The Silence of Adam: Becoming Men of Courage in a World of Chaos (Paperback)

~ (Author), Don Michael Hudson (Author), Al Andrews (Author) "The kid in the front row with the rascally grin-that one on the far left-is me at age four..." (more)
Key Phrases: recipe theology, unmanly men, transcendent theology, Spirit of God, Oswald Chambers, God's Spirit (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Crabb and his coauthors are biblical counselors and here apply their specialty to answering the generally secular-cum-pagan men's movement's concern with the male emotional paralysis that so often blights marriages, father-son relationships, and even male friendships. They trace the problem with men to the silence with which Adam became complicit in the first fall from God's grace. Adam failed to trust in God's word and example, and modern men do the same when, instead of following God's example in dealing with uncertainties, they retreat into self-righteousness and toughness that mask anger and fear. Crabb and his colleagues make an analysis of men's silence that is spiritually convincing; moreover, they bolster their argument's veracity by submitting their own weaknesses and struggles as supporting evidence. Some Christian men may think the authors overread Scripture, but few will fail to be taught and moved by their resolute faith in remembering and trusting God's redemptive creativity in times of trial, to be stirred by their vision of a greater Christian future filled with godly father-mentors and brother-friends. Ray Olson --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Description

Larry Crabb challenges men to move beyond their fear of failure that paralyzes them in spiritual matters and relationships to bold risk-taking, action, deep spirituality, and full-hearted living.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (March 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310219396
• ISBN-13: 978-0310219392
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #94,862 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

45 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Hit me where it hurts, February 10, 2001

By	Michael Erisman (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

I read this book at a critical point in my life, and it has had a profound effect on how I view myself and my role as a husband. I recommend this for any man about to be married or enter another phase of their life. The authors describe how men have fallen, and throw a new (for me) twist into the old Adam and Eve story. Instead of depicting Eve as being deceived and then subsequently deceiving Adam, the book describes that Adam was there the whole time, yet said and did nothing. (Hence the book title: Silence of Adam.) The book goes on to describe many different ways men compensate for their weaknesses and inability to have all the answers by often acting in ways which harm themselves and others. What struck a deep chord with me is the way the book describes how to react or act in those times when there are no answers. The chapter "Men Who Fight Darkness" was especially powerful in that it depicts the harm in trying to fix something, or act, when the only way out is to trust and be still. Typically, my response to situations which I cannot resolve is to try something, anything. I resist being patient and waiting for situations I cannot control to unfold naturally. The book illustrates some excellent examples of the damage this causes, and the healing and success a different approach may bring. I liked the way he described how "We begin to face the loneliness of choice, the terror of trust". In the chapter titled "Recipe Theology" the author describes common responses like being a recovery addict ("How can I FEEL better"?) or a grim legalist ("How can I DO better"?), and how we "either become pre-occupied with feeling good or we feel pressured to do good. Neither lifts us up into God's larger story or invites us to participate in it". Very challenging words. I really enjoyed this book (though not always as at times I saw too much of myself in it) and would recommend it highly if read with an open mind and some self honesty.

32 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Valuable, though flawed, April 1, 2000

By	K. Eames "Just a guy with a nose" (Down in the valley, the valley below) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

While I have tremendous respect for Dr. Larry Crabb and his work, I was disappointed by this book. It does highlight important issues related to men, but I believe it goes too far in making the Creation account fit into the male-female relationship model for the book. Although effort is given to demonstrate Crabb's point by appealing to the original biblical languages, the overall tone is more isogetical than I am comfortable with. The fall of man is not about the failure of man to speak order into chaos. It is about the first Adam breaking the covenant of works God establshed and setting the stage for the coming of the second Adam, Christ, who establshed the covenant of grace. What Crabb describes is one among a number of symptoms of the Fall. Having said that, the book accurately describes the problems men often endure because of their failure to communicate, to speak out, and to establish biiblical order in themselves and their world. I just think the point could have been made equally well without forcing Scripture into a model that doesn't appear to match its original intent. Having been so warned, it has valuable points to make.

22 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible reading! A must read for all men., September 10, 1999

By A Customer

Great book that addresses the problem that men face everyday. Final conclusion is that we must be men who above everything else pursue a passionate relationship with our creator. No God doesn't usually give specific directions for a problem but when we pursue Him we are being conformed to the image of Christ. Having that relationship with our savior allows us to make godly decisions at all times. This book is a must read.