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Manly Dominion: In a Passive-Purple-Four-Ball World
Mark Chanski's book is a clarion call to all Christian men to face life's challenges with manly dominion. It will challenge and encourage you to lead, wherever God places you, with Spirit-filled conviction. The wisdom contained herein is from the most reliable source God's Word, the Bible. As you will discover, Chanski touches on just about every subject that a man needs to consider in his life, and he does so with unequaled clarity.
247 pages, Paperback
First published August 22, 2004
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116 people want to read
About the author
Mark Chanski
3 books2 followersMark Chanski has served as a full-time pastor since 1986 and currently pastors Harbor Reformed Baptist Church in Holland, Michigan. He teaches Hermeneutics at Reformed Baptist Seminary and has coordinated the Reformed Baptist Network since 2020. He is the author of Manly Dominion, Womanly Dominion, and Encouragement: Adrenaline for the Soul.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 6, 2014
This is a book full of great practical wisdom for men in a Christian society full of passivity and weakness in regards to husbandship and fatherhood. Unfortunately, I have a hard time rating this any higher because of some concerning semantic issues.
Chanski fixates upon the term "aggressive" as a response to passivity. Considering the connotative meanings of the word, I don't think Chanski does a good enough job adding nuance to his use of the word aggressive and instead shotguns it all over his theology of masculinity. Considering the violent undertones of the word, and the conservative tendency towards overbearing in general, this creates a space for some negative misreadings of Chanski's work. A far better word would have been "active", but instead this language of aggression is seen as the pinnacle of masculinity.
This creates another problem, as this notion of aggression narrows Chanski's idea of masculinity considerably, leading to his mocking of "nice guys" and less forceful men. I don't think this is helpful, as there are many men who actively strive to live Gospel centered lives who lack the aggressive drive that Chanski prizes so highly. What about the Christian virtues of meekness and contentedness? What of the lamblike qualities of Jesus, the perfect Man? Chanski's theology of aggressive dominion doesn't wrestle with this issue, something that concerns me.
I like a lot of his practical wisdom, and his observations about man's need to provide order to a disordered world is quite helpful(particularly in managing a household, handling one's own sin first, earning respect, etc.), but other times Chanski seems like a bit of a jerk (a situation where he aggressively haggles a salesman to get a better deal comes off, not as responsible financing, but as pushy). I found roughly half of this book very helpful and thought provoking, full of practical advice, but just as often I found myself disappointed by the rigidness of Chanski's definition of masculinity.
I took part in a Bible study that used this book as its main text, and while the study and discussions were invaluable, I longed for a book that dealt with the complicated questions of gender for the Christian with a good bit more nuance.
Chanski fixates upon the term "aggressive" as a response to passivity. Considering the connotative meanings of the word, I don't think Chanski does a good enough job adding nuance to his use of the word aggressive and instead shotguns it all over his theology of masculinity. Considering the violent undertones of the word, and the conservative tendency towards overbearing in general, this creates a space for some negative misreadings of Chanski's work. A far better word would have been "active", but instead this language of aggression is seen as the pinnacle of masculinity.
This creates another problem, as this notion of aggression narrows Chanski's idea of masculinity considerably, leading to his mocking of "nice guys" and less forceful men. I don't think this is helpful, as there are many men who actively strive to live Gospel centered lives who lack the aggressive drive that Chanski prizes so highly. What about the Christian virtues of meekness and contentedness? What of the lamblike qualities of Jesus, the perfect Man? Chanski's theology of aggressive dominion doesn't wrestle with this issue, something that concerns me.
I like a lot of his practical wisdom, and his observations about man's need to provide order to a disordered world is quite helpful(particularly in managing a household, handling one's own sin first, earning respect, etc.), but other times Chanski seems like a bit of a jerk (a situation where he aggressively haggles a salesman to get a better deal comes off, not as responsible financing, but as pushy). I found roughly half of this book very helpful and thought provoking, full of practical advice, but just as often I found myself disappointed by the rigidness of Chanski's definition of masculinity.
I took part in a Bible study that used this book as its main text, and while the study and discussions were invaluable, I longed for a book that dealt with the complicated questions of gender for the Christian with a good bit more nuance.
November 3, 2014
Five stars to an excellent book! One of the best I've read. I was encouraged to roll up my sleeves and take dominion! I didn't realize how passive I was being in my daily life.
January 27, 2013
John Eldredge should read this book. A+ (2009)
Read this again in 2013
Read this again in 2013
November 28, 2024
Outside of Family Shepherds, this is easily the best book I’ve read on biblical masculinity and preparing for the roles God has given men to steward. I disagree with his exegesis on a few minor points, and I think he can be hokey in some areas (may be attributed to the fact this was published in 2004). Chanski speaks with conviction and clarity on matters many would shy away from. He exhorts me to not be “a passive purple four ball”, and his sharp words cut to the core, for they use the two-edged Sword of the Spirit.
