Man Enough - by Nate Pyle (Paperback)

About the Book

Nate Pyle uses biblical examples of masculinity, as well as his own story of not feeling "man enough", to help men see that manhood isn't about what you do, but who you are. Ultimately, Man Enough encourages men to conform to the image of Jesus, freeing them up to be who they were created to be: a son of God who uniquely bears his image.

Book Synopsis

Man Enough challenges the idea that there is one way to be a man. The masculinity that pervades our church and culture often demands that men conform to a macho ideal, leaving many men feeling ashamed that they're not living up to God's plan for them. Nate uses his own story of not feeling "man enough", as well as sociological and historical reflections, to help men see that manhood isn't about what you do, but who you are. It's not about the size of your paycheck, your athletic ability, or your competitive spirit. You don't have to fit any masculine stereotype to be a real man.

In our culture and churches more thoughtful, quieter, or compassionate personalities, as well as stay-at-home dads, are often looked down upon; and sermons, conferences, and publications center on helping men become "real men". This pressure to have one's manhood validated is antithetical to Gospel living and negatively affects how men relate to each other, to women and children, and to God.

Man Enough roots men in the Gospel, examines biblical examples of masculinity that challenge the idea of a singular type of man, and ultimately encourages men to conform to the image of Jesus--freeing men up to be who they were created to be: a son of God who uniquely bears His image.

Review Quotes

''Blessed are the tough, muscled, and masculine.' Jesus never said anything remotely like this but some modern believers act as if he did. Some Christians have transformed Jesus into John Wayne to promote culturally-driven ideas about what it means to be a man. Thankfully, Nate Pyle dismantles false notions of manhood and replaces them with a more biblical concept of being human. If you read only one book on biblical manhood, it should be this one!'--Jonathan Merritt, author of Jesus is Better Than You Imagined; senior columnist for Religion News Service

'In a world where so many of us wrestle with chronic feelings of inadequacy and engage in a constant state of comparing ourselves to both others and invented ideals, Nate Pyle's Man Enough speaks much needed words of healing and validation. With the heart of a pastor and the pen of a poet, Nate invites us to reconsider the source of our cultural concepts of masculinity and helps us to rediscover a manhood beyond some of the not-so-helpful messages we've received over the years. This book is one that I found to be soothing ointment on old wounds--a message I wished I was given before I transitioned into adulthood, but am tremendously grateful to have now. Rarely does a first time author hit it out of the park on their first swing, but that's exactly what Nate has done. Man Enough is one of those books that needs to be moved to the top of the pile.'--Benjamin L. Corey, author of Undiluted: Rediscovering the Radical Message of Jesus

'Man Enough breaks from the pack of man-books to liberate men from false conceptions of masculinity. Male readers will not come away with a deflated sense that they are never man enough. Women readers will encounter a brand of manhood here that gives hope to the men they love. Nate Pyle's search for answers recaptures a gospel vision of manhood that is good news for both men and women.'--Carolyn Custis James, author of Malestrom: Manhood Swept into the Currents of a Changing World

'Man Enough is a fearless and faithful clarion call for the children of God to conform to the image of Jesus Christ, not to cultural or religious stereotypes around masculinity. With his trademark wisdom and humility, Nate Pyle assesses harmful misconceptions about what it means to be a man, shares his own story and the stories of others who don't necessarily fit the mold, and returns to Scripture to forge a better way forward--a way of freedom, truth, and grace. This book is a must-read, one I'll be recommending to friends and readers for years to come. Every page is an invitation to liberation.'--Rachel Held Evans, author of Searching for Sunday and A Year of Biblical Womanhood

'Nate Pyle's Man Enough offers a surprisingly unique take on the topic of biblical masculinity. By centering the conversation on the ideals of Jesus, Pyle not only challenges many of the stereotypical concepts regarding evangelical masculinity but also offers a broader and more varied perspective for what it means to be a man in light of the Gospel. Pyle's delivery is gracious and thoughtful, tackling 'manhood' without ego and arrogance. Through a pastoral lens--using both theology and self-deprecation to his favor--Pyle expounds deeply on what it means to be both Christian and man.'--Matthew Paul Turner, author of Churched and Our Great Big American God

'Nate's book is a timely contribution to a sadly one-sided conversation on masculinity. Through an engagement with scripture, sociology, and honest self-disclosure, Nate invites us not to conform to some contemporary 'muscular' version of masculinity, but to the vulnerable Lamb, in whom we need not strive, perform, or prove ourselves. His chapter on Jesus is worth the price of the book alone. I pray that it is used as a pathway to freedom and vulnerability for men.'--Dr. Chuck DeGroat, Associate Professor of Pastoral Care at Western Theological Seminary and author of The Toughest People to Love

'The Spirit of the Lord brings freedom, and I can sense the Spirit of the Lord all over the pages of this book. Men will find freedom from their insecurities, the standards of others, and the combative manliness that has taken hold in some Christian circles. Nate Pyle leads the way toward Christ-centered manhood with vulnerability, gentleness, and a sharp focus on the example of Jesus.'--Ed Cyzewski, author of A Christian Survival Guide and Coffeehouse Theology

'This book sets men free from the culture-driven standards of masculinity and welcomes us into a Jesus-shaped humanity. Going beyond the tired old stereotypes of manhood, Nate gives us a redeemed vision for what it means to be a man after God's own heart. Deeply pastoral, well-written, and insightful, this book will bring healing to many.'--Sarah Bessey, author of Jesus Feminist

'When we talk about 'being a man' in Christian circles, the conversation often centers around a distorted image of masculinity that doesn't represent the life, ministry, and calling of Christ. To put it bluntly, the church needs a bigger dose of Jesus in its dialogue about manhood. Thank goodness we can count on Nate Pyle for that. In his book Man Enough, we're finally offered a refreshing perspective on male identity--one that is centered fully on the depth of Christ, rather than the one-dimensional, cage-fighting model of our culture. As a woman married to a man and a mother to a son, I'm so grateful for Nate's brave writing and leadership in these pages. This is a must-read for both women and men in the church, and I can't recommend it enough.'--Nish Weiseth, author of Speak: How Your Story Can Change the World

'Wow! Nate Pyle has written a brilliant and much-needed book. He has exposed all our culturally driven views of 'manhood' that conflict with who Jesus calls men to be. The self-made, independent, muscle-bound, don't-take-nothing-from-no-one American man shares little in common with Jesus as he's revealed in Scripture. Thank you Nate for writing this book! Now I don't have to.'--Preston Sprinkle (Ph.D.), Vice President for Eternity Bible College's Boise extension and author of Charis: God's Scandalous Grace for Us and Fight: A Christian Case for Non-Violence

About the Author

Nate, Sarah, and their son Luke live in Fishers, Indiana where Nate pastors Christ's Community Church. Nate also facilitates a joint effort of revitalizing churches and missional engagement in the Reformed Church of America and the Christian Reformed Church.