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

18. Aug, 2010 0 Comments

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