October 25, 2021
As you can imagine from the title, the overarching theme is to take action. The book is broken into short, easy to read chapters on a variety of topics. (Work, Marriage, Faith etc). If you are new to the Christian faith or grew up without a Christian father to guide you, I recommend it even more.
October 13, 2022
From my perspective, this book is useful to young men in their 20's looking to take charge and get on in the world - while doing so in a Godly way. I think the utility spans to both the secular, and non secular audience and therefore can be useful to both parties, but the book is geared to a Christian audience.
I enjoyed the authors writing style, and his personal anecdotes were funny and insightful, so the book was an enjoyable read while being educational.
Personally, as a young businessman who is married, the book resonated with me and left me with a greater zeal to diligently work and serve God, both by action in my business, and by giving to the Kingdom effort with my harvest; while also allowing me to recognize shortfalls within my "ability" living out the role of a Godly husband in my marriage.
In particular, Manly Dominion helped me see that in my marriage I was not leading firmly. I could see that my headship was more "passive" than not, and what I saw as authority was really demeaning and demanding, and more boyish than mature.
I think the book highlighted well the general Christian ethos in marriage, that the Man is to lead with assertiveness, but very much in a spirit of servitude and love - you can not do this aggressively, which is why I think "dominion" mindset (which I think what the author means is being intentionally decisive and proactive) is the proper Godly approach.
On a spiritual note, the book helped me see a bit more clearly the whimsical nature of a lot of Christian thinking. This is outlined very well in the third part of the book on "Manly Dominion in Decision-making". What I gathered the author had, was a balanced perspective that still acknowledges the Grace and power of God, but illustrates how we are still to move forward and make decisions within our own framework. Ie) You are still to pray, meditate upon the scriptures, rely on God, but also you are to use your rational faculties and plan and get a move on. I would think its best summed up as working in partnership with the Lord as you move forward in Dominion.
From a personal note these are the things that had the greatest impressions on me, and there's also lots more of value within the book. If somebody want's to read up more on Christian masculinity this is a good read.
I enjoyed the authors writing style, and his personal anecdotes were funny and insightful, so the book was an enjoyable read while being educational.
Personally, as a young businessman who is married, the book resonated with me and left me with a greater zeal to diligently work and serve God, both by action in my business, and by giving to the Kingdom effort with my harvest; while also allowing me to recognize shortfalls within my "ability" living out the role of a Godly husband in my marriage.
In particular, Manly Dominion helped me see that in my marriage I was not leading firmly. I could see that my headship was more "passive" than not, and what I saw as authority was really demeaning and demanding, and more boyish than mature.
I think the book highlighted well the general Christian ethos in marriage, that the Man is to lead with assertiveness, but very much in a spirit of servitude and love - you can not do this aggressively, which is why I think "dominion" mindset (which I think what the author means is being intentionally decisive and proactive) is the proper Godly approach.
On a spiritual note, the book helped me see a bit more clearly the whimsical nature of a lot of Christian thinking. This is outlined very well in the third part of the book on "Manly Dominion in Decision-making". What I gathered the author had, was a balanced perspective that still acknowledges the Grace and power of God, but illustrates how we are still to move forward and make decisions within our own framework. Ie) You are still to pray, meditate upon the scriptures, rely on God, but also you are to use your rational faculties and plan and get a move on. I would think its best summed up as working in partnership with the Lord as you move forward in Dominion.
From a personal note these are the things that had the greatest impressions on me, and there's also lots more of value within the book. If somebody want's to read up more on Christian masculinity this is a good read.
November 2, 2021
This is not a book I would recommend my sons read as they grow into young men. I believe the arguments laid out by the author do not follow a supported logic structure. The portrayal of men as “slow, plodding and logically bent” and women as “more emotional” in decision making is not scriptural in regards to God’s design, not what I observe in my day-to-day interactions and offensive to both. Finally, the repeated use of the word “aggressive” and “aggression” throughout the book can be quite detrimental to manly behavior rather than a more accurate image-bearing trait of God of “active ordering”.
February 27, 2024
Generally good. As others have noted, Chanski contrasts “passivity” with “aggressiveness”, more than simple “activity”. While “aggressiveness” (think subduing) may be needed in some cases, the majority of the author’s instruction is simply that men need to get up, get a move on, take responsibility, and exercise their authority. I found the book to be largely encouraging.
Yes, the book feels at times like an extended pep talk, but I did feel that it was still filled with biblical wisdom. I recommend the book.
