend, and father.

Highly recommend it especially for Christians. If you are not Christian I still think there is a lot of value but keep in mind it is religiously based.

[Luke Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

While the content is not necessarily earth shattering or original, it was refreshing. Presented in an accessible way, with an Australian voice and context, it was easy to read and follow along, and it was good to have an un-Americanised perspective, let alone a thoroughly biblical one that is counter-cultural. Very practical and insightful!

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Al Stewart has done a great job tackling a very thorny topic. I don't agree with everything he writes, but he is measured,well-reasoned and appropriately self-deprecating. He writes from many years of experience as a husband, son and father. A good read!

[Cameron Maxworthy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full of good, practical advice for the expression of Christian masculinity in a number of contexts, ranging from friendship through to fatherhood.

Would recommend this to any Christian man regardless of situation or life stage, as there's bound to be something relevant for them in this book.

[Zach Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Certainly a timely book in an age where biblical manhood is being attacked constantly.
I especially liked his definition of 'healthy masculinity'.
Key takeaways for me were his comments on endurance and the astounding statistics of the effects of fathers on children's growth.

[Matthew Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing. To be a man is to have the power to care for and love those around you. This book has really helped with a lot of my insecurity about growing up and being a man. I feel a bit clearer on what it is in meant to do.

[Louis Prontnicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some helpful reminders of what it means to be a man in the biblical sense.

[Michael Shallvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional! I think every guy would greatly benefit from this. Loads of practical advice, biblical wisdom and insight across a broad range of life stages, circumstances and relationships.

[Timothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book. It contains lots of helpful advice especially for young men.
In a sense, it is mostly common sense, but it is much needed (speaking for myself).

[Daniel Pass · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some great biblical wisdom and insights too about being a good husband father and following the ultimate Man in Jesus.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very accessible book for any man and his friend. We need more books like this that are aimed at men and easy to read, in a time where many men have given up the discipline.

[Lachlan Snowball · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book for Christian men.

[Rohan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I had the wrong expectations going into the book.
Was hoping for some more in-depth analysis / cultural critique (there was some at the start which was helpful, but very little in the second half of the book).

I do want to remember his definition of masculinity: Healthy masculinity is a willingness to take responsibility and use the power you have to care for and nurture those around you.

The second half felt a bit like, here's my advice for your life. Also a tacked on gospel presentation at the end which I don't think was helpful. Would have been better to just focus on one story of Jesus to show how great a man he is.

[William Blanchette · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read, relevant for men today

The book covers the various roles and challenges we face and provides great examples and advice to meet those challenges. The role of faith in Christ is a current that runs through it all and for me answers the Why it matters very thoroughly. A great read—thanks…