13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Masterful Work on Masculine Spirituality, July 19, 2000
This review is from: Wildmen, Warriors, and Kings: Masculine Spirituality and the Bible (Paperback)
This book is a must read for any man serious about pursuing a radical spirituality. Women who are interested in getting a glimpse of the innermost workings of men would also benefit from it. (WARNING: Many of Arnold's insights will likely be misunderstood/misinterpreted by spiritual neophytes).
This is a brilliantly written and researched work that pulls together Jungian psychology, mythology and the Judeo-Christian Tradition in light of recent Scripture scholarship. Arnold's unapologetic insights about the state of the Church and his biting wit evident in the descriptions of wildman, warrior, king, healer, trickster, magician and lover makes this arguably the most thought-provoking, entertaining and controversial book on masculine spirituality. As Robery Bly remarks in the Foreword, his description of the Trickster is particularly brilliant--I would add to this the Wildman and Lover. Arnold writes with tremendous depth, clarity and conviction of the wounds of contemporary men and all the innumerable ups, downs, precipices, pitfalls and paradoxes that the "hero" will inevitable face. His Bible-based archetypes serve as an excellent map for negotiating this labyrinth.
I would especially recommend this book to young men who are looking for mentoring or spiritual direction. And although a book may not be able to replace a real flesh-and-blood person, Arnold could be considered a "protective figure" that will help guide you along. HOWEVER, I would also add that those men who have not done their inner work or who lean toward fundamentalism will likely not benefit from this challenging book.
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An inspiring vision for all men!, March 30, 1999
By A Customer
This review is from: Wildmen, Warriors, and Kings: Masculine Spirituality and the Bible (Paperback)
Arnold does a terrific job of reviewing basic psychological male archtypes in prominent male figures of the Bible. He uses real life experience, wisdom, and a dry sense of humor to give his tour. He tackles difficult issues facing men in today's society, and connects them with ancient traditions and mythology. It will be an eye-opening experience for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of what makes men tick! If you have sons or work with young men, you will find this book to be a valuable guide for leading them into a healthy adulthood.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good place to start discovering a male mode of spirituality, March 4, 1999
This review is from: Wildmen, Warriors, and Kings: Masculine Spirituality and the Bible (Paperback)
Patrick Arnold has written a book that should be read by every man looking for a male mode of spirituality. By explaining and illustrating male spirituality using Biblical characters as examples of the Jungian and neo-Jungian archetypes (wildman, warrior, king, prophet, etc.), Arnold gives men a meaningful way to look at Christianity and our place in it. A welcome addition to my library and a recommended title for anyone wanting to investigate this subject.
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