Yes, the book feels at times like an extended pep talk, but I did feel that it was still filled with biblical wisdom. I recommend the book.
July 27, 2020
The main message of this book is clear: don't be a passive purple four ball. I appreciate Chanski's call for men to assume responsibility, take initiative, and get things done for the good of others and the glory of God. Chanski gives some solid practical advice on topics like parenting and work. I wish there had been more focus on the gospel and how Jesus transforms men to be the men they were created by God to be.
July 4, 2025
Very solid, a bit repetitive. But encourages men to aggressively take dominion in every area of your life. No more victim status.
Would be simple enough to reference back on topical issues with the chapter headings. Would be useful in counseling men who are passive. Hope to apply more of these principles myself and not be a passive purple four ball!
Would be simple enough to reference back on topical issues with the chapter headings. Would be useful in counseling men who are passive. Hope to apply more of these principles myself and not be a passive purple four ball!
March 14, 2025
Chanski broaches the epidemic of passiveness, especially for men. He provides practical, biblically sound advice on how to take dominion the way God intended. I found several chapters particularly challenging and interesting. I’m sure this will be a book I revisit over and over again.
February 6, 2021
Good practical advice to be engaged in lives of your family when a natural reaction might be to sit back and do nothing
March 5, 2023
Very good book. I wish I read it many years ago! Excellent, challenging, convicting book for all Christian men.
August 28, 2009
This book was given to me and it was very good. Its topic is men's role throughout different areas of their life with a biblical world view.
An example of a common heresy today is people's thought of either: save the earth at all costs and feel free to recklessly destroy the earth because it will be destroyed. Both are heresies that believers and non-believers alike hold to, which I personally am tired of listening to. "Godly stewardship over the creation requires that we subdue and rule not recklessly, but nobly, with a good end in view." Many could learn greatly from this.
The topics in this book cover different times and issues that men will possibly incur. The importance of picking a vocation and doing it all for the glory of God-not half-heartedly falling into a profession that you give no effort at. The other topics are decision making, spiritual living, husbanding, child rearing, and romance managing. Some of these topics might seem old fashioned but are critical to every man.
I would strongly recommend this book to christian men and it would provide benefit to women.
An example of a common heresy today is people's thought of either: save the earth at all costs and feel free to recklessly destroy the earth because it will be destroyed. Both are heresies that believers and non-believers alike hold to, which I personally am tired of listening to. "Godly stewardship over the creation requires that we subdue and rule not recklessly, but nobly, with a good end in view." Many could learn greatly from this.
The topics in this book cover different times and issues that men will possibly incur. The importance of picking a vocation and doing it all for the glory of God-not half-heartedly falling into a profession that you give no effort at. The other topics are decision making, spiritual living, husbanding, child rearing, and romance managing. Some of these topics might seem old fashioned but are critical to every man.
I would strongly recommend this book to christian men and it would provide benefit to women.
January 6, 2011
A great book to really get you off your rear and make you work hard, pursue your goals, take charge of your life - all the while trusting in the Lord to bless your actions. Don't sit back & wait for the Lord to just give you things or to make decisions, take charge & use your God given abilities to pursue & wisely decide.
August 31, 2011
Chanski has written the best book I have ever seen in regards to biblical manhood. Men will be challenged to be more bold whether they are single or married or have children or not. God has called men to be men through His Word, and Chanski has done an outstanding job challenging men to stop being passive and to take dominion.
February 4, 2016
The chapters on vocational laboring and decision making were particularly helpful to me, and revealed to me my unbiblical thinking in some of my assumptions and habits. He doesn't go to great depth, but is solid throughout, and easy to read. He references many other works, so the bibliography is valuable.
Read
June 13, 2007Good biblical book on how to exercise dominion over your life. Chanski gives great scripture references to back up his writing. I have heard audio of him speaking on the subject and he is very passionate on the matter.
May 1, 2008
What this one lacks in form (it is poorly typeset, and the binding is flimsy) it more than makes up for in content. This is a great book on Manliness vs. Effeminicy. I will probably by a box and keep them behind my desk so that I can hand them out like candy.
November 21, 2017
This is a useful book to take an unmotivated or undisciplined dude through.
August 3, 2010
This is great for young men. I used it as a book/bible study with some teens about 5 years ago and they all loved it.
June 7, 2014
Excellent book! Challenges the modern thinking of what it is to be a man and brings us back to the biblical mandate. Must read!
April 17, 2015
I would not chop the logs exactly like Chanski, but there is more than enough wood in this book for guys to make a warm fire during these cold nights of manhood in our culture.
February 8, 2019
This book deserves at 4.5.
January 20, 2014
Excellent Biblical advice.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews