Customer Reviews

Fathered by God: Learning What Your Dad Could Never Teach You

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...if not for the fact that it's essentially The Way of the Wild Heart in paperback, with a few chapters removed from this version. It sure would have been great to know that before I ordered it. So I'm publishing this review, as a service to my fellow Amazon.com customers. If you've read The Way of the Wild Heart, then you've pretty much read this one, too...

Fathered by God is indeed a re-release of part of The Way of the Wild Heart. The Way of the Wild Heart was like two books (a book on being parented by God and then how, in turn, to be a parent to children). Because of the volume of material and confusion with the title Wild at Heart, another of John E's books, it has been split. Fathered by God is a product of that split--a book solely on being parented by God. The author's website is clear about this, but Amazon makes no mention and the publishers failed to put any information on the book. So yes, the book is not meant for those who have already read The Way of the Wild Heart, but is a focused version to help the book be more palatable to new readers.

I have not read Eldredge's book "Way of the Wild Heart" so the material in this book was all pretty new to me. I am a pretty big fan of Eldredge's work especially his book "Wild At Heart." "Wild At Heart" has influenced my life more than any non-religious book I have ever read and I feel Eldredge has continued to masterfully pass his wisdom and insight in this book. Like he did in "Wild At Heart," this book just really speaks to a man's soul and helps him understand the path of manhood as God desinged it. There are so many "uninitiated men" (as Eldredge refers to them in this book) in our society because they have not been fathered and taught how to actually be men. This book really helps to give the reader insight into the areas where men in our society miss out on being initiated into true manhood. Not only does the book point out where we may have been wronged by our earthly fathers, but it gives the reader direction on where he needs to head in our journey towards God ordained manhood. I would highly reccommend this book to every man.

This book is simply a re-release of The Way of the Wild Heart: A Map for the Masculine Journey When I received it and was anticipating something new, that is a bit of a let down. I wish I had read the reviews first. ;)
From the website: "In 2006 John released The Way of the Wild Heart--a deep and full book with guidance for men and for those raising boys. The title proved to be confusing; many people mistook it for Wild at Heart and missed out on it's contents. Fathered by God is a slimmer version of The Way of the Wild Heart and our hope is that the nine out of ten men who loved Wild at Heart but missed out on this message will discover it now, and discover in it all that they need to carry on the journey."

What this means is, if you have never read "Way of the Wild Heart" and aren't raising young men of your own, then this book is great, and you should definitely buy it.
But for those who, either read "Way of the Wild Heart" already or are raising their own men, get "Way of the Wild Heart" instead.

As for the text itself, it is exciting and absorbing. Reading it, one continuously gets that feeling of "Yes, that's what I wanted to say but I didn't know the words." It is encouraging and comforting. But it is also challenging, the message challenges you to stand up, grow up, and be a Man.

John Eldredge made clear in a previous work, "Wild at Heart," that he sees a crisis in the Christian church caused by the absence of men in many congregations. His main argument in support of the need for men to return is to show them that they are not obliged to check their manhood at the church door. Indeed, Christ himself is shown to be far from the meek, submissive soul that his mistaken followers and secret antagonists make Him out to be. Eldredge carries forward that perspective by making the case in "Fathered by God" for God's shaping men in full accord with their created nature. That is, God really wants men to be men who lead but do not oppress, who fight but do not pillage, who advise but do not hector. Alternating references to Scripture with common-sense observations (many rooted in the Bible, particularly Proverbs), the author of this heartfelt work means to show men that they need not war with their own nature to serve God but to let the Holy Spirit show them how to make that nature serves God's beneficent purposes. Those belonging to churches where men are active and participating may wonder why Elder's work is necessary, but the undeniable fact of female dominated congregations in many instances--not to mention the crisis of male behavior in many of those churches to which they belong (alcoholism, drug addiction, spousal and child abuse, philandering and adultery, divorce and violent crime), should be proof enough. Highly recommended for Christian men, but all others too.

Should read "Wild at Heart" to get the full understanding of what this book is about. This book is very well written and easy to follow and understand.

A knowledgeable and compassionate writing to adult men about the Father / son relationship between God and His followers. We adult men struggle because our relationships with our fathers are hurt in some way, and therefore we struggle as men, but this book is written by someone who has been there and knows the way to authentic manhood. It has helped me in my walk and understanding of my Father in Heaven. If you struggle with your identity as a fully initiated man, this is for you. And the study guide is a free download from the author's website.

John Eldredge continues the good work begun in Wild at Heart as he describes the stages of a man's life. As a pastor and member of our denominations Men's Council, I am always on the lookout for things that will help men connect to God and to each other. This book does both. While you could debate whether there are 4 stages or 9, the author does a good job in connecting the various parts of life. It makes for easy parallels to things men experience. I appreciate his ability to help men know that we all blow it at some phases of life. He leaves us feeling like even when we have messed up, our previous failures are neither fatal nor final. The most important part is that John attempts to reassure us that the missing peices are the one's God wants to supply and it is not to late to recieve that supply.

THIS BOOK IS NOTHING MORE THAN A REPACKAGED VERSION OF "THE WAY OF THE WILD HEART." FOR THOSE OF US WHO ENJOY ELDREDGE'S WORK, IT WAS DISAPPOINTING TO DISCOVER, AFTER PURCHASE, THAT THIS WAS ESSENTIALLY A SCALED BACK VERSION OF HIS EARLIER WORK. MY BUDGET DOES NOT LEND ITSELF TO BUYING A BOOK TWICE. READ "THE WAY OF THE WILD HEART" IF YOU HAVE TO CHOOSE.

In this book, John is able to help us understand (and process) how God loves us. For me, this book was instrumental in feeling loved and understanding how God's love removes all fear and anxiety. I love my Father in heaven!